Maps/Routes

We’re so lucky to live in such a terrain diverse place. For runners, picking a running spot is like choosing a bag of chips from a vending machine. We have everything from gorgeous trails to scenic streets to hills and more hills. Below are some of my favorite places chosen after years of running just about everything in the Bay. If you have any additions, please leave a comment. I will be updating this list as the site grows. Click on the route name for a complete map and mile estimate.

Streets

• Burlingame Avenue loop: A great 3-4 mile route that takes you down California and up into the OLA neighborhood. Window shopping to keep you entertained. Just be careful crossing the street on California where drivers aren’t always paying attention. 
• Hillsborough loop: This is a pretty little 3 mile loop from San Mateo to Hillsborough that keeps you on paved or sidewalk streets. 

Recreational trails

 

• Sawyer Camp: Most of you  probably know about this 12 mile round-trip trail. It’s my favorite spot for both it’s scenery and sentiment (It’s been a hangout of mine since I was a kid). I love running this early in the morning when the fog lifts off the reservoir. 
• Bay Trail: This system of paved and gravel trails along the Bay front is eye-candy. There’s everything from kiteboarders to ferrel cats to Bay views. Be aware that on windy or cold days this spot is no good. My favorite starting point is Seal Point Park in San Mateo. The San Carlos starting point  (marked as the end point on this map) behind the Pacific Athletic Club is also a good starting point.

 

Trails (beginner)

 

• Crystal Springs Cross Country Track: Another childhood favorite since I grew up down the street from this cross-country track that’s used by both high school and colleges. It’s a little-known spot just inside Hallmark Park and is considered a quick 2.95 mile run with shorter hills and a nicely graded track. Two things: In the summer you may come across a rattlesnake or two. Don’t worry, they are largely harmless. On a really hot day, this is very, very brutal because it’s exposed. 
• Waddell Creek and Rancho del Oso, Big Basin:  This is a drive, but it’s a lovely run that takes you through two farms and a Redwood forest. It’s almost entirely flat, but it will give you a great idea of what it’s like to run on a trail. 

 

Trails (Advanced)

• Purisima Creek: Hard. You’ll love this trail as you head down hill, but then you have some brutal uphill work.  A portion of the trail runs through the redwoods. 

Hills

 

• Hillsdale/Alameda: Serious, serious hill work. It’s a long, steep climb if you head up Hillsdale. If you head up Alameda it’s a less intense climb, but can be brutal nonetheless. 
• Ralston Avenue/Alameda: A nice long hill that’s great for repeaters or trail training. 

 

Track

 

• Burlingame High School: One of the only lighted tracks on the Peninsula so you can do your speed work at night. Bonus is you can catch a soccer game or football/cheerleading practice during the school year, which is endlessly entertaining for so many reasons. 

Kid-friendly

• Bay Trail: This is the best place to run with a child in that there’s so much for them to look at: cats, kiteboarders, airplanes and the golf course. There’s also a treat for them at the end of the run — Ryder Park or Coyote Point. 
• Sawyer Camp: Paved and relatively sheltered in inclement weather, this is a good site for running with a kid. On weekends, however, it can get over-crowded.  
• Hillsdale/Alameda: You can push your stroller up these hills for extra credit.  
• Ralston Avenue/Alameda: Again, extra points for pushing a stroller.
• Burlingame High School: You can run with your jog stroller, just stay to the outside. Even better, bring a friend and have one person entertain the child in the in field while you sprint a lap.