Safe Running Route?

[It'sJessMe]

Have to drop the kids off at a birthday party at the Univ city swim club tomorrow and that's my only window to run. If I just run east from there it should be safe right? Are there any tracks that will be open to the public on a Sunday morning? (Yes, short notice, I doubt anyone will see this in time). Is Franklin Fields open to the public? Thanks!

[FourS]

Running south or east from there you'll be fine. I really enjoy running in West Philly. I don't know how far you plan on running, but you could incorporate Clark Park, the Penn Campus or Powelton Village in the run if you plan on going east. I sometimes run deep into West Philly, but I'm not terribly concerned with safety. Franklin Field is often open to the public but I don't know if it will be tomorrow.

Have fun.

[It'sJessMe]

Running south or east from there you'll be fine. I really enjoy running in West Philly. I don't know how far you plan on running, but you could incorporate Clark Park, the Penn Campus or Powelton Village in the run if you plan on going east. I sometimes run deep into West Philly, but I'm not terribly concerned with safety. Franklin Field is often open to the public but I don't know if it will be tomorrow.

Have fun.

Thanks! Usually i do around 10-12 miles on Sundays but with the kids party I won't have time for that, hopefully I'll get in 8. Will look at a route for Clark Park, that sounds nice, thanks!

[mfroehlich]

If you ever find yourself in West Philly again, on a Sunday morning, looking for a route, run west on Locust, Spruce, Pine, Osage, or any street, really. Then, when you get to Cobbs Creek, go north or south to the next block, and run back. Repeat as time permits. You'll hear a dozen gospel choirs pouring out of a dozen different churches on nearly every corner. It's one of my favorite Sunday morning runs.

[FourS]

There are a lot of good 10 mile runs that could begin in West Philly. A few weeks ago I started at my house in Spruce Hill, meandered through Powelton Village, Fairmount, Brewerytown, etc. and wound up checking out how much the Temple Campus has changed in the last few years. By the time I got home I think it was about 10-11 miles. Probably not the safest route, but I wish I had the time to do it more often. Cobbs Creek park is also kinda cool but, again, not completely safe.

[annie]

Have to drop the kids off at a birthday party at the Univ city swim club tomorrow and that's my only window to run. If I just run east from there it should be safe right?

I have found running west to be safer than trying to go east and around Clark Park (boring) with all the traffic and cars. I am as concerned with my safety as anyone and have never had an issue going out to Cobbs Creek.

[schmoe]

I'm late to the party, but I thought I'd let you know there are plenty of routes mapped out at USATF.org.
A cursory search for West Philly and University City turns up the following lists of routes, some of which were mapped out by, er, someone I know very well.
West Philly Routes
University City Routes

[It'sJessMe]

Thanks! I hadn't looked there but had looked at maps from MapMyRun and found a 7.2 mile one that looped from 50th and Walnut up to City Hall and back. I didn't quite do that, the hills and heat at 10:30 am were not helpful, but I ran from 49th and Spruce to 24th and Market and back. Really nice run, certainly safe. But Spruce is all uphill both ways there!

[Alley]

I'm late to answer, but for future West Philly Runners might be able to help. They are a nice group of people even if you don't run with them you might be able to find a route on their site. West Philly Runners

[seand]

Not a runner but I've heard good things both about running along Cobbs Creek and laps around Woodland Cemetary. I'd agree that traffic (and getting away from it) is probably the biggest safety issue.