Running in Seattle

Running

The roughly 3-mi trail that rings picturesque Green Lake seems custom-made for running -- and walking, bicycling, rollerblading, fishing, lounging on the grass, and feeding the waterfowl. Seward Park has a more-secluded, less-used 3-mi loop where the park juts out into Lake Washington in southeast Seattle. At least one pair of bald eagles is known to nest in the park, so it's not unusual for a trip around the loop to include spotting an eagle and Mt. Rainier.

Other good running locales are the Burke-Gilman Trail, the reservoir at Capitol Hill's Volunteer Park, and at Myrtle Edwards Park, north of Pier 70 Downtown. Discovery Park in Magnolia has a 3-mi trail that takes you "off-roading" through patches of woods and meadows, and along bluffs.

If you need a good pair of running shoes, check out Super Jock 'n Jill on East Greenlake Drive and 72nd Street. Staff members are extremely knowledgeable, and they'll even let you take each pair you try on out for a test run to ensure proper fit.

Club Northwest (206/729-9972. www.cnw.org) has been around since 1972 and helped start many of the area's well-known annual races, including the Seattle Marathon, the Jingle Bell Run, the Seafair Torch Run, and others. They often host informal group runs at Magnuson park on weekend mornings. Eastside Runners (www.eastsiderunners.com) has been welcoming runners of all ages and abilities in East King County since 1980. The club sponsors weekly runs and the annual Mt. Si Relay. Seattle Frontrunners (www.seattlefrontrunners.org) is a gay and lesbian running and walking club that sponsors several weekly runs/walks and welcomes all participants regardless of sexual orientation or athletic ability.