We are going to St. John for the first time and will be staying most of the two weeks at villa near Francis Bay on the north shore. My partner runs every day and would like to keep running while we are there. Where can one run on the island? I know the roads are narrow. Would it be too dangerous to run on the roads for fear of being mowed down? How about the beaches nearby? I know of the nearby trail that goes to Waterlemon, and that is Could one run from Francis

Oops, hit the post button too soon. Anyhow, the trail out to Waterlemon is an option. Can one run along the beach from Francis to Maho and on to Cinnamon Bay? He ususally likes to do 4 to 6 miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.
-Bill

It is not possible to run along the beach from beach to beach as the beaches are separated by rocky outcroppings, etc. where paths don't exist. While the roads are narrow, I see people running along them all the time. It can get a bit hairy when the locals speed by and I did see one very bad bike accident once. But the area where you'll be staying has roads that are less traveled by. Northshore road (Rte 20) goes along the shore and eastward towards an intersection with the Centerline road (Rte. 10). This section is not too long, maybe a mile or 2, but it entails some serious up and down. If he ran up this section and back to Francis Bay, I think he'd call it a day. Remember, the heat and humidity is higher and that 2 miles will soon feel like 10. Also, the road to the East End from the intersection at Coral Bay out towards the East End is not frequently traveled and also has some good hills and extraordinary scenery. My friends who run love that road and also the road which goes along Coral Bay out to the south end of the island. I would suggest he not wear ear phones/plugs which will prevent him from hearing cars coming. Also, it's still best to run against traffic and in the case of STJ that would be on the righthand-side of the road.

Hi Bill!

Tell "PM" there's no running on STJ! (You're on VACATION!). He can burn some calories snorkling and hiking though! What Tux says about the hilly aspect and the humidity are accurate.

Once you drink a few Painkillers you'll forget all about the notion of running anyway!

Three days 'til we depart! Trish

Thanks a lot tux and Trish! He is hopelessly addicted to running, I'm afraid. He says it is a good way to explore the places that we visit. I prefer to explore via a beach chair and hammock, thank you very much!

Trish, Have a great time! I can read "excitment" in your words.

-Bill