On the Run in…
Sudbury, Ont.
Pretend we’re on a game show: according to a 2015 Stats Canada report, this Canadian city has the happiest people. What is Sudbury? (Obviously, we answered in the form of a question in homage to Jeopardy! host and Nickel City’s favourite son, Alex Trebek).
As the heart of Canada’s resources industry, Sudbury achieved notoriety i n 1972 when nasa astronauts used its barren, rocky, meteorite-impacted landscape as a training ground for the final moon mission. But the mining town’s gritty exterior belies a remarkable vibrancy, and visitors don’t need to look far for its charms. The Greater Sudbury Area boasts 330 lakes, breathtaking nature (including Onaping High Falls) and among the best trail systems in Ontario.
Part of the population’s happiness must be the result of runner’s high – Sudbury’s booming running community has grown exponentially in the past decade. “Our city’s passionate group of runners increases every year,” says Vince Perdue, a founding member of the Sudbury Rocks Running Club. “One of the advantages of living here is the mix of urban and wilderness terrain and large number of lakes within the city limits.” Follow some of our routes to find your own pathway to Sudbury bliss.
Start with a mostly f lat, urban course just shy of 8k. Begin at the TERRY FOX SPORTS COMPLEX a. Run north to Lasalle Boulevard. and then go east, past Lasalle Cemetery, to Lansing Avenue. Cut north through the neighbourhood until you reach the Timberwolf Golf Club. Run back following the same route for a solid long run. Tour the bulk of the city’s downtown attractions on a shorter run by heading north along Paris Street from Bell Park. Continue as the street transitions into Notre Dame Avenue until you reach Lasalle Boulevard.
For a rugged middle-distance run, follow the four-lane highway trail at LAKE NEPAHWIN b. The 10k route ends at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School.
Enjoy a scenic 21.1k-long r un around Ramsey L ake. Beginning at LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY c, r un counter-clock wise a round t he la ke. The f irst 8k feat ures bush t ra ils a nd hills, which t aper into soft ly rolling count r y.