wustl runners/Forest Park

showmethedata
Tue, 06 Jun 2006 10:43:01 +0000

I’ve run in Forest Park in the morning (but not at 4:30!) for over 15 years and have had no problems, nor do I know of anyone who has. In fact, in the morning (6AM or later) its common to see more women running in Forest Park than men. Although I’m sure incidents occur occasionally, I’ve never heard of anything major. Even at 5AM you’d probably be safe if you stick to the main trails. The only possible exception might be Kennedy Forest on the SW side of the park, which has trails that run through dense woods. But even there I’ve not heard of people having problems. Overall, the trails are great: an asphalt one for bikers and bladers, and a fine gravel trail for walkers and runners; in a few spots the two converge. Forest Park is patrolled by rangers in cars and a few on horseback, although I doubt that they patrol 24/7. As far as running organizations, check out the WUMS men’s and women’s cross country teams (both extramural and intramural) and the St. Louis Track Club (http://www.stlouistrackclub.com/).