Hey locals! I don't run any of these trails, I mainly stay in my neighborhood (Penn Wynne section of Lower Merion) since i run early in the a.m. I used to run on Kelly Drive, maybe I'll go back there again soon.

I used to run the loop at haverford and think it's a bit under 3 miles, probably close to 2.5. The folks at Bryn Mawr running store probably know as someone there hipped me to the trail.
As for the Betzwood trail are you guys talking about the mountain bike trails? If so does anyone have a distance for them?

Hey, anyone doing the Penn Wynne 5k next Saturday, Oct. 8? Starts in front of the Penn Wynne Library on Overbrook Parkway (just off Haverford Rd) in Wynnewood. Benefits the library. It's a fun little race...very hilly. I ran it last year, so if you have any questions let me know. Here is the link:

http://www.pennwynne5k.org/[/URL" target="_blank">

Hey Paoli Mike -

How do you get to Betzwood? Sounds like some nice trails.
I work in Paoli. Live in West Chester. Usually run the neighborhood roads or, on weekends, go out to the Struble Trail in Downingtown. Would love to find some new places to run, not too far away.

Jane

Thanks for the information mrfunnyjokes, I will have to give it a try. I work in Paoli, live in West Chester. When I run during the week I have limited time. Do you ever go over to Betzwood on the weekend?

I usually run from Betzwood on the weekends. In addition to the standard directions from Rt 422, you can also get there from the Paoli side of the Schuylkill. From Paoli, take 252 North until it ends at Rt 23. Right on Rt 23 and left at the bottom of the hill. Park at the dead end and walk across the boardwalk bridge along 422.

Since a few people have expressed interest in these routes, everyone should also know that there is a 5 mile loop in the main section of Valley Forge Park and there are trails (hills, rocks) on Mt Misery and Mt Joy both of which are accessible from VF park. From the top of Mt Misery you can even catch the Horseshoe Trail which eventually ends in Hershey!

I can give more details on any of these.

The Valley Forge Striders run from Betzwood on Saturdays at 8am and from the Main VF Park on Sundays at 8am. I've never run with them but its on their website.

If you get a run together let me know, I'll try to make it.

---

On a tangent, I read about a fun way to run with a group of diverse speeds in Runners World. You pick a time-length of run and set off on an out-and-back course (the Schuykill trail is a good choice.) Everyone takes off at the same time and runs whatever pace they want. At the halfway (time) point, everyone turns around and races back to the start now the it is a handicapped race to the finish where you have to run a negative split in the second half to catch a slower runner or stay ahead of a faster one. My wife and I do this together and its a lot of fun.

Take Care,
Paoli Mike

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Clams:
Hey, anyone doing the Penn Wynne 5k next Saturday, Oct. 8? Starts in front of the Penn Wynne Library on Overbrook Parkway (just off Haverford Rd) in Wynnewood. Benefits the library. It's a fun little race...very hilly. I ran it last year, so if you have any questions let me know. Here is the link:

http://www.pennwynne5k.org/[/URL" target="_blank"><HR>

Bump this to the top. The Penn Wynne 5k is tomorrow. The forecast doesn't look good but it's rain or shine so I will be out there. Hope some of you can make it.

Hey, I love Betzwood too. I do the 6 mile loop of trails. The striders look too fast for me, I see them at the park when I do VF runs for my shorter runs.