Best Places to Run in State College, Pennsylvania

Great Places to Run in State College - And Running Shoes Under $50

By Caitlin Bauer

Forget the boring treadmill, stuffy gym building, and those ugly salt-streaked sneakers. Winter is over and the weather is warming up, so take your workout outside and treat yourself to some bright new running shoes (and don't worry - there are plenty of quality options under $50.)

1. The "View of Everything on Campus" Route (4.49 miles.)

The Route: Start at North Atherton Street and circle around East Park Avenue, University Drive, and East College Avenue. You'll run around the outskirts of campus and see a little bit of everything.

Route mapped at www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/state-college/381072733.

The Shoe: Nike Dart VI, $49.99

This shoe features waffle-textured sole for great traction (a major advantage considering State College's wet spring weather) and comes in twelve color combinations

Available at The Shoe Box, 214 E. College Ave., 814-238-4858

2. The Golf Course Route (3.78 miles.)

The Route: Run on the paved walkways surrounding the Penn State Golf Courses (starting on Atherton Street, across from Rec Hall.) If you do a figure-eight around the golf course, you will complete a loop that is about 4 miles long. Route mapped at www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/state-college/552789878.

The Shoe: Asics Gel 1130 Stability Running Shoe, $49.99.

Specifically designed to suit runners of all levels, these light and supportive running shoes, these shoes have a gel cushioning system for enhanced stability and shock absorption.

Available at Dick's Sporting Goods, 325 Colonnade Blvd., 814-861-1350.

3. The Off-Campus Two-Mile Loop (1.99 miles.)

The Route: For those living off-campus, this route starts near the North Atherton Place shopping center and loops around Vairo Boulevard, Waddle Road, and Oakwood Avenue.

Route mapped at www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-states/pa/state-college/411176104.

The Shoe: Adidas Women's Kooger, $49.99.

These sturdy shoes have a mesh upper for optimum ventilation, adiprene insert for comfort and shock absorption, and an enhanced outsole for maximum durability in high-wear areas.

Available at The Finish Line, 2901 E. College Ave., 814-237-2980.