Tips From Locals on Walking & Running in Ruston/Old Town
The waterfront of Ruston/Old Town is perfect for walkers and runners of all skill levels. We asked some of our residents about the best places to take a walk or run in the scenic Ruston/Old Town area, and they gave us the inside scoop on spots they love, why they love them, and a little background on the distances, terrain, and difficulty levels of these particular routes.
Here are some inside tips from our locals on walking and running in Ruston/Old Town:
For Beginners
If you are just starting your exercise journey and want something simple, Marguerite Giguere has the perfect suggestion for you. “As a beginning runner, I like to park on Ruston at Chinese Reconciliation Park and run towards Point Ruston,” she says. “It's 3 miles of easy flat sidewalk! The best part is the amazing views of Commencement Bay. On the walk (or run) back you can see Mt. Rainier looming over the city and the bay. Spectacular.”
For some great views and an easy start to your workout regimen, this route along Ruston Way is the way to go.
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For a More Intense Workout
If you’re a little more advanced in your workouts and looking for a new challenge, check out Marisa Merritt’s suggested route. “For one of the best conditioning runs, park at the end of Ruston near Northern Fish Co., do a quick lil warm-up on Ruston Way, and then up the hill you go! Head up McCarver Hill for about 0.5 miles, hang a left on Tacoma Ave. for another mile, and left on 1st to hit the famous Stadium (High School) steps (also the scene of the movie 10 Things I Hate About You!). Do each flight around the Stadium, and then back down the hill you go back to your car. (Small side-note: there could be possible fence jumping involved to get into Stadium… just another added conditioning method; second small side-note: STRETCH your calves if you want to walk the next day!).”
Follow this route on your next daily run and you’ll be set to take on any challenge in no time!
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If you want to extend your walk (and your view of the breathtaking scenery) even longer, check out the Waterwalk at Point Ruston.
A new amenity along the shores of the Tacoma waterfront, this area has quickly become a popular destination among both residents and visitors. Beautiful views of Mt. Rainier and Commencement Bay make for a relaxing leisure walk or romantic stroll, while the 100-foot wide trail system gives you the perfect amount of space to get in a great cardio workout. Dog-friendly and with fun, historical touches, the Waterwalk is the ideal spot for all of your summertime fitness needs.