Exotic Destination
Gilbert, Arizona
Looking to escape winter and elevate your spring training? Look no further than Gilbert, Ariz., with cool mornings, constant sun and daytime temperatures averaging in the mid-20s C. Gilbert was recently voted one of the best places to live in the U. S. for its local farm-to-table food scene, craft beer, histor ic a l dist r ict a nd, most importantly for runners, its trails. With more than 22 national parks and 35 state parks in the region, there is plenty of running to be done in the area.
Community to Community Run
In need of a long training run? Try the 30 km trail from Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Ariz., to the Agritopia neighbourhood in Gilbert. Part of the Sun Circle Trail, notable sights include parks at every kilometre as well as two riparian preserves that are home to local birds and other wildlife. Along the way, stop for snacks and refreshments at the Liberty Market, Arizona Wilderness Brewing or The Coffee Shop at the end of the road.
San Tan Mountain Regional Park Trail
Offering more than 13 kilometres of nature trails, the park includes views of the Sonoran Desert as well as wildlife such as javelinas and coyotes, plus a variety of plants native to the area. The park boasts an array of trails for both beginners and more advanced runners.
Eastern Canal Path
The Eastern Canal Path spans the entire length of this waterway through Mesa, Gilbert and Chandler in suburban Phoenix. The multipurpose trail is close to 20 miles in length and is a mix of gravel and asphalt. The path can easily be accessed at several sections, thanks to its proximity to a handful of residential areas and parks.
South Mountain
Located less than 30 minutes from Gilbert , Sout h Mountain of fer s runners a variety of short and long trails ranging from one to 14 kilometres, many of which can be combined for a longer outing. Many of the trails were built by inmate labour and Civilian Conservation Corpsmen in the 1930s. The t rails vary from f lat to steep switchbacks, providing incredible vistas of local rock formations, the desert valley and more. With close to 20 different trail options, there’s something for everyone.
With all the running to be done, delicious post-run grub and refreshing drinks are a must. Places like Agritopia and North Gilbert Road offer food options of all kinds plus top-notch local beer and wine. Getting a good night’s sleep is key in between runs, though, and luckily, the city of Gilbert offers a multitude of lodging options from Airbnbs to big hotels. Happy spring training!