Some BYU students are donning their running shorts and turning to the outdoors for their exercise with the recent arrival of warmer weather. BYU campus offers options for joggers between tracks, trails, pavement and concrete.
Freshman Joseph Moore said he enjoys running on the “world-class track” located south of the football stadium. The 400m track is nine lanes wide with a rubberized surface redone earlier this year.
“Some of the top runners in the world come to Provo to train on our track,” said BYU Track and Field Director of Operations Ryan Waite. “Every year, 2012 Olympic 10K and 5K gold medalist Mo Farah and Olympic 10K silver medalist Galen Rupp use our facilities and train on our campus in preparation for the world championships or Olympics.”
On the south end of campus by the Smith Fieldhouse and Indoor Tennis Courts, shaded trails by a man-made creek offer a green setting for joggers.
For those interested in running short, set distances, the following routes through and around campus are often used:
1 mile: The Campus Tour
Start off at the roundabout in front of the Wilkinson Student Center, then head up the stairs toward the Harris Fine Arts Center. Continue past the building and go around the north side of the grass quad and past the Jesse Knight Building. Turn left onto Campus Drive, then cut between the Joseph F. Smith Building and the Spencer W. Kimball Tower. Continue until you reach your starting spot in front of the Wilkinson Student Center.
2 miles: The BYU Creamery Route
Begin in front of the BYU Creamery on Ninth East. Head north and turn left onto University Parkway. Turn left onto Campus Drive, then cut between the Joseph F. Smith Building and the Spencer W. Kimball Tower. Cross East Campus Drive and continue along the south side of the parking lot. Turn left onto 900 East and return to the start at the Creamery.
5K: The Perimeter of BYU
To reach a whole 5K, you will need to run on the sidewalks to the outermost edge of the route. Start on the northwest corner of University Parkway and 900 East and jog west toward University Avenue. Turn left on Canyon Road (150 East) and continue south. Turn left onto 800 North. When the road ends, turn left onto 700 East and then right onto 900 North. Turn left onto 900 East and continue until you reach your starting point.
These trails are great in the morning or at night, but could even work for some quick exercise between classes.
