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winter running
So you've got your winter gear on; you're ready to brave the cold...but Forest Park's covered in gray mush, and you've seen it a million times. Where do you go instead? St. Louis has a number of safe neighborhoods with winter-friendly running trails and visual charm.
Maplewood
Maplewood is typically known for its small-business charm, but this little slice of the city is perfect for running. Street parking is free, and while it can be hard to find a spot on Manchester, there are many side streets that offer more than enough room. The sidewalks are well maintained, and it’s never crowded. It’s a Mister Roger’s–style neighborhood—families with strollers wave as you pass by, and the houses are adorable.
It’s also safe, and you can get some serious mileage in that Forest Park doesn’t necessarily offer. Stay within the perimeters of Greenwood, Big Bend, Dale, and McCausland to knock out a refreshing six miles like it’s nothing.
The Hill
Nobody wants to drive this way because of the Kingshighway Bridge construction, and that’s why we run instead. Like Maplewood, parking is free and plentiful, even though the streets are a little tight. The Italian charm of The Hill is in building architecture and neighborly folks—not just the food—and will keep you moving, even in the snow. The layout is flat, which is good in icy conditions. There’s enough traffic and salt that safety isn’t something you need to worry about.
Plus, there’s nothing more satisfying the running toward the smell of a meatball sub from Adriana’s. Let’s not kid ourselves—we’re all motivated by food, so the best route is a restaurant tour. Start toward Zia’s on Wilson, turn toward Charlie Gitto’s on Shaw, make your way by Rigazzi’s on Daggett, and finish back on Wilson to treat yourself to some celebratory gelato from Gelato Di Riso.
You’re welcome.
Tower Grove
People like Forest Park because it’s a park. People don’t like Forest Park because of people. That’s why we go to Tower Grove Park, where there’s more park than pain and lots of cute trails to frolic on. Parking on Magnolia or Arsenal is your best bet; the park awaits you as soon as you step out of the car. Tower Grove Park is perfect if you’re just trying to squeeze in a hearty 20-minute run. If it’s snowy or icy, the park can be difficult to maneuver, but the nearby streets and neighborhoods are functional and ready for your feet.
The best route is the perimeter of the park: Kingshighway to Magnolia to Grand to Arsenal.
Webster Groves
For those of us who can’t afford to live in this West County–esque neighborhood, we can run through it and pretend. Webster is one of the safest and well kept neighborhoods in the county. That makes it perfect to run through. You can trek through the “city” of the city where Big Bend sits proudly among quaint shops and eateries, but the neighborhoods sitting off of the road near Elm are far more uninhibited and offer a little more privacy.
Parking is easiest on these side streets (primarily Gore). Families in Webster like to go all-out on the holidays, so you’ll get to see some awesome lights as you go. Like Maplewood, you can really get out what you put in when it comes to distance. Taking the residential part of Big Bend to Edgar to Watson to Elm lets you make a good circle. All roads and sidewalks are well-maintained, and you’ll burn so many calories that you wouldn’t care either way.
Soulard
In the summer, we like Soulard’s Farmer’s Market. In the winter, we like to run. Oh, yes. This deep in the city, you can expect the roads and sidewalks to be clear at all times. There’s occasionally slush from traffic, but you can jump over those puddles. The neighborhoods within Soulard are primarily residential, which makes the experience more comforting as you jog through the streets.
The best route is Russell to Seventh to Sidney to Eighteenth. Depending on how far you want to run, however, there’re plenty of side streets you can cut through or add on. Street parking can be a little tricky, but there’s always multiple spots available somewhere along the route.
