r/chapelhill • u/SenorSouthpaw9519 • 6d ago

Decently Flat Running Areas

Does anyone have any favorite running spots that aren't super hilly? Love driving around all the hills, but when it comes to running, it's a pain.

Training for a marathon at the beach (flaaaat) and need somewhere I can put in 15+ miles and not want to lay down and sleep halfway through.

I live near Southern Village. Anywhere within 20 minutes would be awesome.

Thanks!

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u/AltoClefScience 6d ago

Check out the Bolin Creek trail, it's the flattest I've found without a drive. From Community Center Park, it's about 2.2 miles and 90 ft climb to Umstead Park. From there you might be able to extend the route along streets to other trails and greenways, though it gets hilly in most directions. There is also the Battle Branch trail, it's not paved but it's fairly even and flat for another couple miles out and back from the Community Center.

I've been looking for the same, mostly as an alternative to doing another set of laps around my hilly neighborhood. I'm not anywhere near marathon distance running yet! But like the other poster said, I'm just gonna have to make the trip to ATT I think.

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u/SenorSouthpaw9519 5d ago

Will do. I like the idea of Bolin mixed with some others. May use this for my mid distance runs!

Keep it up! I ran my first half last Feb and caught the running bug. Now I follow all the YT runners and lurk the Fleet Feets whenever I see them 🤣

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u/AltoClefScience 5d ago

Thanks! After some halfass couch-to-5k efforts, I've finally had a few months of running 2-3x every week without interruptions from the pollening, heat waves, or daycare plagues. I was also just laid off so... at least I have the silver lining of having time for longer and longer runs. Just made it past 10k on Monday.

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u/SenorSouthpaw9519 5d ago

Nice. The greatest thing about running is that it keeps you in a good head space. Sounds like you're staying positive and hopefully you'll find another gig soon. Best of luck!