The Parque Dom Nivaldo Monte (also called Parque da Cidade) is a great place to run in Natal, and is the best option outside the waterfront running in the area. The Parque is a lush park a few km inland from Ponta Negra. A stone-surfaced path runs for 2.5 km through the park. The eastern end is more open, alongside dunes, and the west end is more forested. It’s a nice 5 km out & back, and a good shade option in Natal’s hot & sunny weather. 

The main trail name is the Trilha do Parque da Cidade. There are trailheads and parking at each end. A side trail runs for 0.8 km at the east end, making for a slight variation to the out & back run.