Where to Go Running

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• Where to run in Berkeley in the early (dark) AM?
• Good running track other than King?
• Running track with adjacent playground?
• Flat Trails to Run On
• Safe places to train for a marathon
• Running tracks that are open to the public?
• Trail running in Berkeley

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Where to run in Berkeley in the early (dark) AM?

Sept 2014

I'm looking for advice about where people run long, relatively flat distances (5-10 miles) early in the morning in or around Berkeley before the sun comes up. Do you (especially women) feel comfortable on the Ohlone Greenway going north past El Cerrito Plaza? What about using the overpass and running around the marina or along the Bay Trail? I'm having a hard time putting together a long, fairly flat run just using city streets with which I'm comfortable in the dark when there aren't many people around (and I'm already doing the longer runs later in the day on weekends). Starting from central Berkeley.

Thanks! in training

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I would not feel safe running anywhere in Berkeley, in the dark, alone, as a woman. I would either find a few friends to run with, or find a school track where there are other people running. Don't go it alone... sk8ma

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Do you have a friend or neighbor with a large dog who needs a good run? If I was running in the dark, that's what I would do. Have thought about this

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If you don't mind driving to your run, you can drive to the parking lot near the cafe at Point Isabel dog park and run on the bay trail from there. This is past Costco, near the Costco gas station. You can get in about four or five miles out and back. I run there sometimes in the early morning (before light), and I have never felt afraid. (Solo middle-aged woman.) The pavement is pretty smooth, and if you wear a light you should be be fine. It's a beautiful place to run, with the water and wetlands, waterbirds, and views of the bay and hills. I usually encounter a person or two, jogging or on a bike or walking dogs, but that's it. middle-aged jogger

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I would not run on the Ohlone Greenway without a big dog. There is a lot of crime there. A woman got raped there in the middle of the afternoon when she was walking with her husband. Down by the bay trail might be better but there are a lot of homeless encampments. Again, I wouldn't do it without a big dog. Be careful

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I love running on trails and will sometimes do streets but I think you should go to a gym and run on a treadmill instead. I say this as someone who HATES gyms and machines and would rather make time during the daylight than go to a gym, but it is not safe for a number of reasons to run that far in the dark, especially alone. Not because you might be assaulted, but because if you fall or get injured, nobody will see you or find you for quite some time. --Running mama

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Hey In Training, Good for you for getting out early! As a woman, I regularly enjoy early morning runs from Richmond Annex along the Ohlone Greenway into Berkeley. I usually run between about 530 and 7am. I like to loop from Ohlone up into the neighborhoods for a little for variety. I have been fortunate to have not had any threatening experiences on my morning runs during the past 3 or so years that I have lived here. I enjoy the familiarity of the crowd of folks that I regularly see running at this time. I think for many of us moms (and dads!), early morning is the least likely time of day for our runs to be infringed upon by other commitments! Fellow morning runner

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I didn't see this one in the previous responses, so I'll add my two cents. I believe you said you live in central Berkeley. Run down Shattuck/Henry/etc. to and/or through the Solano tunnel. Yes, you have to pause at intersections, but you are running where there are cars (including occasional police cars) and houses (as you go farther north) and lots of light. It's a slight down as you go north and up as you return south but not that extreme. I would run on the west [more exposed] side of the street north of Cedar. AboutTheSame

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I was looking forward to seeing the responses - but they were surprisingly negative.

I am a woman and I have run by myself all around Berkeley in the dark AM for more than 10 years. I live on the Southside of campus and run all over campus and the streets around here. Never once have I felt uncomfortable or had any sort of problem. Do what you are comfortable with

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Downtown and the area around North Berkeley BART are great for running in the early morning. I'm usually out and about around 5:15/5:30 yearround, and have never felt unsafe or afraid. Running along Sacramento, MLK, Grant--any of the long north/south streets are great, because they're flat and fairly well lit. I usually avoid the Greenway when it's REALLY dark, but I'll go along it during the summer. I often see the same people when I'm out and about, particularly in January/February/March (must be all those New Years resolutions!). One thing I like to do is run in the street itself, rather than on the sidewalk, because it's less of a tripping hazard. Enjoy, and know you aren't alone! DG

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Lafayette reservoir is very safe at that time and there and you will find other people there at that time. I can't think of anywhere in Berkeley that's safe. ANON

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I was surprised you didn't receive more helpful responses to your question--and by helpful, I mean actual suggestions of places to run, not ''don't run there, I've never done it myself, but I heard something happened there once.'' Of course, one should always be cautious of one's surroundings, and especially with the winter getting closer, make sure you are visible to cars and bicyclists.

I like to run across the bike bridge and then either down along the bay trail or out towards the Berkeley Marina. The lighting is generally better on the road out to the Marina, and along the marina, especially if you stay closer to the marina, though there is less traffic. I've never run around Cesar Chavez Park at the marina in the morning, so I can't say whether it is lit all the way around. I tend to stick to the trails/sidewalks along the interior, closest to the marina itself, and I feel comfortable there--there is a lot of early-morning boat-related activity. A lot of people park at Emeryville, near Chevy's, or in the parking lot behind the Sea Breeze Deli to run along the Bay Trail. You can also run out to the Emeryville marina, which I think is better lit, with a smoother paved trail. There are also apartment buildings and a fire station on the road towards the Emeryville marina, so it sees a lot more traffic than parts of the Berkeley marina does (in a good way--there are more people around). Parts of the Berkeley marina are to be avoided in the dark--specifically the area just south of the pier, there is a lot of broken glass on the trail, and often sketchy activities going on in cars right next to the trail.

There are also some tracks that are open to the public--there is a dirt track at Cal's Clark Kerr campus, though I don't believe there are lights there. There is also Edwards track, which is lit, but has more limited public hours. You can find more info about the Cal tracks here: http://recsports.berkeley.edu/facilities/open-rec-schedules/tracks/ I know many people use the dirt track at King Middle School (the track is on Hopkins), it is open to the public when school is not in session, but I don't live in the neighborhood, so I don't know if it is lit in the morning. There is a nice looking track at Berkeley High School, but I'm not sure whether it is open to the public, but that would also be worth investigating.

You might want to take a drive at your normal run time to check out all the suggestions and see if they are indeed lit enough to be comfortable for you. Otherwise there were some good suggestions about sticking to specific well-lit, long, straight roads such as Sacramento happy (lighted) trails

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Good running track other than King?

June 2013

The track at King Middle School in Berkeley is undergoing renovation this summer and I'm wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a track to use while that is going on? I do varied runs, but really want a track for some training, and prefer to be closer to Albany/El Cerrito/N. Berkeley. Thanks for any suggestions?

Displaced Jogger

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How about Cougar Field (and track) at Albany Middle School? Access is, I think, from Brighton Ave. between Key Route and Masonic Ave.

Even closer to King is St. Mary's College High School, off Hopkins near Gilman. I've been told there's a track there, but I've never used it and don't know about public access. Robin

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The Golden Bear track at Cal is great. Not too crowded. Well-maintained. Just be careful about parking. That area is notorious for car break-ins so leave nothing (and I mean nothing) in view in your car. http://recsports.berkeley.edu/facilities/tracks/golden-bear-track/
Shari

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I love the track that is at the top of Dwight Way. It's called Clark Kerr track, and you can see it on the Berkeley map via google. There's usually parking at the end of the street (steep hill) and then a dirt path from the road up to the track. There are usually a few people around so follow them up the path. Excellent views of the bay area and surrounding hills. There is also a track in North Berkeley off of Hopkins Street. It doesn't look like it has a name on the map. It's on Hopkins between Beverley Place and Colusa Avenue. Enjoy! K M

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Running track with adjacent playground?

May 2009

With Summer approaching I am thinking about how I am going to continue with my fitness routine with two kids in tow. Does anyone know of a nearby running track (Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito) that also has a playground that is within a stone's throw and also clear eyesight view from the track at all times? On a roll, would hate to stop now!

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The track by King pool, Hopkins St. Berkeley is adjacent and within view of the playground there but it is a large track and you would be fairly far away at some points- I would suggest going with another runner/ parent and taking turns with kidwatch and/ or swimming at king pool with the kids. Also you could check in Kensington I haven't been there in a while but I think there was a smallish track , behind/ above the libary in an area they might be able to bike/ trike around a mom

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El Cerrito Vista Park on Moeser in ElCerrito. Nice flat field with a track around it. Annie

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Cerrito Vista Park in El Cerrito, on Moeser across from Potrero Middle School, has a playground at the far end of the park and a track that goes around the baseball fields.

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check out Cerrito Vista Park on Moeser in El Cerrito. Its not an all weather track but there are always walkers, runners, and kids on the playground. Often teams practicing on the field in the middle - easy sight lines to the playground area. anon

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Cerrito Vista Park in El Cerrito (Moeser @ Pomona) has a great track w/ an ok playground. pcooper

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You can also try Castro Park in El Cerrito, a small track, with a small play area that is visible from the track jj

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Flat Trails to Run On

Oct 2007

I like to run but usually need to take along a jogging stroller. I'd like to find trails or nice places in the Oakland Hills (I live near Redwood Road) that are flat enough and safe enough to take one on. Does anyone have any favorite places to go running? Thanks. ruth

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Ohlone Path is a nice paved flat surface, but you do have to keep an eye out for cars (though you have the right-of-way CLEARLY marked with yield signs) when crossing the streets. From her jogging stroller, my daughter used to love the sound of the BART (which at times felt to loud for me) and the driver would sometimes wave at her.

San Francisco Bay Trail that runs along I-80 is a great flat place to run. You can park on Buchanan (Albany) or at the Richmond Dog park and run all the way past the Richmond Marina. It is all paved, and there are at least two places you can stop for refreshments.

Keep running! :) Carrie

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I'm interested to see what people post as well. I love trails and sometimes flat is so nice. I go to two places. Sequoia Bayview Trail is right off Skyline past the intersection with Joaguin Miller but before Roberts. There are always cars parked there on the side of the road. You can go about 3 or 4 miles (out and back) without any hills to speak of. I also like Redwood (the main entrance off of Redwood Rd.). The mist trail (pretty sure that's what it's called) goes pretty far without hitting any hills. Happy Running! Melissa

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Safe places to train for a marathon

Jan 2007

I like to run and would like to train for a marathon next year. My problem is that I get creeped out when running in remote places by myself - like up in the Oakland hills, which I love. Does anyone have recommendations for places that are usually pretty populated, where a woman can feel secure running alone, and also get enough miles in? Alternately, are there any small running clubs to join? I already know about Team in Training, but I can't really adhere to their training schedule because of the irregularities associated with kids/work/husband's shift schedule (I've tried). Thank you! Itching to go

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The San Francisco Bay Trail in Alameda is not only very safe and popular for running, it is breathtakingly beautiful, especially at sunset. The run is quite long, trails along the water of the bay with a view of San Francisco, and has ample parking for runners at the foot of the Bay Farm Island side of the Bay Farm Bridge right where the trail begins. The trail is by no means isolated - homes line one side of the trail. There is a dirt section alongside a paved section, so you won't be competing with cyclists or strollers, which are as popular on the trail as runners. I believe there is some information about the San Francisco Bay Trail on the Alameda-Oakland Ferry website - the trail is accessible by ferry. The more the merrier (and safer). Meg

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I would recommend Redwood Park, Skyline Gate. There are tons of people and dogs and many miles of trails to run. There's also a running club called Pacific Striders, that runs often from there. They run every Sunday morning. Oakland Hills Runner

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You can run where TNT does, which is along the Bay Trail starting in Emeryville. Park by the Emeryville Marina or Chevy's and the trail runs right along the bay and the freeway all the way to Point Richmond. You can veer off and go throught the Berkeley Marina/Cesar Chavez park/Albany bulb too. I wouldn't go incredibly early in the morning but it seems like there are always lots of people there running, biking, roller-blading, whatever. It's nicest on the weekends when traffic is less but I think people use it every day. anon

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Like you, I don't feel comfortable going by myself on paved trails in Oakland/Berkeley. For this reason, when I'm by myself, I always go east of the Caldecott Tunnel. I'll either go to the Iron Horse Trail in Danville (www.ebparks.org/parks/irontr.htm) or the Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail (www.ebparks.org/parks/lafmotr.htm). The Lunardi's Market in Danville (formerly Andronico's) has a huge parking lot. I'll park there and go 5 miles to South Main Street in Walnut Creek. It's paved, flat, very suburban, and most important, safe. I'll then turn around and go back. For the Lafayette Moraga Regional Trail there are two parking lots off of Olympic Blvd. and Pleasant Hill Road in Lafayette. If they fill up (which they usually do), I'll park on Moraga Blvd. off of Moraga Rd. It's a 15 mile round trip, also paved, and uphill. The only drawback is that you have to cross over St. Mary's Road, Moraga Road, and Moraga Way which can be difficult because of the traffic. However, if you stop at Moraga Commons, you only have to cross over St. Mary's Road and you'll still be getting a 12 mile round trip. I always feel safe there when I'm by myself. It gets hot in both places during the summer, so it's best to go in the early morning or evening hours.

For a running group, try Transports on College Avenue in Oakland. I think they have a running group (www.transportsrunswim.com). Also you can try Pacific Striders (www.pacificstriders.org), Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders (www.lmjs.org), and Golden Bay Runners (www.goldenbayrunners.org). Good luck! Anon

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Have you contacted the sports store, See Jane Run? It's on College in Oakland, but they had running groups and tons of resources for women runners and athletes. Good luck on the marathon! Lupine

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1. Fire Trail behind the Lawrence Berkeley Lab - pretty populated on weekends, not as much during the day mid-week

2. Berkeley Marina - you can do laps at Cesar Chavez Park and/or run to the other side of the Marina, down to Emeryville along the water. If you need to extend the run as your mileage increases you can include a jaunt to the Emeryville Marina down where Trader Vic's and Hong Kong East Ocean are located.

3. Lafayette Reservoir - I've always felt safe there running alone mid-week and weekends. Mid-week there are so many new parents strolling their babies.

4. Tilden Park - One of my favorite spots is Inspiration Point as they've got the mileage markers posted for you. As it's an out and return you just increase how far you go out as you're increasing your mileage with your training runs. This is a pretty populated walking/jogging area too.

I have to say that the only time I felt un-safe while training for my marathon was a run I did in Tilden Park near the nature center/little farm. My friend and I did an out and back run (10 miles so it was 5 miles out and we were way past Jewel Lake or any area where kids are with their families) and there was an individual on a bike that just didn't ''feel right''. I've learned to trust my gut instincts so we turned around, picked up the pace, and headed back to the nature center. So, I wouldn't recommend running in this location alone.

If you're interested in a running partner please contact me. I'm training for a 1/2 marathon later this year. Kristy

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I trained myself to run marathons and have been training in through Tilden Park for the past 4 years without any problems (animals or humans). I start in Alvarado Park (off McBride in El Sobrante) and run the Wildcat Canyon Trail to Berkeley, loop around Botanical Gardens up to Inspiration Point trail, along the Nimitz and then back to El Sobrante. The rolling hills are an excellent workout (especially for neglected hamstrings), as well as quite beautiful. At first, I was a little nervous about being up there by myself and carried my cell phone (uneven coverage) and pepper spray, but 4 years later I don't bother with the pepper spray (which is iffy anyway, because the breeze can blow it back into your own face).

As extra insurance, you can take a self defense class for women. I've taken cardio kick boxing and have confidence that I can use my powerful running legs for a few well placed kicks (right in the groin) as needed. But again, I've never had any cause for alarm running in the park. Never run with headphones on and tell someone your route for the day and time you plan on returning home.

Frankly, I think one is in more danger running on the punishing hard surfaces of city streets, where you are more likely being hit by a car.

When Tilden is too muddy, I park at Costco in Richmond and run the Bay Trail through Albany, behind GG Fields, along HWY 80, loop around Berkeley Marina, along 80 again to loop around the Emeryville Marina and then reverse the course back to Costco. Several water fountains along the way eliminates the need to carry water. There are a few miles of dirt trails along the pavement, but mostly you'll be pounding your joints on pavement. But even with all the cars and people along that urban route, I don't feel as safe as I do alone up in the hills in Tilden.

Good luck with your training. The marathon is an awesome challenge/acheivement...welcome to the club! vicki

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Running tracks that are open to the public?

April 2006

Hi, I am getting back into running after some knee troubles. I prefer to run on rubber/plastic tracks. Does anyone know which East Bay tracks (Berkeley High/Laney College, etc) are open to the public and when? I tried various Googlings, but the info was not all in one place. Is there a Bay Area Runner's Guide or something that might have this info? thanks!

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I used to run at the Merritt College track for similar reasons. I just parked in their lot and walked onto the track and ran. The track was almost always nearly empty. I don't know if this was officially OK, but it was friendly and open and no one seemed to care if I was a student or not. - liked Merritt

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Piedmont High has a nice rubber track. It's open to the public on weekends and after school whenever the track team's not using it - about 4pm to dark, I think. The exact hours are posted on the fence. I think Edwards Stadium at Cal may also have a rubber track, and it's open to the public when the track team's not using it. I couldn't find a single resource for this info, either - maybe you should start one! Gonna run again if it ever stops raining

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The best running track around is at King Middle School on Hopkins / Cross Street Colusa (approx). Lots of good trail running in Strawberry Canyon above the campus in the hills. Head up from Memorial Stadium & park in the dirt lots to your right. runner for 30 yrs

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You can get on the track at Piedmont High and Berkeley High in the evenings. We use Cal often. The hours are posted on the gate outside the track. We use it in the evenings between 5:30- 7 although it supposedly closes at 6 or 6:30, rarely do they actually get around to locking it until 7. There's also a dirt track on the Clark Kerr campus behind that's open almost any time. jane.run [at] gmail.com

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Piedmont High has a great track. anon

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Whitter Field, Piedmont High School, has a beautiful track and field that's open to the public during non-school hours and when there are no track and field competitions. The track/field is in a sheltered bowl, great for winter and foggy mornings, but can get hot during the summer mid-day and afternoons. When your knees/thighs are ready, there's also a dirt track around Shepard Canyon Park in Monclair that can be used at anytime. Lots of folks like to run Bay View Trail, in Joaquin Miller Park, off of Skyline Blvd. Beautiful woods, wide trail in good condition, gentle slopes. recreational runner

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Piedmont High School has an all weather rubber track that is open to the public.

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Trail running in Berkeley

Sept 2005

My husband and I are new to the East Bay but we've lived in the Bay Area for almost 10 years. We love trail running- especially on Mt Tam. We bought the ''Trails of the East Bay'' map and have tried a few but they've been all up hill or all down hill. Can someone recommend a few awesome trail runs around the Berkeley area with great views and a variety of terrain? (some hills and some flats) We've done the Nimitz trail and it's great although it's paved. Also, what about 5-10 mile runs around Berkeley? Any suggestions or favorites out there? (obviously not trail runs) Thanks! Julie

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Wildcat Creek trail starts in Tilden, near the Little Farm, and then rolls along, relatively flat, into Wildcat Canyon Regional Park for a total of about 4.5 miles. It gets very muddy when it rains, so run it now.

If you want to make a loop of it, and you can stand some hills, you can start at Lone Oak Rd. in Tilden, take either Gorge (to Curran) trail or Meadows Canyon trail up to Nimitz, do 2 or 2.5 miles on the Nimitz, then take one of the trails (Laurel Canyon? Conlon?) down to Wildcat Creek trail and back to where you started. Meadows Canyon is a steady 1.5-mile uphill, with no shade, but it is stunning.

Selby Trail, which parallels Wildcat Canyon Rd., is relatively flat, at least from Park Hills Rd. to the north end. robin

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The fire trail behind Strawberry Canyon rec center has access both at the top and bottom. The bottom is about 2 miles uphill, the top is about 2 miles flat. You can access the top above Lawrence Hall of Science and run 4 miles flat (2 out, 2 back), or you can start at the bottom and go 2 up, 2 down. If you are really ambitious, you can run the whole thing, 8 total. The turn around point is obvious going either way -- from the bottom going up, it gets flat where you turn around, from the top going flat, it starts to go down. Nice views of the bay from the top part...Happy trails! D. M.

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I'm sure you will get lots of posts about this - but there is a fire trail above UC Berkeley. It is about 4 miles long total (as someone told me) with the upper half being mostly flat (and great views) and the lower half being hilly. The lower half starts in Strawberry Canyon above the pools in UC Berkeley (I think it is Centennial Dr.) and the upper half starts near the Lawrence Berkeley Labs on Grizzly Peak. Lots of runners and dog walkers and it is very peaceful.

There are also tons of trails in Tilden Park that I have not explored yet that you can look into. I'm sure you will get lots of posts about this - but there is a fire trail above UC Berkeley. It is about 4 miles long total (as someone told me) with the upper half being mostly flat (and great views) and the lower half being hilly. The lower half starts in Strawberry Canyon above the pools in UC Berkeley (I think it is Centennial Dr.) and the upper half starts near the Lawrence Berkeley Labs on Grizzly Peak. Lots of runners and dog walkers and it is very peaceful.

There are also tons of trails in Tilden Park that I have not explored yet that you can look into (you will probably get lots of responses about this, too).

Happy running! running mom