From Coach Toby…
Today’s run has been a wildcard favorite in season’s past. The route itself is a simple one – you’ll be running through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach and back, The route includes paved path pedestrian sidewalk and well-groomed non-technical trails. If you are new to trails, this is a great way to start!
Distances
Run all the way to the beach for a little over six miles.
If you would like a slightly shorter distance, turn around at Sunset Blvd for about 4.5-5 miles.
Route maps:
Please review the route. This is a simple out and back, east to west/west to east course.
Directions:
-Exiting the stadium’s west entrance, turn right and then left at cross Kezar Drive to get to the traffic light.
-At the traffic light, cross over and into Golden Gate Park on MLK Jr Drive.
-MLK will intersect Bowling Green Drive just shortly after you enter the park. Cross over Bowling Green and turn left to stay on MLK.
-Continue on the right side paved path on MLK all the way to 19th Ave/Crossover Drive. This is a multi-lane traffic light controlled intersection.
-Cross safely through the intersection and continue on MLK.
-Immediately thereafter, MLK will intersect with Transverse Dr (right side).
-Make a LEFT here at the pedestrian crosswalk to transition over to the paved path on the left side of MLK.
-After crossing MLK turn right and immediately look for a dirt trail entrance on your left. We’ll try to put some chalk down here for you.
-You’ll run along this trail until its very end for the longer distance or turn around at Sunset Blvd for the shorter distance. -The trail runs parallel and in-between Lincoln Way (on the left) and MLK (on the right).
-You’ll cross over 25th Avenue at Lincoln Way, Sunset Blvd (shorter distance turnaround), and Chain of Lakes Drive.
-The trail ends at Lincoln Drive and MLK Jr. Drive.
-Continue west to the Great Highway, cross over the Great Highway at the stoplight, and run up the dunes to greet the Pacific Ocean.
-A great spot for views and pics before heading back the way you came to Kezar Stadium.
Enjoy!