Jogging in Sarasota or Venice (North Port, Englewood: 2010, middle schools, live in)

[Rich2010]

If I move to Sarasota or Venice, where can I jog on a non-paved surface -- either a school running track or a park running trail?

[AnotherDayInParadise]

Here's a link to the Sarasota County parks system... a great map to illustrate the abundance of locations! Many of them have dirt trails. I imagine if you google ones that peak your interest you'll find more detailed information.

Another hidden gem is Myakka State Forest, off of River Road heading into Englewood. It ONLY has dirt trails, and plenty of them. Beautiful scrub pine forest. TAKE WATER. There are no facilities and you will be in full sun for 98% of your run.

Also, don't forget to check out the area's state parks. Oscar Scherer would fit the bill, certainly.

And, of course... there's the beaches!

[Rich2010]

Very nice post, "AnotherDayInParadise" -- there certainly is a large selection of parks to look at!

Should I also assume that most of the area high schools have decent cinder or resilient surface 400 meter or 440 yard running tracks?

Beaches are more questionable for serious jogging. The sand tends to be either too soft or too hard-packed. Also, running long distances on a sloped surface tends to produce muscle injuries.

[dmccauley]

Sarasota Middle School has a track.

[AnotherDayInParadise]

I'm sorry... I don't have kids and am not familiar with the individual schools and their facilities. I have been to the NPHS (I live in North Port) football stadium, and there is a track. What it's made out of and how long it is... couldn't tell you. But hopefully someone will chime in on this thread who has kids run track or play ball at one the many schools in Sarasota County.

[Rich2010]

Originally Posted by dmccauley

Sarasota Middle School has a track.

Right you are. I just looked at the Google satellite picture; it shows up clear as day.

Thanks.

[BucFan]

Originally Posted by Rich2010

Very nice post, "AnotherDayInParadise" -- there certainly is a large selection of parks to look at!

Should I also assume that most of the area high schools have decent cinder or resilient surface 400 meter or 440 yard running tracks?

Beaches are more questionable for serious jogging. The sand tends to be either too soft or too hard-packed. Also, running long distances on a sloped surface tends to produce muscle injuries.

Do the schools usually allow people to run on their tracks?

[loves2read]

I don't know about FL -- in TX my local isd has tracks at both high schools and some of the middle schools that are open even in evenings--but they don't run the lights like they used to for people to walk at night...the track at the football field is not left unlocked however--too much opportunity for vandalism/damage if it were open