fbpx

Poulsbo is a great area to get out and run

pic1

What motivates you to get out and run?   Is it the challenge of beating your best time, the rush of pushing yourself to the limit, the peace of the open road, or just the love of being outside?

For many in this area, the surrounding beauty is enough to get you out and to move.  Poulsbo has plenty to show off; from beautiful neighborhoods to waterways, to vast stretches of green pathways.

We asked one of our well-known and loved runners of the area, Suzie Banzar, to give us a few of her top areas to run.

Fjord Drive; One of her favorite routes would have to be along our downtown route; through downtown Poulsbo, onto Fjord, with stunning views of the water, and turning into Lemolo.  This route has it all and can be as long or short as you wish.

Liberty Bay Boardwalk; With plenty of parking around our Poulsbo Rec Center, it’s a perfect starting point.  An easy run along Front Street, or cut down through Nelson Park to run the boardwalk, which follows the shores of Liberty Bay.  Stunning views of the mountains, water, and our Poulsbo Marina.  Past the Marina, head back up to reach Fjord for more waterfront views. Fjord turns into Lemolo, and along with it brings the trees and some shade.

pic2pic3

A local neighborhood, which the locals lovingly call Skittleville, is stunning this time of year.  The colors of the changing of the leaves can be breathtaking.  Add this neighborhood onto your Fjord/Lemolo route for a lengthier run.

pic4

Our local Clear Creek Trail, as you head into the Silverdale, is a fun 3-5 mile run.  It winds through pathways of wooden bridges, over the wetlands, and beautiful open field spaces.  These trails are perfect for all ages; many moms with strollers and children on bikes, in tow, can be found on these paths each day.

Poulsbo’s Fish Park provides a perfect little jaunt through Liberty Bay Estuary and viewing spots of Dogfish Creek, over the wooden pathways.  Add on some mileage along the wide sidewalks of Viking Way.

Port Gamble Trails provides fun for everyone.  Mountain bikers and horse-riders share the paths with runners, and provides some of the best trail runs around! On any given day, you will find groups of all sorts enjoying nature out there.  But be careful, downloading a map is a must, or you may get lost.

For more serious runners, check out the Roots Rock Racing series, sponsored by our very own Poulsbo Running.  From the Spooky 12k on Halloween to a 5k and trail half marathon race, there is always a great race to join in on!

pic5

In addition to Suzie’s love for running, she has a passion for her volunteer work with Girls On The Run (GOTR).  GOTR sessions run through Spring and Fall; building girls’ self-confidence and a love of running.

Happy Trails!

Roots Rock Run: Spooky 12k

Starting and finishing in Port Gamble, the hills aren’t the only scary part of this race! Dress up for this one, with the best costume contest to follow the race. The Spooky 1 Miler is free and for the kids only. Run into the woods and follow the trail to see the old bears den before running back to town!

Roots Rock Run:
This is a fun, challenging set of races through beautiful single track trails and dirt roads. Set in historic Port Gamble, the races are sure to please those seeking a fun, rugged alternative to the road. The trails are in the town’s privately owned 4300 acre tree farm, which is home to deer, owls, coyotes, bears, and other animals!
This year all the races will start and finish at the Uplands ( gate 6), just south of Port Gamble off SR104.
Shirts will be printed up only once, to guarantee shirt size and availability entry must be paid 10 days prior to the day of race.
We will once again have the Course Record challenge. Beat the course record for any of the courses, male and female, and win $25.00
As usual we will have a ton of swag to give away after the races…. thanks to everyone who has participated and helped make these races so successful, we look forward to seeing you again.

Roots Rock Run: Port Gamble Half Marathon

A challenging course through beautiful single track trails and dirt roads. This run has a little bit of it all, with plenty of hills and fast descents. We will have beer, soda and food for all participants so stick around after.

Roots Rock Run:
This is a fun, challenging set of races through beautiful single track trails and dirt roads. Set in historic Port Gamble, the races are sure to please those seeking a fun, rugged alternative to the road. The trails are in the town’s privately owned 4300 acre tree farm, which is home to deer, owls, coyotes, bears, and other animals!
This year all the races will start and finish at the Uplands ( gate 6), just south of Port Gamble off SR104.
Shirts will be printed up only once, to guarantee shirt size and availability entry must be paid 10 days prior to the day of race.
We will once again have the Course Record challenge. Beat the course record for any of the courses, male and female, and win $25.00
As usual we will have a ton of swag to give away after the races…. thanks to everyone who has participated and helped make these races so successful, we look forward to seeing you again.

Roots Rock Running – Forest 5k

The Forest 5K is a great run for trail vets and beginners alike. The course combines gentle logging roads with some pretty single track.

Root Rocks Run:
This is a fun, challenging set of races through beautiful single track trails and dirt roads. Set in historic Port Gamble, the races are sure to please those seeking a fun, rugged alternative to the road. The trails are in the town’s privately owned 4300 acre tree farm, which is home to deer, owls, coyotes, bears, and other animals!
This year all the races will start and finish at the Uplands ( gate 6), just south of Port Gamble off SR104.
Shirts will be printed up only once, to guarantee shirt size and availability entry must be paid 10 days prior to the day of race.
We will once again have the Course Record challenge. Beat the course record for any of the courses, male and female, and win $25.00
As usual we will have a ton of swag to give away after the races…. thanks to everyone who has participated and helped make these races so successful, we look forward to seeing you again.