To say I’m into running would be somewhat of an understatement. I’ve run the full Pittsburgh Marathon two years and counting, the Pittsburgh 10-Miler once, and the Buffalo Creek Half Marathon once as well as a host of various 5K, 10K, and other mileage races. I’m not the fastest runner out there by any means, but I love running and that’s all that really matters
I don’t mention my running history to brag about what I’ve run, but instead I mention it to impress upon you my need for unique running locations, especially with the miles I have to log each week for my nonstop training schedule.
With this in mind, I do most of my training right here in Beaver County by utilizing what’s closest to me as well as some that are a little farther away too. There’s a surprising number of great places to run in Beaver County, so much so that it’s pretty easy to get nearly all of my marathon training done nice and close to home. I’ve compiled a list of my favorite running spots around Beaver County to help you find a new place to run or to hopefully encourage at least one of you to either start training for a race or start running for the first time.
Insider Tip: Did you know that beer is actually good for recovering from a run? For me there’s nothing better than a big sandwich and a beer after a long run. When I’m training for the marathon each year I usually follow up my 13+ mile runs with a takeout order from Bowsers. Double egg and cheese with extra ketchup and a beer while I wait.
River Road Beaver
My personal favorite place to run is right in my town and I’d say it’s a well-kept secret but at least 10 different races are held here every year. River Road in Beaver features a scenic overlook of the Ohio River as you run half of the loop. Run correctly and depending on where you start, you can get in a 5K easily. The map above shows my normal loop, which is good for about 3.25 miles.
I love running this loop and do it at least 3 times per week with some extra streets added in to up the mileage when I need to do more than 3 miles. There’s light traffic, both sidewalks and comfortable roads to run, and in the warmer months you’re bound to see some wildlife too.
Bridgewater Riverfront
Another favorite route of mine, and one that I often add into the River Road loop is the Bridgewater Riverfront. You can start this loop in a number of places, including across the street from the Rochester YMCA by crossing on the new Veterans Bridge.
The sidewalks along Riverside Drive in Bridgewater are new, there’s a railing to keep you from tripping and falling down towards the river, and the road is never overly busy with cars.
You can continue your run to loop through Bridgewater Crossing, the new park and boat dock for an extra half mile, too. The mileage will vary greatly on how many of these extras you include, but simply running from Bridgewater across the Veterans Bridge and back will give you just under 3 miles. If you combine this with a loop of River Road you can clock nearly 8 miles.
Downtown Monaca
If you’re more for the Monaca side of the river, then running the back streets of Downtown Monaca is a great way to get some miles in. There’s no set course here that I follow, but instead make turns as I see fit.
An easy lap of the streets that run the full length of downtown will get you a little under 3 miles in, and by adding a few extra side streets you should easily be able to clock a 5K while checking out the houses on Atlantic Ave.
Best of all, if you’re looking for a little hill action you can head down to Riverfront Park as part of your run.
Brady’s Run
Brady’s Run might not have been named for the act of running, but it might as well have been. This beautiful county park covers nearly 2,000 acres and is host to a pretty impressive assortment of running paths that are both on and off road.
If road running is your thing there are quite a few service and access roads throughout the park that will accommodate most mileage needs. As for trails, there are more than a few trails that are used for hiking, biking, and trail running that range in mileage to accommodate runners at all levels.
While I have my own routes, if you want the best trails to take for some off-road training stop in and ask Lloyd from Lloyd’s Running in Beaver and you’ll get the best trail of the week.
Indoor Track at Brady’s Run
I know I just listed Brady’s Run, but when the weather is bad or it’s too cold for you to run outside there’s always the indoor running track at Brady’s Run. The indoor track is located in the same building as the ice arena and actually runs the circumference of the indoor tennis courts.
This track is how I trained to run my first 5K as well as part of my training for everything leading up to my first Marathon. While it’s great to run inside and not get frostbite while trying to train, there are some drawbacks. Walkers dominate the track and while there is a lane for walking and a lane for running, not everyone follows the rule. Also, the track is small. So small that it takes 8 laps to run a mile. If you’re running 3 miles or less this isn’t so bad, but I can tell you from experience that you may go insane running a 10K or above here. The most I’ve run in this track is a half marathon (13.1 miles) and I still don’t know how I did it.
With the negatives out of the way, the track is really pretty great. Open usually from 8 AM until 11 PM, there’s more than enough time to get your run on when the weather’s not cooperating.
Brush Creek Park
I can’t say Brush Creek County Park is a favorite running spot, as I haven’t gone running here yet, but it’s definitely on my list. Located in the northeast corner of Beaver County, Brush Creek has a great 3.5-mile loop through the park that’s perfect for running.
If running in nature is your thing, but you’re not looking for pure trail running, then this should definitely be on your running wish list, too.
Running Tip: If you’re looking to start training for a race the training plans I use are free from Hal Higdon and can be found for on his site here. If you’re starting out running for the first time, I recommend using a Couch to 5K app on your smart phone. Just download a highly rated one and start running today. Remember, it’s a great day to run.
Where Do You Run?
Well, now you know where to find me running, so the question is, where do you run? Let us know if the comments below what you’re favorite place to run in Beaver County is. Don’t worry, the secret will be between you, me, and a few thousand people that’ll read this.
No matter where you run, the important thing is that you get out there and put some miles in. Remember, all it takes to be a runner is lacing up your shoes and heading out for your first run.
