Columbia Neighborhood Running

Shandon: The Shandon neighborhood is just east of downtown Columbia, close to the University of South Carolina campus. It’s a lovely residential area with modest homes and pretty tree-lined streets. Old Shandon is the highlight, with gems like Queen Street, Cypress Street, and Martin Luther King Jr. Park. The Rosewood area just south of Shandon is also pleasant, especially the north to south streets. For more distance, the USC campus is a great add-on. Runners can also continue up Main Street to Finlay Park. ROUTE MAP.

Lake Katherine: Lake Katherine is a favorite local running spot, known for its quiet streets, waterfront views, and pretty homes. The main loop around the lake follows Kilbourne Road to Sanford Drive to Kathwood Drive (which turns into Woodlake Drive). Turn RIGHT onto Shady Lane, loop around Milford Road, then go RIGHT onto Kilbourne to finish the loop. It’s 5k around, but Quail Lane and Heath Hill on the north end of the lake make nice add-ons. ROUTE MAP.

Lake Carolina: This ritzy residential neighborhood is located along Rice Creek in the far northeast of Columbia. There are some great sidewalks, rolling hills, and posh architecture. Runners can follow Lake Carolina Drive, which has a wide paved sidewalk that resembles a multi-use path. It forms a 4 mile one-way crescent around the neighborhoods surrounding the lake. Other great streets in the area include Shoreline Drive, Harbor Drive, and Harborside Circle. ROUTE MAP.

Wildewood: Wildewood is another favorite residential area for running in Columbia. Think towering pines, pretty manicured yards, and pedestrian paths winding around glimmering ponds. There are not many sidewalks in this area, but traffic is light so it’s not much of a concern. We recommend a loop around the ponds. Some of our favorite streets are Running Fox Road, Duck Pond Road, and Holiday Road, but almost anywhere you go in this area is beautiful. We’ve mapped a 5k route for reference. ROUTE MAP.