Best Places to Run

The home of the Kansas University Jayhawks, Lawrence has a storied running history which includes former Olympian Jim Ryun. Lawrence has everything from urban routes, to gravel roads to more technical trails. Enjoy one of the many coffee shops and eateries in town post-run (be sure to check out Mass. Street!).

Weather is generally mild year round. Temperatures peak in August and can get up to 110, but generally won’t stay hot for prolonged periods. Winter temperatures can get cold and windy, but it’s rare for weather to get so bad that it’s difficult to run.

RunLawrence is the biggest local group that has multiple weekly runs at various locations and times. Fleet Feet Lawrence also has weekly runs starting from the store on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

But if you're looking to hit the road, here are the best places to run in Lawrence.

Campus of Kentucky University to Oread Route 1 (Best Run of 3 Miles or Less) 

• Best for: Short runs and walks 
• Surface: road
• Starting Point: Irving Hill Rd. and Iowa St.
• Distance: 3 miles

Route Description: This looped route takes you through historic Lawrence. Take Irving Hill Rd. east. Turn left on Naithsmith Dr. Right on Crescent Rd (turns into Jayhawk Blvd.). Left on Mississippi Street. Right on 12th Street. Right on Oread St. Left on Lilac Ln. Right on Sunnyside Ln. See the mapmyrun route for more details. 

KU Track (or One of The Many Local Lawrence Tracks) 

• Best for: speed workouts and intervals 
• Starting Point: Kansas University Track  
• Sports Pavilion Lawrence, 100 Rock Chalk Ln, Lawrence, KS 66049
• Distance: .25 miles

Route Description: Lawrence has many local tracks to choose from that are generally open all year. But if we had to pick we’d choose the Track and Field at Kansas University.

Lawrence Levee 

• Best for: long runs, taking in the views
• Surface: crushed gravel
• Starting Point: Lawrence Riv Trails, Lawrence, KS 66044
• Distance: 8 miles

Route Description: This is mostly easy with idyllic  views of local farms. The path is not covered, so be wear a hat and use sunscreen in the summer. The Lawrence Levee is an iconic trail with plenty of runners, walkers and bikers. 

Clinton Lake 

• Best for: favorite trails 
• Surface: Road, Trail, Mixed or Track trail
• Distance: 5.8 miles

Route Description: Follow the dirt trail through the woods. You’ll have some views but you’ll mostly enjoy a tunnel of green thanks to dense forest. There are two connected loops here with not much elevation change.