Home › Forums › WSB Reader Recommendations › Public running track?
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May 30, 2008 at 6:04 am #587072
elgregoMemberAre any of the Seattle Public School running tracks open for public use? Or even better, are there any just plain old free-use tracks around? I’d like to pace myself and I’d like the level grade and known distance of a track, vice sidewalks or treadmills.
May 30, 2008 at 6:29 am #625626
JiggersMemberRight by West Seattle golf course there’s one or Chief Sealth high school has one as well off of Thistle I think.
May 30, 2008 at 6:58 am #625627
elgregoMemberOpen to the public?
May 30, 2008 at 9:08 am #625628
JanSParticipantthere’s somewhat of a track at Hiawatha playfield, too
May 30, 2008 at 2:25 pm #625629
shihtzuParticipantI always thought they were all open to the public as long as school isn’t in session, or the kids aren’t using them for after school stuff. I used to live up by Nathan Hale high school and used the track all the time. There were always a lot of adults using it.
May 30, 2008 at 4:25 pm #625630
addParticipantThe one by the golf course is definitely open to the public (unless there is some kind of track meet or football game going on). We used the one at CSHS last weekend, it is really nice!
And, I think shihtzu is right – I’m pretty sure the school facilities are open to the public outside of school hours.
May 30, 2008 at 5:10 pm #625631
elgregoMemberGreat to hear. Thanks!
May 30, 2008 at 5:56 pm #625632
flowerpetalMemberYes, the one across from Chief Sealth High is open to the public. I see people there at many different hours. When Sealth closes for two years (beginning later this month) I’m not sure if it will be used at all by the school. You can use the parking lot next to the community center and walk down to the track from there.
May 30, 2008 at 6:56 pm #625633
SAMemberAs one who doesn’t like the monotony of a track may I suggest running along Alki. There are 3.5 miles of sidewalk accurately marked off in 1/4 mile increments with approx 12″ square black painted blocks.
May 30, 2008 at 8:43 pm #625634
addParticipantSA, I agree – now that the weather is (finally) getting nicer I’m looking forward to getting back to Alki! The mile markers definitely help if you want to pace yourself, elgrego – and it’s much more fun than circling around a track losing count of how many laps you’ve done!
May 30, 2008 at 9:18 pm #625635
CMPParticipantHey, the mile markers are in the bike lane on the west side of Alki so watch out for cyclists and skaters by staying off to one side of that path. It sure beats running on a track…boring!
May 30, 2008 at 10:08 pm #625636
elgregoMemberI didn’t know about the Alki thing, but I’m not a fan of crowds, either. I’m timing myself for a military fitness test, and dodging dogs, strollers and couples walking hand in hand won’t give me a realistic time. I’m not a fan of boring tracks, but they’re kind of a necessary evil for me right now.
I’ll keep Alki in mind for fun runs in the future, though I live at the ass end of West Seattle.
May 30, 2008 at 10:18 pm #625637
addParticipantRunning at Alki on the weekdays, even in the summer, is not crowded at all. Especially if you run during the day and start at the south end – just under the WS Bridge, which is at about 3.5 miles. There is usually no one down at that end – you can turn around at mile 1 and avoid the crowds!
May 30, 2008 at 11:59 pm #625638
HuindekmiParticipantI never have problems with crowds when running along Alki. It could be because I run before 6AM. It’s downright pleasant at that hour!
For tracks, the one behind Madison Middle School has a nice surface made out of those recycled tires. Easy on the joints. And much better than the uneven dirt track at Hiawatha.
May 3, 2010 at 4:59 am #625639
Fancy NanParticipantDoes anyone know what the distance is for one lap around the running track at Madison Middle School?
Thanks
May 3, 2010 at 3:42 pm #625640
winterhawkMemberAs others have pointed out, there are several options for track running in the area.
There are also a few places where you can run on the road and avoid hills. Alki, West Marginal, lower Lincoln Park.
Depending on your goals, getting off the track is probably a good idea. By adding some hills and varying the terrain you’ll get stronger and faster than running on just a track. Then you can go back to the track to “test” yourself from time to time. Plus, running on the track gets old, fast.
I work at West Seattle Runner, 3727 California Ave, Suite 2-A (upstairs) 206-938-0545, we have running groups on Sunday mornings, and Wednesday at 6am/ 6pm. If you want to run with others, feel free to drop in.
You can also use tools like Google maps and Mapmyrun.com to measure distances for your favorite loops near home.
And then, if you want to get a little fancy, you can get a GPS watch and know your pace, distance and a whole lot more in real time.
Good luck on your goals,
I used Google maps to measure the Madison track and only came up with 334 meters, not 400.
Justin
May 3, 2010 at 5:50 pm #625641
me on 28th Ave SWParticipantSealth will actually be moving BACK to the campus on Thistle Ave SW this fall and shouldn’t have any impact on access to the track. Lots of people use the track and it has has the additional advantage of lots of parking and stairs that can be run if you are REALLY wanting to push it!
May 4, 2010 at 4:29 am #625642
ellenaterMemberMy son just started running at the Sealth Track. It’s super nice. I think as far as tracks go, that’s the best one for sure.
May 4, 2010 at 5:17 am #625643
Fancy NanParticipantThanks. I’ve been nursing a running injury and have been successfully running on a treadmill for the past few months. Trying to get outside and work up to the hard surfaces again. I like the soft Madison track, but yes it is very boring. Any recommendations on soft surface running in West Seattle where it’s easy on the joints with marked distances so I can know how far I am running? Not quite ready to invest in a GPS watch.
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