Your Grand Rounds Scenic Byway Pictures

Nathan Freeburg August 7, 2014 Challenge, Grand Rounds

In July we challenged you to run all or part of the Grand Rounds Scenic Byway through Minneapolis. That 50.1 mile stretch of paved biking, walking and running trails that circle the lakes, rivers and much of the city.

Several of you sent in pictures of your runs. Unfortunately we didn’t get enough to compile a virtual tour of the area. Regardless, below are some of the pictures that you submitted.

Thanks to Tony, Shannon, Elise, Tamara, and a few others for these great pics. Hopefully the waters will recede soon enough, and give those lower paths back so the bikers and runners don’t have to share the same one.

MR July Challenge - Elise Riveness Stone Arch Bridge

MR July Challenge - Elise Riveness Godfrey Pkwy

MR July Challenge - Elise Riveness Mississippi River

Here are some other places to run in the Twin Cities. You’ll find parts of the Grand Rounds on that list too (it’s hard not to), but there are also some suggestions for St. Paul. If you’re curious where the most people run, checkout this map. There are also several great trails you can run as well, but here are 6 trails we think you’ll especially enjoy.

Running Tracks in the Twin Cities

We have gotten several questions about what tracks are available for runners looking to do speed workouts. I called around this summer to a half dozen high schools and got basically the same answer. “No, it’s not open to the public, but we can’t stop people from using it.” I’m not making any additional comments on that, simply reporting what I heard…

I have used Nicollet Island in the past to do speed work. It’s almost exactly a mile around, and if you start just past the rail road tracks on the east side and go north, you can make it all the way around before you have to cross them again – it’s almost 1/2 mile. Not a track, but it is round with very little traffic (especially in the morning).

What are some other places you love to run in the Twin Cities?

Nathan Freeburg

Nathan started running when he was 14. 20+ years later, he's still going. When he's not running, he enjoys exploring the city with his son, finding new restaurants with his wife, traveling, or backpacking. He loves dark beer, dark chocolate, and dark coffee.Nathan currently lives in Portland, Oregon, but works in Minneapolis and runs wherever he is. Favorite Minnesota running route is anything that takes him along the Mississippi River. Race Results.Nathan's day job is a Consultant with Leadership Vision in Downtown Minneapolis.

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