One of the most popular street runs in Richmond is this jaunt down the length of Monument Ave, where runners can take in a variety of statues commemorating Richmond’s vibrant history. The road begins at the Robert E. Lee Memorial (At Monument and North Allen Ave). From here, it stretches west for about 1.6 miles, passing monuments to Confederate Civil War veterans J.E.B. Stuart, Jefferson Davis, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, and Matthew Fontaine Maury. The final statue in the chain is of Richmond’s native born tennis star Arthur Ashe. The road continues for several miles after the officially designated Historic District, and there are some nice houses to look at, but the sidewalk peters out just past the Willow Lawn area (about 3 miles in). An out and back through the Historic District is a solid 5 km.
Capitol Complex. Author Photo
Capitol: From the Robert E Lee Memorial, continue east along West St.. through the pretty campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, then Monroe Park (~1 mile), and east along Franklin St. or Grace St. to the Capitol. There, do a loop of the park-like grounds of the stately Capitol area — some good hills and stairs! It’s 2 miles one-way from the Robert E Lee Memorial to the Capitol
Add-Ons: There are very nice residential streets off Monument Ave., especially to the south.
Monument Ave is also home to a popular 10 km race each April.
One of the most popular street runs in Richmond is this jaunt down the length of Monument Ave, where runners can take in a variety of statues commemorating Richmond’s vibrant history. The road begins at the Robert E. Lee Memorial (At Monument and North Allen Ave). From here, it stretches west for about 1.6 miles, passing monuments to Confederate Civil War veterans J.E.B. Stuart, Jefferson Davis, Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson, and Matthew Fontaine Maury. The final statue in the chain is of Richmond’s native born tennis star Arthur Ashe. The road continues for several miles after the officially designated Historic District, and there are some nice houses to look at, but the sidewalk peters out just past the Willow Lawn area (about 3 miles in). An out and back through the Historic District is a solid 5 km.
Capitol Complex. Author Photo
Capitol: From the Robert E Lee Memorial, continue east along West St.. through the pretty campus of Virginia Commonwealth University, then Monroe Park (~1 mile), and east along Franklin St. or Grace St. to the Capitol. There, do a loop of the park-like grounds of the stately Capitol area — some good hills and stairs! It’s 2 miles one-way from the Robert E Lee Memorial to the Capitol
Add-Ons: There are very nice residential streets off Monument Ave., especially to the south.
Monument Ave is also home to a popular 10 km race each April.
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Essentials
Monument Ave is 1.6 miles one-way; Capitol is 2 miles from Robert E Lee Memorial. Combined route is ~7 miles out and back
The most popular running spot in Richmond, with waterside trails and multiple pedestrian bridges. Well-groomed 2-10 mile options along the Buttermilk and North Bank trails, Forest Hill Park, and Pony Pasture. Trails are mainly wooded, gravel surface.
Pleasant ~1.25 mile (one way) path along the Richmond Canal system with murals, history lessons, and tips on things to do. Run out to the T. Tyler Potterfield Memorial Bridge for views — especially great at sunrise or sunset.
An attractive road for running on the south side of the James River, with views to the river and historic bridges, and attractive residential roads coming off it. It rides above the James River trail system, providing numerous access points to those trails as well.
50 plus miles of running on a paved multi-use path stretching all the way to Williamsburg/Jamestown. The Richmond end of the path is accessible from I-95 near Great Shiplock Park.
Run the grounds of this gorgeous Victorian estate with mansion, Japanese botanical gardens, and a ~3 mile paved perimeter path with some challenging hills. Options to connect with Byrd Park or the North Bank Trail.
The 1 mile packed gravel VITA course at Byrd Park is a favorite for time-strapped runners in need of a quick workout or people who love to do circuit-style runs (complete with strength training equipment). For a longer run, connect with Maymont Park.
Richmond has some lovely residential areas featuring pretty, lengthy streets lined with trees and historic homes. Favorite neighborhoods for running include the Museum & Fan Districts, Windsor Farms/Near West End, and some streets off Riverside Dr. or around Maymont/Byrd Park.
Historic green space with a 3.4 mile paved path around ponds, forest, azealia gardens, and playing fields. Add-ons include dirt singletrack paths like the one along Jordan’s Branch.
Great running on this classic open air campus, with beautiful brick buildings, manicured courtyards, and the lovely Westhampton Lake at its heart. Can be combined with other paths and streets in the area.
The 64 miles of paved bike paths, double track fire roads, and dirt trails of scenic Pocahontas State Park are definitely worth the 30 minute drive from Richmond. Popular trails are the Old Mill bike path and the Beaver Lake loop.
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Essentials
Monument Ave is 1.6 miles one-way; Capitol is 2 miles from Robert E Lee Memorial. Combined route is ~7 miles out and back
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