Off the Beaten Path

If it wasn’t for the eastern screech owl with one bad eye, I might still be unaware of the Patuxent Wildlife Research Refuge’s North Tract and its many miles of undulating dirt roads, a mere 25 minutes south of my home in Baltimore. An unseasonably hot and humid day in October 2017 resulted in a shortened run at Greenbelt Park. My wife and I had driven south on the Baltimore-Washington Parkway intent on logging 90-minute runs on Greenbelt’s principal loop and adjacent athletic fields, but the conditions exacerbated our training fatigue. We decided to cut our losses make the most of the afternoon by exploring the area.

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Event

Westminster School’s annual 5K ($45), 1K ($15), and Fun Run ($10) on Saturday, November 7th at 9:00am is a spirited community event open to students, families, and friends of all ages and fitness levels. With courses designed for everyone—from a fun 1K for beginners to a more challenging 5K—participants can walk, jog, or race their way through the beautiful campus.

We have amazing cash prizes and give aways, making it an ideal way to enjoy a day outdoors with loved ones. Join in to support school programs, meet new people, and celebrate wellness together!


Event

The National Capital 20 Miler is the DC area’s premier fall marathon tune-up race. Runners will have access to a flat and fast out-and-back course on the C&O Towpath with multiple water stations along the way. Runners also have the option to register for the Janet Braunstein 5 Miler, which also takes place on the Towpath. Register now to guarantee your race hoodie!

Both events start on the Towpath by the North Parking Lot at Carderock Recreation Area.


News

It had been a while since I had added a new loop, so to celebrate the return of reasonable hours for the National Arboretum, there is now a 10k segment in there, mostly free of car traffic.

The loop follows the outer loop, going clockwise, with a trip up to Mount Hamilton (counterclockwise around the top loop), and then a smaller interior loop. You can follow the path of the loop, which is a few steps over 10k, here. The start is the R Street exit sign and the finish the cross street on the road leading to the out-of-use gate. It’s really easier to follow the map, but it makes sense when you’re in there. If people are interested, I will add chalk markings.


Running Shorts

Pro runners Sean McGorty (Chantilly) and Emily Infeld (Georgetown) have some things to say. William and Mary AD who cut men’s track resigns.