Experienced runners often say that the first mile is always the most difficult, but for any runner, it is precisely the completion of that first mile that motivates them to continue running. Those that get past the first mile on UCSD’s campus keep going because they are rewarded with the wide variety of scenic running trails that surround UCSD. Between Campus Loop, UCSD Park, the cliffs, Torrey Pines Glider Port and Black’s Beach, there is a running trail for everyone, from the most leisurely jogger to the most competitive and pain-seeking runner.
Perhaps the most popular running destination on campus is Campus Loop, which is the same route that the shuttles use to transport those who are not as eager to run. On any given day, dozens of runners can be found pounding the pavement around the perimeter of campus. This approximately 4.5-mile loop has changed in distance and location due to the recent addition of the Eleanor Roosevelt College campus, but still presents a challenge for any runner. While for the most part the loop casually winds its way through the six colleges, a challenging hill awaits you in either direction.
Hillary Mills, an Earl Warren College senior and co-captain of the UCSD Track Team, runs the Campus Loop frequently.
“”Campus Loop is a good run for someone who doesn’t have much time but still wants a good workout,”” she said. “”Overall, it’s a pretty easy run, but the hill by RIMAC is definitely a challenge.””
Participants of the cross-country, track and master’s running programs can be seen working out grueling hill sprints on the hill near RIMAC, while the section of the loop from the Gilman and Myers intersection up to the mini-Stonehenge in Revelle College offers an equally challenging ascent up to the southwest side of campus. For most runners, the loop takes anywhere from half-an-hour to 45 minutes to complete and is the perfect run for someone who needs a quick workout in between a busy class or work schedule.
The eucalyptus grove on the east side of RIMAC field, properly known as the UCSD Park, is another great place to run on campus. The network of single tracks that wind about the edge of the canyon between Warren and RIMAC field is a great place to get off the pavement and into the shade of the eucalyptus tress.
Jake Cohen, a Warren sophomore, is one runner who takes advantage of UCSD Park.
“”I run there once or twice a week,”” he said. “”It’s a convenient place for me to run since I live on campus. The woods also give me the natural setting that I grew up with back home in Lake Tahoe. Plus, there are some hills in there.””
Both the track and cross-country teams use the woods to train, as well.
“”During fall training we use the woods to do interval work as a group as well as run there on our four short-distance runs,”” Mills said.
The UCSD Park is also home to a par course. Throughout the woods there are specific stations set up to incorporate circuit training exercises, such as sit-ups, pull-ups and push-ups, into your run. These trails provide a wide variety of time and distance options that fit into busy schedules.
For the runner that is looking to get farther from campus but still does not have a lot of time, the single track loop that runs along the cliffs above Black’s Beach adds a scenic view to campus loop. Once on the west side of campus, cut across North Torrey Pines Road at the intersection with La Jolla Shores Boulevard. Turn right onto La Jolla Farms Road, and then veer left under the gate and onto the single track. This trail winds along the edge of the cliff and offers spectacular views of the coastline. From this vantage point high up on the cliff, you can see the black dots of wet-suited surfers in the line-up at Black’s Beach, and looking north toward Torrey Pines State Park, the colorful canopies of the hangliders and paragliders are visible as they take advantage of the stiff ocean breeze and come within inches of the cliffs. Incorporating this with the campus loop will add about 15 to 20 minutes to the run.
For Mills, this is one of her favorite runs.
“”It’s a perfect place to stop and catch your breath, enjoy the view and just be off campus for a little while,”” she said.
Once you decide to leave campus, the running trails get even more scenic and difficult. The UCSD Triathlon Team utilizes the wide variety of running trails adjacent to campus in their year-round training program. According to team member Jean Schenkkan, the team’s longest runs take place along the coast.
“”On our Sunday long runs we run through Torrey Pines to Black’s Beach and down to La Jolla Shores. It takes about an hour and a half, maybe more, running at a very slow pace,”” she said.
While this is an extremely long run, there are several shorter versions that offer the same view and difficulty level. One of the most challenging runs from campus is a loop that starts at RIMAC and heads down past the Torrey Pines Glider Port to Black’s Beach and then back up to La Jolla Farms Road via the Black’s Beach acces road.
But, the good thing about this run is that it starts on a slight downhill decline so that there is more time to warm up for the steep uphill at the very end. Once you reach the Glider Port, cut across the parking lot guard rail to the access trail down to Black’s Beach. The trail here is steep and narrow, so it is a good idea to slow down and take time as you work down this section of the run. Once on the beach, head south toward Scripps Pier to the Black’s Beach access road. To get back, head up the access road to La Jolla Farms Road. This run takes approximately 45 minutes at a relatively easy pace.
No matter what your running ability or workout time frame is, the running trails around campus provide a wide variety of routes and scenery. For those just starting to run, Schenkkan leaves some advice: “”Run with a friend and always make sure you still have plenty of daylight left when you head out.””
