TRWS GURU’s Favorite Running Route(S)

Meet Bryant The Running Well Store Guru from our Barry Road location, and learn more about where his favorite running route is in Kansas City and why?

This is the third blog that I have written for TRWS, and I must say this is the most difficult one yet. It is almost impossible to pick my favorite running route in the metro. Kansas City is such a great city to run in, after all, Kansas City is For Runners.

Why these route(S) are fav(S)!!

I’m not great at following the rules, and quite honestly, I just have to tell you all about my two favorite places to run in this beautiful town. First, I’m going to take you to the Kansas side of the state line and talk about running on dirt. Even if trail running isn’t your thing, it’s still worth the read to learn about a gem by The Legends, Wyandotte County Lake Park, or better known as WYCO.

WYCO is a trail runner and mountain bikers’ paradise right here in the metro area. WYCO is a great place for a family hike, picnic, kayaking adventure. Check out this link to see all that the lake area has to offer! WYCO Lake Official Website 

There are two main ways to run at Wyco. The first, and most popular is “The Bridle Loop.” A ten mile extremely hilly, and fairly technical trail that goes around the perimeter of the lake. Be warned, this trail is not for a “newbie” trail runner. The loop has over 1,300 feet of elevation gain and about the same amount of descending as well. You can check out the trail here: Bridle Loop All Trails Link . 

The trail is fairly easy to navigate as there aren’t many offshoots anywhere. That being said, there are multiple places that you have to hop out of the timber and enter then re-enter the trail in a different location. It can be fairly tricky to find those re-entry locations. I suggest going with a running buddy who knows there way around the bridle for your first time! The best way to access the trail is to start at the main shelter house, Shelter House 2. There you will find a large parking area, indoor bathrooms, and a play area! 

Another great place to run at WYCO is on the miles and miles of mountain bike trails. These trails wind and climb on both sides of the dam, along the northeast and northwest side of the lake. These trails are not near as technical as the Bridle Loop and much more newbie friendly. It’s also fair to say that these trails are very hiker friendly as well, but be cautious of the mountain bikers! 

Here is a link to the Mountain Bike Trails: WYCO Mountain Bike Trails. As you can see, these trails go back and forth, and wind around and around. I highly recommend taking your phone with you to make sure you make it back to your car! Speaking of car, the most popular place to park to access these trails are at Shelter House 14 on the west side of the lake. 

I get it! You don’t run on the trails, don’t worry. I have my favorite road running route as well, and this one is easy for me. It has to be the Harry Wiggins’ Trolley Track Trail, better known as “The Trolley” that runs directly through the heart of our city.  The Trolley, from the north side, starts at on the south side of The Plaza at the corner of Brookside Blvd. and MLK Jr. Drive. The 7-mile crushed gravel trails run south along Brookside Blvd and Wornall Rd until it turns east at 85th St and ultimately ending near the corner of 85th and prospect Ave. Quite honestly, I have spent most of my time on the trolley north of 75th. 

So why is the Trolley so great? The list is long as to why I love running on this trail so much. First off, the crushed gravel is a great running surface. I enjoy the softer feel underfoot and I love the lower impact on my legs, a must when you are putting in high mileage! Also, the trail runs at a slight incline from the north end trail head to 75th St which gives you just over 3 miles of climbing. The trail goes downhill from 75th St at a pretty steady clip. I have always felt the elevation changes on The Trolley make it a great place for some tempo work! Water fountains line the trail from end to end, it’s pretty easy to go out for a long run sans water on this great trail! Lastly, access to the trail is so easy, as well, there are plenty of free parking lots all along the trail. 

You also can’t discount the beautiful sights up and down the trolley, either. Running through the historic Brookside and Waldo neighborhoods lets you see some of the coolest homes that KC has to offer. Also, when you get done running you can stop for a quick bite to eat or drink and the various restaurants that line the Trolley Track Trail. 

Quite honestly, you can’t go wrong with wherever you pick to run in Kansas City, but if you haven’t checked out Wyandotte County Lake or The Trolley Track Trail, I suggest you give them a shot, I promise you won’t be disappointed. 

Locate The Route (WYCO Lake Bridle Trail)

 

 

Check out Bryant’s favorite running route! Enjoy & Run Well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

About TRWS

The Running Well Store is the premier running specialty store in Kansas City/Lee’s Summit, Missouri and Mission, Kansas! We are a locally owned business that has been in operation since 2006. You can shop in store or online. Our tagline is THE PLACE FOR EVERY PACE as we want all walkers, runners, newbies, veterans, and people who work on their feet all day to feel welcome. We know that there are a lot of options for footwear on the market and deciding what model is the right one for your needs is not easy. We are here for you! You can come into one of our three locations (Lee’s Summit, Northland, and Mission, KS) for a free stride analysis. No appointment necessary, but if you would like to schedule an appointment, click here. We take in-person and virtual fittings. Want to do research online? We have a find my fit tool that will help narrow down footwear options. We hope to hear from you soon!