Course Descriptions

To better handle the flow of runners, we have implemented a few changes in the courses this year, so please study the course maps carefully.  5K runners will run one loop; 10K runners will run two loops; and 15K runners will run three loops.  All runners finish on Esplanade on their last loop.  10K and 15K runners still turn onto Bald Cypress from Merchant’s Row to start their second (10K and 15K) and third (15K) loops.  The D-tag will be back to help with scoring and to record 5K and 10K splits on Bald Cypress.   This year all runners will stay up on Grove Park for the first loop instead of turning left on the narrow trail by the lake.  In addition, a little past the mile and half spot (near the corner of Endicott and Grove Park, 5K runners will be directed to the right side of the street, and 10K & 15K runners will be sent to the left side.  Below is a more detailed description, please review this and the maps carefully!  Also please be a courteous runner and remember  -- runners should line up based on their expected pace.  Only runners expecting to average faster than 6 minutes per mile should be in the front rows.   The slower you expect to run, the farther back from the start line you should be.  Thanks.

All Runners

The 5K, 10K and 15K all start together on Esplanade Way, north of the sign for Shusters-Eatz’ Café.  All runners head south to Shumard Oak, take a left turn and stay on the left side of the median.  Continue east on Shumard Oak all the way to Grove Park Drive.  Turn right on Grove Park and proceed around the lake in a counter clockwise direction (the mile mark is just after the turn).  After another half mile or so, near the intersection of Endicott and Grove Park, runners will begin separating.  5K runners will stay to the right side of Grove Park, while 10K and 15K runners stay to the left.  Continue on Grove Park to Mulberry, and take a right.  5K runners must stay to the right of the median on Mulberry, while 10K and 15K runners will stay to the left.   Stay on Mulberry until it intersects with Four Oaks, where all runners turn left.  5K runners must stay on the right side of the median, while 10K and 15K runners will stay to the left.  Continue south on Four Oaks until reaching the intersection at Merchant’s Row, where you will turn right.  5K runners stay to the right of all medians on Merchant’s Row, and 10K ad 15K runners stay to the left.

5K Runners

After following the directions for All Runners (above), you should be on Merchant’s Row.  Proceed on the right side of Merchants Row to Esplanade, turn left on Esplanade and proceed to the finish.  DO NOT TURN on Bald Cypress.

Second Loop - 10K and 15K Runners

After following the directions for All Runners (above), you should be on Merchant’s Row.  Turn left on Bald Cypress and proceed south to the 5K/10K split point (you will cross over a mat which will record your 5K/10K splits) to pick up the 10K loop.  Continue to Shumard Oak, turn left, and keep to the left side of the road. Proceed to the Four Oaks intersection, and this time turn left.  Proceed north to the turnaround point just south of Calumet Drive where a cone will be located.  Circle the cone and head south on Four Oaks to Riverton.  Turn left on Riverton and proceed to Grove Park.  Turn right on Grove Park and proceed counter clockwise around the lake.  Just before the intersection with Terebone, runners turn left on the Central Park Lake Trail and follow the trail clockwise around the lake until exiting on the north access path by the club. Turn left when the trail intersects Grove Park.  Stay on the left side of the road and proceed to Mulberry.  Run up Mulberry to Four Oaks again, and turn left on Four Oaks.  Stay on the left side of the road and proceed to Merchant’s Row. 

10K Runners

After following the directions for All Runners and Second Loop – 10K and 15K Runners (above), turn right on Merchant’s Row and stay on the left side of the road.  Continue to Esplanade (DO NOT turn left on Bald Cypress), turn left on Esplanade and proceed to the finish. 

Third Loop - 15K Runners

After following the directions for All Runners and Second Loop - 10K and 15K Runners (above), turn right on Merchant’s Row, then left on Bald Cypress to repeat the second loop.  Turn right on Mulberry and proceed on the left side of the road to Four Oaks again, and turn left on Four Oaks.  Stay on the left side of the road and proceed to Merchant’s Row.  Turn right on Merchant’s Row and stay on the left side of the road. This time the end is near, and you should continue down Merchant's Row to Esplanade Way (no more left turns on Bald Cypress) where you will turn left on Esplanade and proceed to the 15K finish.