TRWS GURU’s Favorite Running Route

Meet Mary, The Running Well Store Guru from our Barry Road location, and learn more about where she loves to run and why?

You Need to Run “Northtown”!!

The last 5 or 6 weeks, I’ve talked to so many runners at the Barry Road store who run solely on treadmills. Treadmills are great option for a number of reasons – icy or snowy weather, extreme heat, accommodating a changing work schedule or running alone for solitude or safety. I 100% get it – I only ran on treadmills when I started and couldn’t imagine running outside at that time. These days, running outside is pretty much all I do. Thanks to loads of local races, a run club and assorted running buddies, I’ve run all over Kansas City and have been fortunate to see so much of this beautiful city on foot. Kansas City running offers a wide variety of terrain and sights – hills, trails, neighborhoods, city parks and lakes – if you’re willing to travel, it’s worth it!

One of my favorite running routes right now is North Kansas City. I’m talking about the little gem of an area just over the Missouri River, north of downtown Kansas City. With plenty of sidewalks and side streets, North KC is “Flatty-McFlatterson” in terms of the elevation and a perfect terrain for a beginning walker or runner.

Why this route is a favorite!

Macken Park, just off of Howell Street, has a nicely paved 1 mile path that might be your walk or run or could be the start (or finish) to a run. The neighborhoods just to the west of Macken Park offer street lights, lots of nice shade in the summer and fun holiday decorations in the winter. Howell Street (south) takes you past the North KC High School, onto the Iron District and past ROKC Climbing Gym. Parking at the YMCA is another great option to explore Armour Road and areas in between as you make your way over to Swift Street. If a longer distance and more challenge is what you’re looking for, park on Swift, head down to 9^th Street and head west to the Heart of America Bridge. (Burlington Ave) The mile-ish trip south into Downtown KC is a pretty decent and steady climb that will definitely provide a solid hill workout. (I’ve heard a fair amount of cussing on this bridge…..some of that could have come from me 🙂 ) Once you’ve arrived in downtown KC, there’s plenty to see and more hilly opportunities in downtown, Columbus Park or the River Market.  Another great upside to walking or running in North KC are the many restaurants and local breweries to visit after you’ve finished your morning or evening run.  First Watch,  Hawaiian Brothers,  Chicken-n-Pickle,  Cinder Block Brewery,  Scimeca’s Deli and the Iron District are just some to consider.

Go check out North Kansas City running – whether you’re traditionally a treadmill runner, just getting started or an experienced runner – I think you’ll love it here.

Locate The Route

 

 

 

Check out Mary’s North Kansas City favorite running route: Enjoy and 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!