Running the College

Looking for a good run next time you're on campus? Dartmouth's track coach offers a few suggestions for the casual jogger.

NOBODY KNOWS ABOUT RUNNING HERE BETTER THAN BARRY HARWICK '77. As Harwick enters his 17th year as head coach of the men's track and cross-country teams, he offers up a tour of Hanover's top four runs.

1. Pine ParkDistance: 4 miles

Following well-traveled trailsalong the Connecticut Riverand passing through mistyevergreen gullies bordering thegolf course, it's hard to believethis forested path is less thanfive minutes from campus.Tall overhead pines shade softdirt and pine needle trails,providing shelter from springrainstorms and summer heat.Explore additional paths toincrease mileage. Beware:Early morning tranquilitymay be interrupted by thesound of crew team megaphones carrying from the river.

2. Rip Road LoopDistance: 3.5 miles

The most popular local run forstudents, Harwich calls thiseasy-to-follow route an "oldstandby." Running past the golfcourse, rugby fields and RipRoad neighborhoods, the routeis usually well plowed in thewinter and serves as a quickstudy break all year long. Recommended by Harwichfor those newin town.

3. Rollercoaster Distance: 7.1 miles

Extending from Rip Road, thisaptly named hilly route circlesStorrs Pond. Don't let thesummer barbeques and tennistournaments at the popularrecreation area distract you.Instead, disappear into theshady forest trails that connectback to Pine Park.

4. Oak HillDistance: 6-12 miles

One of Harwick's favorite runs,these cross-country ski trails arehome to the Nordic ski teamin the winter—and remainmuddy through much of thespring. When the last traces ofsnow disappear; the wide trailswinding up, down and aroundOak Hill provide scenic views,steep climbs and occasionalwildlife sightings. Depending onhow adventurous you feel (orhow willing you are to becomelost) the run can extend from 6to 12 miles.