Running the City

While the prime time for running and walking outside may be winding down for right now, Pittsburgh is filled with wonderful places to explore all while getting some fresh air and cranking that heart rate up. With temperatures in the city beginning to drop, running outside is still a possibility and a rather comfortable and beautiful one at that. An avid runner myself, I've compiled a few of my go-to locations around the city of Pittsburgh when I feel like quite literally running away from all my problems, if only for a little while.

Schenley Park

The most accessible to Pitt students living in Oakland, Schenley Park offers a beautiful, scenic view of Oakland. This, personally, is the route I take when running most often. Starting in Oakland, if you venture past Schenley Plaza and the Frick Fine Arts building, you'll come across the eggshell yellow bridge that connects the University of Pittsburgh to Carnegie Mellon University. Adorned with a colorful array of locks placed there by friends, couples, and loved ones, the bridge tells a unique story about the residents of Oakland and their time spent here. If you continue on, moving past Phipps Conservatory, you can make your way around the large, green area of Schenley Park where you can take in the view pictured above. There's a convenient trail that leads you here and will drop you off right back where you started. This spot is the perfect place to take a breather and clear your head, basking in all that the University of Pittsburgh and Mother Earth have to offer. It's also a great spot for friends to gather in hammocks, to read, play frisbee, take picnics, and more. 10/10 would recommend.

South Side

One of my favorite views of all of Pittsburgh can be found on this route. Following Bates St. out of Oakland towards 376 West, head towards Hot Metal Bridge that connects Oakland to the South Side. It is here that you can find plenty of runners and bikers at any given point of the day exercising and receiving some love from good old Pittsburgh. The view of the city from Hot Metal Bridge is breaktaking, during the day and at night. Most times on this route, I will stop mid-run just to appreciate the view. From here, I venture through the South Side on the sidewalks, mostly staying on East Carson Street. You'll be greeted by a number of peers jogging their way through the 412 as well which always increases my motivation to keep going. Pro tip of running on this route, you get to see all the cool shops, bars, and restaurants on your way that you may not have known even existed or you haven't tried yet. You'll definitely want to keep those in mind for your next South Side night out with your friends.

Point State Park/ North Shore

Lastly, a route that I sometimes frequent when I'm feeling bold can be found in the North Shore, leading up to the Point State Park Fountain. Along the river, there's a large bike/running trail you can follow, the city providing the perfect backdrop for your adventure. Depending on how adventurous you're feeling, you can mosey on across one of the several bridges Downtown, run through the city, make your way to the fountain, or explore the area around Heinz Field and Stage AE. In this area, there's plenty to see and plenty to explore, and I encourage you to enhance your jogging experience here at least once. Say you're not into running? You can also rent kayaks, single or tandem, on the North Shore right behind PNC Park. This, too, is a great way to have fun, get your heart pumping, and explore the city all at once. Plus, you might get some really cool pics out of the trip, just like the one pictured above.