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I did a poll recently on our running group Delhi Runners about the favorite running routes of the members. This was done with the intent of deciding the prospective locations to hold the monthly Delhi Runners Half Marathon runs, the first of which happened recently in Nehru Park, Chanakyapuri. In this post, let me share the results of that poll, and what the members have as their favorite routes in Delhi NCR.
Here’s a look at the results which I collected and represented visually using Google maps.
View Delhi NCR Running Routes in a larger map
See below on the number of votes received for each of the above routes, i.e. number of folks which consider this route as their favorite.
- Nehru Park – 9 votes
- Lodi Gardens – 7 votes
- Deer Park – 4 votes
- India Gate – 3 votes
- Jahanpanah City Forest – 3 votes
- Japanese Park, Rohini – 3 votes
- Leisure Valley, Gurgaon – 3 votes
- Delhi University – 1 votes
- Jawaharlal Nehru University – 1 votes
- Khan Market – 1 votes
- Jor bagh, Lodi Colony – 1 votes
- Sector-93, Noida – 1 votes
- Central Ridge Reserve Forest – 1 votes
- Sanjay Lake Park – 1 votes
- Greater Noida – 1 votes
- Raj Ghat – 1 votes
- District Park, Pitampura – 1 votes
- Shalimar Bagh – 1 votes
- Asola Wildlife Sanctuary – 1 votes
- Gautam Buddha Park, Noida – 1 votes
So, whats your favorite running route in Delhi NCR? Any particular route which comes to your mind, and which I might have missed. Do you think any route in this list deserves a higher spot in the list and any particular features of that route which make it great which you would like to mention?
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I practice in Indian Agricultural Research Institute popularly known as Pusa institute. The institute established in 1934 has large number of huge trees of neem, jamun and arjuna on both sides of its central road connecting Inderpuri side gate to Patel Nagar side, about 3.5 km. I consider Pusa as the best place in Central Delhi.
@Sanjay: Yes, I think there are some good locations missing, but some for valid reasons. For e.g. trying to do a 21K inside Noida Stadium will really be boring, I would like to do it on a longer loop.
I am surprised that Millenium Park (on ring road between Sarai Kale Khan and Pragati Maidan) has been missed out by Delhi Runners. There is lot of space, no walking crowd, good size lap, slight ups n downs, and above all one of the best grasses Delhi has.
Another very good option is Noida Statium. There is a wide sand track of about 1.1 km encircling all the grounds.
However, Sunday Fun Club members prefer India gate to Rashterpati Bhawan, the 5 Km retrun lap above all routes. Most part of it can be done on grass or sand also. The best ambience, best winds, the straightness of the stretch is thrilling and awesome.
@Ravi: Most of the points you mentioned were probably taken into account by the runners, longer loops, soft surface, little traffic, accessibility. That is why 4 of the top-5 routes are all parks, and all 5 are centrally located in the city.
I don't know on what basis people have voted. I think following factors should be considered before choosing the park for organizing monthly runs (in the same order)
1. Running track: I prefer running on dirt tracks. Running on roads gives me pain in the knees.
2. Green area: Parks like Pitam Pura District park are densely covered with trees.
3. Loop distance: Personally I would prefer tracks with atleast 4 or 5KM
4. Location/Accessibility: Should not be too far and easily accessible by all.
5. Width of track: The dirt track of Nehru place is too narrow. I don't like stopping or slowing down.
These are my personal preferences but I feel that we should explore all the parks one by one. I find it extremely boring to run in the same park all the time
@Rohit: My guess is it just may be Jahanpanah forest, a great park opposite Don Bosco school, with some nice elevation changes as well. The loop is just about 7KM.
What is the longest route in Delhi? I have done Nehru park and it seemed like around 2 KM.