TRWS GURU’s Favorite Running Route

Meet Carl, The Running Well Store Guru from our Martin City location. Carl, a former Collegiate runner, nutrition nut, trail enthusiast and a road runner, Carl truly loves getting after it. Whether it’s out on the roads, or taking it to the trail, he certainly has his opinion on which trails are his favorite to run on. Hear from him below: 

Why this route is a favorite!

One of the best starting points for walking, running, or Biking in South Kansas City is Leawood Park.  Sitting at the intersection of two long paved trial systems, the Indian Creek Trail and Tomahawk Creek Trail. These trails are the result of the visionary Gary Haller who worked for Johnson Country Parks and Recreation Department (JCPRD) for 36 years.  The paved trails throughout Johnson County serve as both recreational use and environmental protection to waterways coming off the Kaw river. Because of this most of the trails are flat, wooded, run next to water, and away from traffic.  

The Indian Creek trail runs east and west from Leawood Park. East travels past Leawood Dog park for 6.3 miles ending at Minor Park off Redbridge Road east of Holmes. Heading west out of Leawood Park the Indian Creek Trail for another 18 miles to Hampton Park at 163rd and Ridgeview. The Tomahawk Creek Trail branches south from Leawood Park covering another 10 miles ending at 143rd and Pflumm. There is a tricky section at Ilan Park where the trail runs about a mile along Nall and 127th street before diving back into the calmness off the woods. When heading this direction northeast from Ilan Park, it winds you through different parks all throughout Johnson County and eventually takes you across the state line into Missouri where the quiet of the woods can bring a peaceful feel to your walk or run.