Running in the Emerald Necklace

Run Boston Challenge

The objective: complete 20 runs from the book, Great Runs in Boston, covering 130 miles, by December 15th. Participants receive a "run card" by buying the book and registering at a Marathon Sports store. The routes can be done in any order, in segments, by running or walking.

The objective of the Challenge is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle, with an event accessible to all types of runners and walkers, exploring Boston's great areas. The Challenge includes Boston's great neighborhoods, entire HarborWalk, Emerald Necklace, Charles River Paths, and many new paths and "hidden gems".

Two New Runners’ Guides Feature Emerald Necklace Runs

Whenever I have the urge to go out for a run, I never know which running path is best to take or where to go? Thanks to Mark Lowenstein, an outdoor enthusiast and long-time, non- competitive, 5 mile-a-day runner, I have a better sense of where to run.

Lowenstein has written two running guide books, complete with maps, for the Brookline and Boston areas - Great Runs in Brookline and Vicinity and Great Runs in Boston. Both books offer routes ranging from easy to difficult, and many give the reader options to lengthen or shorten the runs.

As a recreational runner in the Boston area for more than 20 years, Lowenstein knows his subject matter well and considers the Emerald Necklace park system to be a great place to run. "There are so many hidden gems and clusters of places to go," he explains. His books also provide useful information such as the locations of rest room facilities, water fountains and details the lighting levels.

The "Three Pond Tour", a favorite run of his, is an 8.7 mile route that includes a loop around Jamaica Pond, and passes the F.L. Olmsted's homestead on Warren Street in Brookline. Another fantastic run is known as "Amazing Green: Olmsted Park, Jamaica Pond, Arnold Arboretum.’ This run is about 8.4 miles (with options to shorten) and traverses flat terrain.

If you're looking for a longer run through the Necklace, try Lowenstein's Ode to Olmsted: The Full Emerald Necklace From Boston Common to Franklin Park. This 10.2 mile run covers flat terrain and takes you on a marvelous tour through the Emerald Necklace parks.

From 'Easy Street "Quickie"' to 'Marathon Trainer,' Lowenstein literally covered all the territory as part of his research. Lowenstein hopes his books encourage people “to get out and get active," and to motivate casual/recreational runners to discover new routes. These guides will be appreciated by walkers and hikers as well because many of the routes.

Check out his new book Great Runs in Boston with even more running path options, available in Marathon Sports, Boston College and Boston University bookstores, Jamaicaway Books and Gifts on Centre Street, and online at www.greatruns.net.

Or contact the author himself at Mark.Lowenstein.greatruns.net

Runs that prominently feature Emerald Necklace parks

• Bakery Treat: Arnold Arboretum to Roslindale Center
• Three Pond Tour: Jamaica Pond, Brookline Reservoir, Chestnut Hill Reservoir
• The Fens
• Riverway Path and Jamaica Pond Loop
• Jamaica Pond-Arnold Arboretum-Franklin Park
• Three Historic Greens: Arnold Arboretum, Forest Hills Cemetery, Franklin Park
• Arnold Arboretum Run
• The Grand Loop: SW Corridor Park One Way, Riverway Path Return
• Historic Parkways : VFW Parkway and Corey St.