Where to Run in Houston

One of the places Haley Kurisky loves to run in Houston is the Rice running trail. Students this area the "Outer Loop," as it surrounds campus. 

November is one of my favorite months in Houston - not warm, but not really cold, either. With Thanksgiving and the holiday season upon us, I have dubbed November to be “the month of eating.” What does this mean for us? It means that we need a way to work off all that turkey and pumpkin pie. 

Weather in November in Houston is perfect for running, so why not stay ahead of the eating binge you’ll most likely indulge in? If you’re anything like me, though, you get bored of running on the treadmill after about three minutes. 

This month, I’ve compiled a list of fun places to run in Houston so even if you don’t really like working out, at least you’ll be surrounded by cool scenery. 

Rice University
I may be a little biased on this one, but Rice is a great place to run. The campus is surrounded by a running trail we call the “Outer Loop,” which is just short of three miles. Right by the medical center, the trail is full of fit doctors and students running, but is never too crowded. Perfect! For parking, you can park along Main Street, in Rice Village, or in one of the marked visitor lots around Rice’s campus that charge by the hour. 

Hermann Park Centennial Gardens
Located within Hermann Park, the Centennial Gardens consists of reflection pools, fountains, gardens, flowers, plentiful green space and a hill with a path to the top with a waterfall. It is absolutely beautiful on the weekends when the weather is nice. There is a rose garden and a Japanese garden, too. I try to walk here as many weekends as I can! 

Memorial Park
Memorial Park is a very popular running spot for Houstonians. There are even beach volleyball courts and a croquet center for anyone looking to pick up another sport on the way. Close to downtown, Memorial Park isn’t that far away from wherever you are, and there is plenty of parking. 

Your local high school
Maybe this sounds like a joke, but rumor is that J.J. Watt has been seen on the Memorial High School track running! Take a cue from the pros and visit your local high school running track to get inspired to get back into the same shape you were in in high school (we wish!). Most of the high schools tracks are open to the public after school days (ie. Around 4 pm), and for the most part, whenever there isn’t a high school sporting event happening on the track. 

Eleanor Tinsley Park
Get a good view of Buffalo Bayou and take cool pics of the Houston skyline while running here! Eleanor Tinsley is definitely one of the artsiest places in Houston and it includes a great running trail. 

River Oaks
As per a suggestion from my friend, neighborhoods in River Oaks are great places to run, especially during the holiday season, when you can go check out the beautiful Christmas lights and other holiday decorations. 

Hershey Park
Terry Hershey Park provides both hike and bike trails all across the city, so wherever you are, you’re probably fairly close to part of the park. If you need a break from running, go biking! 

Whether you like running or not, it’s a great time of year to go outside and enjoy the cooler weather. Take advantage of one of the nicer months in Houston!