Place to jog/run?

[topeze]

I'm new to this area and need to get back into the swing of things but have not found any good places to walk/jog in the area. Anybody have any suggestions of where to go? I actually live just north of Santa Rosa Beach in Freeport and don't want to have to go too far out of the way. I didn't notice until after we moved here that there were no street lights around our neighborhood.

Thanks!

 

[ItzKatzTime]

topeze
There are many runners on the board and I'm sure they will give you all kinds of places. 30A is well known for its runners.

Welcome to the area....where are you moving from? Just jump in and start reading and posting to threads that are of interest to you and soon you will have many friends I'm sure! Sowal.com is one of the coolest spots to learn about the area.

Kat

 

[bluemtnrunner]

I don't know my way around Freeport. There is a community complex off of 20 that I know of and I think that road has lights on it. Freeport High School has a track (which I find boring unless you are doing speedwork). If you feel like driving, 30A is great for running.
There is a group that runs from McGuires in Destin on Monday nights.
Check out Run With It Navarre | Running Shoes, Apparel and Accessories Jeff and Donna know many groups in the area and try to keep their site updated.
There are several Hash House Harrier groups in this area too. List Hash Contacts: FL

 

[Hop]

hard to beat the 20 mile bike path... to the board!

 

[Walton Outdoors]

Freeport Regional Sports Complex

Freeport Regional Sports Complex is located off State Road 20 in Freeport, on CR 83A.
Baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball court, basketball courts, shuffleboard courts, playground, barbecue/picnic areas, playground, restroom, walking trail.

 

[beachmouse]

Don't know if there are a ton of streetlights there, but I'd start at the Freeport Sports Complex and do some looping through Hammock Bay. Lots of roads in the development that are pretty much unused at this point and also a good bike path along the main road through there.

 

[Beach Runner]

hard to beat the 20 mile bike path... to the board!

Exactly. That's where I run. That's where my sister runs. And I consider her to be quite an accomplished athlete. She runs the NY every year, qualifies for the Boston and runs that, runs marathons all over the US, and actually runs more marathons per year than is recommended.

If you don't want to dodge cars, bikes, walkers, etc., try running on the beach. Now that's a workout. The best time is after high tide because the sand gets packed down and is easier to run on than the fluffy stuff.

 

[beachmouse]

Speaking of running in sand, if anyone's interested in a seriously had local trail run, the Swamp Ranger 10K is on May 30 this year at Camp Rudder a couple miles north of FWB. No actual running through swamps (probably too much of a snake concern) but the Army Rangers have managed to come up with a course that's at least 5 miles of very soft sand, and a lot of that at a slight uphill grade. And then they throw in a 10 foot tall escaprment you have to scramble up with about a tenth of a mile to go.

Fun stuff if you like that kind of challenge.

 

[Carol G]

I love the trails in Watercolor (30A, just west of Seaside), they are peaceful, beautiful, and well maintained. Gulf Place (NW corner of 393/30A) also has a great walking trail back by the condos; it's probably a little shorter than what you are looking for, but you could always loop around. Some of the trails in Pt. Washington would be good for running too, but look for the areas that are well maintained, like the trails branching from the trailhead off 395 between 98 and 30A, otherwise you will probably have to deal with some obstacles and/or deep sand in places.

I've found it's worth driving a little bit to explore these beautiful places, and I keep finding more.

 

[beachmouse]

If you do want to run in the state forests or on Eglin Reservation, do be aware that large amounts of those areas are open to hunting during designated seasons. So be aware of who else might be out there and if you do venture out during those times, wear an orange singlet or shirt.