The Run Down: Portland Running Routes Explored

Portland is a runners' city. 

Our neighborhoods are miles apart in terms of their distinct character and the terrain that they offer to local runners. Yet it is only miles that separate the rolling hills of the Western Promenade from the rolling waves of Back Cove and East Beach.

There is a lot of ground to cover in Portland and plenty of creative ways to cover it. 

I'll be posting reviews of local running routes and hope that others will contribute as well.

To kick things off I'd like to cover one of the most popular running routes in the city: the 3.5 mile Back Cove trail. 

The Run Down: Back Cove Trail

Jump in your car, drive over to Back Cove, and park.  Now wait a few seconds. Across the soccer field and along the path that circles the bay you will see a runner coming toward you.  Wait a few more seconds and you'll see another...

From sunrise to sunset Portland people run Back Cove.  And for good reason.

The 3.5 mile Back Cove trail is located in the heart of the city with parking available at Baxter Boulevard and Preble St Extension (across from the Hannaford.)

Scenic views, smooth terrain, and a great community of walkers, runners, and cyclists are reason enough to lace up and run the 'Cove. 

But an additional benefit, especially to new runners,are the distance markers along the trail which allow you to accurately track your progress.  Unless you own a GPS enabled watch the chances are that you estimate your time, pace, and distance.  But our progress as runners is often measured in small increments- think seconds as opposed to minutes.  And there is nothing more rewarding than finding that we can run further faster because of the hard work that we've put in and the miles we've put behind us.

With a sign marking each quarter mile as well as the official  5 k (3.1 mile) distance it is easy to track your progress and watch yourself improve.

Back Cove also serves as a hub for other running routes.  When it comes time to add a few miles to your run there are plenty of options available from various points along the trail.  Try heading out to Mackworth Island, connecting to the Eastern Promenade, or running a section of the Maine Marathon route which starts and ends on the Back Cove trail.

As my first real running route Back Cove has secured a place in my heart.  I hope that you enjoy running it as much as I have and I hope to see you there for a group run soon!