A run across the Ponte Newton Navarro is a highlight of running in Natal. Completed in 2007, the bridge sits 55m above the Potengi River ( Rio Potengi), and features dramatic views of the river, city, and sea. There are pedestrian/cyclist walkways on either side of the bridge — so running is permitted…and encouraged. PRO TIP: The bridge is beautifully lit at night.
Pedestrian Path on right. Google Street View
The bridge itself is 1.8 km long, but the run can be closer to 3 km one-way when access/egress is considered. There’s access on the Redinha (north) side from Avenida João Medeiros Filho. From the Santos Reis/Forte (south) side, access to the pedestrian path is via Avenida Presidente Café Filho. We’ve mapped a route starting from near Redinha Beach.
Longer Run: On the Redinha (north) side, add to the bridge with Barra do Rio Potengi, a scenic pier that goes for 0.7 km. You can also run on the 6+km Praia da Redinha.
On the Santos Reis (south) side, there’s some nice running around the historic Fortaleza dos Reis Magos. A highlight is the 0.5 km Av. Dr Zenilton Elias da Silva Douétts, which has beautiful views of the bay and bridge.
A run across the Ponte Newton Navarro is a highlight of running in Natal. Completed in 2007, the bridge sits 55m above the Potengi River ( Rio Potengi), and features dramatic views of the river, city, and sea. There are pedestrian/cyclist walkways on either side of the bridge — so running is permitted…and encouraged. PRO TIP: The bridge is beautifully lit at night.
Pedestrian Path on right. Google Street View
The bridge itself is 1.8 km long, but the run can be closer to 3 km one-way when access/egress is considered. There’s access on the Redinha (north) side from Avenida João Medeiros Filho. From the Santos Reis/Forte (south) side, access to the pedestrian path is via Avenida Presidente Café Filho. We’ve mapped a route starting from near Redinha Beach.
Longer Run: On the Redinha (north) side, add to the bridge with Barra do Rio Potengi, a scenic pier that goes for 0.7 km. You can also run on the 6+km Praia da Redinha.
On the Santos Reis (south) side, there’s some nice running around the historic Fortaleza dos Reis Magos. A highlight is the 0.5 km Av. Dr Zenilton Elias da Silva Douétts, which has beautiful views of the bay and bridge.
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Essentials
Bridge is 1.8 km long, but it's closer to 3 km one-way with access/egress. Options to extend on the north & south sides
There are hills on each side to accces the bridge
North or south sides
North side: Avenida João Medeiros Filho; South side: Avenida Presidente Café Filho
There's ~10 km of scenic waterfront running in Natal, with great views of the beach, water, & dunes. Three distinct sections that can be combined: Ponta Negra, Parque Das Dunes, and Petrópolis.
The best option for running in Natal outside the waterfront paths. Lovely, lush city park with a 2.5 km stone-surfaced trail running through it. Mainly forested, with some section alongside dunes, with nice views. Good shade option!
A unique experience is to try your hand running on Natal's famous dunes. It might only last 15 minutes but you'll remember it! A guide is required at Parque Das Dunes. Freer roaming is permitted at Dunas de Genipabu, in Extremoz. A challenge...
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Essentials
Bridge is 1.8 km long, but it's closer to 3 km one-way with access/egress. Options to extend on the north & south sides
There are hills on each side to accces the bridge
North or south sides
North side: Avenida João Medeiros Filho; South side: Avenida Presidente Café Filho
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!