This Sat, Aug. 18th, we will be running a new route, the GWK Shady Route, named for the 3 parks you run through (Glover Archbold, Wesley Heights, and Battery Kemble). The listed route mileage is 17.5 miles, with options for more or less. Check the cue sheet and map for full details. Even though its a "new" route most of these areas should be familiar. Please keep in mind (as with our Glover routes) to please be careful and watch your footing on the trails. Some spots such as creek crossings or steep inclines may even require walking. We continue to meet at the park at 1300 Arlington Blvd. at 7am all summer.
Please thank Rich Mendelowitz and Chris Britz for our post-run Beverages, and Abigail Potter has been nice enough to provide our mid-run drinks. Fall months are open (and fast approaching) for post-run beverage volunteers - please email slr@dcroadrunners.org if you can help out.
In other club news, there are plenty of great races coming up, check the DCRRC website and the upcoming events for details - also, with all these great races come volunteer needs!
Directions: Head through Rosslyn, cross Key bridge, go down to the right to get on the C&O Canal Towpath heading West. Take Stairs down; go through creepy tunnel, curl up to the right, then right again to enter Glover Archbold Park. Continue on Glover Trails, crossing Reservoir Road NW and then back on Glover trail. At about 3.2 total miles in, watch for a sign on the left directing you to Battery Kemble Park. Take a left onto this side trail (if you hit New Mexico Ave you have gone too far). Follow side-trail as it crosses a small streambed, up some man-made stairs, and veers right. This will hit 44th Street NW. Cross the street, go a little to the right on this street, then go left to continue on trail. You are now in Wesley Heights Park. Stay on trail following signs to Battery Kemble Park. Careful as some sections are steep. Later cross Foxhall Rd NW and get back on trail. Cross 49th St. NW, now entering Battery Kemble Park. After you cross a small footbridge, trail comes to a "T", go left here. Eventually you will come out of Battery Kemble Park. Turn right onto MacArthur Blvd NW, then a left onto Chain Bridge Road NW (run toward the "No Outlet" sign). Now go right onto the trail from an old Railroad trail-bed. In less than ¼ mile you will pass by the Palisades Recreation Center and Baseball field. Take trail-bed until it ends at Galena Pl NW, go left on this street, up hill, then right on Potomac Ave NW. Great views up here! Take Potomac Ave until it hits the water treatment plant, and take the trail cut through on Left to get down to the Capital Crescent Trail. Go left on Capital Crescent back towards DC (or opt for C&O Canal Towpath if you prefer trail). Pass Fletcher's Boat House. Stay on the trail then start another loop through Glover Park to make it a 17.5 mile run, or head directly back for a 10.5 mile run. Stay on the trail, back to Georgetown, take Key bridge through Rosslyn. Finish.
Water and restrooms available in the Palisades park (next to kids' baseball fields) and then again at Fletcher's Boathouse.
Mileage Options:
- 10.5: Do route as written, but just do one loop of trails, come back via Key Bridge
- 13.5: Do route as written, but just do one loop of trails and come back through Georgetown, take Rock Creek Park Trail south, cross Memorial Bridge
- 17.5: Do route exaxctly as written (two loops of trails), come back via Key Bridge
- 20.5: Do route as written (two loops of trails), but then come back through Georgetown, take Rock Creek Park Trail south, cross Memorial Bridge
- 24.5: Do 3 loops of trails! Come back via Key Bridge
Have fun out there! Should be nice weather and easy to stay cool in the shade.
-- Erik
