RCMalden favorite routes

So, you’re new to Malden and you’re looking for somewhere to run. Or you’ve lived here for a while but are looking for some variety. Well, you’re in luck, because Malden has plenty of great routes. Whether you’re looking for somewhere scenic to mix it up, somewhere flat and uninterrupted to get in some speed work, or a good old-fashioned hill repeat, Malden has a route for you.

So, without further ado, New York’s hottest nightclub is… oh wait, wrong list. 

So, without further ado, Malden’s top running routes are:

The Pine Banks Loop

• How long: 2.5 miles
• Terrain: Rolling hills
• Where: Start at the corner of Main Street and Forest St. The loop consists of a vaguely rectangular route around Forest Dale Cemetery, Pine Banks Park, and Wyoming Cemetery.
• Why we love it: The entire loop is run on fully paved sidewalks, though parts of the cement can be uneven, and in autumn it can turn into an ACORN MINEFIELD. There are very few crossings along the loop, and those that you will encounter are not busy (a few cemetery entrances and cul-de-sacs). In winter, the Malden portion of the loop is usually plowed within hours of snowfall. In autumn, the foliage in the cemeteries is glorious. And on Wednesdays around 6 PM, you’ll encounter the city’s most awesome runners making their way back to Hugh O'Neill's for a pint.
• Why it’s not perfect: It’s pretty popular, so you will encounter runners, dog walkers, commuters on their way to and from Oak Grove, and generally lots of people getting in your way. The sidewalk isn’t particularly narrow, but it’s not particularly wide either, so you’ll have to occasionally hop into the street for a stride or two. While the view on the inside of the loop is nice - trees in the cemetery, ball games around Pine Banks - you’re right alongside some fairly heavily trafficked roads the entire time. Parts of the loop aren’t very well lit, so headlamps are recommended in the dark. 

The Northern Strand Community Trail

• How long: Approximately 10 miles, from Everett to Saugus
• Terrain: Flat
• Where: The Malden section borders Revere in Linden Square and Everett along the Malden River, and runs parallel to route 60 for much of the time. 
• Why we love it: The path is almost perfectly flat, wide enough for two-way traffic, and there are huge portions with no street crossings. “The Bike Path,” as it’s known, is a favorite of RCMaldonians looking to get in some speed work, but who are sick of the track. As part of a longer run, it connects to Encore Boston Harbor (and the Charles River, with just a small segment of street running) to the south. The Revere - Saugus segment offers gorgeous views of Rumney Marsh, followed by a heavily forested canopy, making it a favorite for hot, summer runs. 
• Why it’s not perfect: It gets crowded, with families out for a casual walk, commuters on bikes, and everything in between. The Malden segment is not the most scenic route you’ll ever run, has large unshaded segments that get hot in the summer and it requires crossing several major intersections. 

The Malden River Loop (aka the Stokes Loop)

• How long: 3.2 miles
• Terrain: Mainly flat, with a few small hills
• Where: Around the Malden River, beginning on the Northern Strand Community Trail near Bell Rock Cemetery, heading into Everett, crossing the Malden River, and back along the Medford side of the river. 
• Why we love it: It’s almost exactly a 5k, so it’s great for time trials. There are no street crossings, and it’s mainly on paved paths, away from cars. The few hills add variety and challenge, especially if you’re pushing the pace. The river adds some natural beauty, and often there’s a breeze to help cool you down in the summer. 
• Why it’s not perfect: Although markings on the pavement show the way, it can be a little tricky to follow. The path strays away from the river at the end, forcing runners onto the sidewalk alongside Commercial and Medford Streets. Plans are in the works for major improvements behind the Malden DPW, but they’re not in place just yet. 

The Spot Pond Loop

• How long: 4.72 miles
• Terrain: Hills… or should I say, HILLS!
• Where: Okay, so it’s technically not Malden. The loop starts by the Flynn Rink in Medford, goes down Elm Street, right on the Fellsway, and heads into Stoneham, circling Spot Pond and ending back at the rink. 
• Why we love it: I mean, it’s a loop around a pond. Runners are drawn to bodies of water like moths to a flame. In addition to the water views, you’ve got beautiful autumn foliage and a quick peek at some of the animals at the Stone Zoo to help pass the time. Long stretches of the loop are uninterrupted by intersections, and the sidewalks that you’ll be running on are not crowded. The hills are challenging, but not impossible. On Saturdays around 8 AM, you’ll find that same group of awesome Malden runners crushing (...surviving) those hills.
• Why it’s not perfect: The hills are not impossible, but they’re challenging. Two small portions of the loop are somewhat dangerous if precautions are not taken: a small portion of Elm Street has no sidewalk, and later, you’re required to cross Route 28 twice. Crosswalks are mandatory. Portions of the loop are pretty isolated (hello, sketchy highway underpass), so having a running buddy is a good idea for safety’s sake. And no headphones, of course. Daylight recommended. 

Fellsmere Park

• How long: 0.5 - 0.75 miles, depending on which paths you follow
• Terrain: hills
• Where: The paths around Fellsmere Pond in Malden near the Medford line. 
• Why we love it: Simply put, it’s gorgeous. In Winter, watch the skaters playing pond hockey and kids sledding down Seven Bumps, with the City of Malden Christmas tree shining bright. In Spring, the fountains get turned on, while ducks, geese, and other birds make the pond their home. In summer, kids learn how to fish by catching sunfish - try to spot the orange carp! In autumn, the foliage is picturesque. The loop is short, so it makes a good destination as part of a longer run. 
• Why it’s not perfect: It gets crowded, and the paths are narrow and not terribly smooth. It also gets icy in the winter. If you’re doing a tempo run, look elsewhere. Did I mention it gets crowded because it gets really crowded. 

There you have it. Our favorite places to run in Malden. See you out there!