1. A Historical Look at Towpaths
A towpath is a road or a track that runs along the banks of a river or canal. In olden days, the towpaths allowed a land vehicle or animals to pull a barge when winds weren't cooperating. Today they are used recreationally by bikers, walkers and runners.
2. A Pleasant Place to Run
There are a few nice things about running on a towpath. For one, the ground is often firmly packed but not paved, so running is easy on your joints. You will have a nice view of the river or canal as you run, and if the weather is right you might get a nice breeze off the water. In many cases, you'll be able to watch boaters, kayakers, tubers and fisherman as you run. Most towpaths are also mile-marked, so there's no guessing about how far you've run. You also don't have to worry about car or truck traffic, since these vehicles can't travel on towpaths.
3. Learn to Share the Towpath
Even though there are no trucks or cars on the towpath, you won't be alone. Plenty of people cycle on towpaths, and some people walk alone or with their dogs. Therefore, you'll have to stay to the right as you run and be cautious about bikers. You might have the right of way, but it won't feel like it if you get hit by a cyclist.
4. Join an Organized Towpath Run
Many cities, including Cleveland and Washington, D.C., sponsor towpath marathons and other races on their towpaths. When you run on a towpath, it is as though you are transported back in time, because the towpath is a remnant of an earlier age. Many towpaths, such as the one that runs along the Delaware River that separates New Jersey and Pennsylvania, feature historic plaques that provide more information about the days when the towpaths played an important role in commerce. Many other countries, particularly England and Scotland, also preserved towpaths for use by runners and cyclists. They are fun to check out if you plan on taking a vacation to one of these places.
5. Lots of Locks
Some towpaths have locks that open for large boats. You will have to wait and run in place at these spots if the towpath locks are opening. You can also use these short breaks to do some stretching exercises.
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