1. The C&O Canal
The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal spans almost 200 miles from Georgetown deep into western Maryland. The towpath running along the canal is a gravel path perfect for getting a soft surface in the city and beyond. American runs several long runs and workouts on the canal throughout the year — with a variety of starting points in D.C. and Maryland for a change of scenery. Carderock, a park on the canal in Maryland, is a favorite long run spot for the Eagles.
2. Rock Creek Park
Rock Creek Park runs through the center of D.C. and extends from the Tidal Basin into Maryland. The park consists of about 10 miles of paved paths and blocked roads with several trails branching off of it. Fall long runs in Rock Creek Park offer beautiful views of the changing leaves.
3. The Mount Vernon Trail
The Mount Vernon Trail in Arlington, Virginia, is an 18-mile paved trail that extends from George Washington’s estate, Mount Vernon, to Theodore Roosevelt Island, an island and memorial with a 1.5-mile trail perimeter. This scenic route provides an opportunity to explore a new part of the DMV, and is still conveniently close to AU.
4. Hains Point
Hains Point is an island near the National Mall with a road running along its 4-mile perimeter. The island is the site of the team’s annual cherry blossom long run, offering constant views of the beautiful flowers in bloom with the backdrop of the Potomac. The island is also close to the Rock Creek Park and C&O Canal trails.
Workouts
7. The Polo Fields at West Potomac Park
There’s nothing better than a grass loop for workouts in cross country season. With the Eagles’ focus on working out in the grass during XC, the polo fields are a great tool for both threshold and interval workouts. The flat grass field is big enough for a 1,000-meter loop.
8. JFK Hockey Fields
The JFK Hockey Fields are a recent addition to the cross country program’s workout rotation, particularly threshold workouts. With a well-kept grass surface big enough for a 1,000-meter loop, and views of the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, these fields have it all.
9. The Washington Monument
The fields bordering the Washington Monument offer one thing that the polo fields and JFK Hockey Fields don’t: hills. The fields are expansive, fitting a 1,200-meter loop in the grass that allows runners to practice running hard while the terrain changes. The close-up view of the Washington Monument is an added bonus.
10. The Capital Crescent Trail
The Capital Crescent Trail is an 11-mile bike path that runs parallel to the C&O Canal towpath in Georgetown and branches off toward Silver Spring in Maryland. Along with its occasional use for workouts with uphill components, the trail is also featured in multiple easy run routes from campus for the Eagles.