Course Descriptions
For those looking to put on races, and for those who want a handle on the ERC races they’re running, we have write-ups and maps of some of our courses. If you have certified courses to add, or well-documented non-certfied courses, please send them on. Anything submitted will be posted at the discretion of the web guy and the submitter grants the Erie Runners Club non-exclusive perpetual rights to post said information. ERC Race Directors, at their discretion, reserve the right to use or not use these courses as the needs of the event dictate.
Certifications –
Unless specifically stated in the document, please do not assume these courses are certified. If not certified, they are certifiable – i.e. they could be certified with a reasonable amount of work, but the bulk of the planning is already done.
- Hamot 10k – Description (not available at this time) – Map – Alternate Map
- PISP Half Marathon – Beach 1 – Description – Map – PA02012WB
- PISP Water Works 5k – Description – Map
- PISP Water Works 5M – Description – Map
- PISP Water Works 10k – Description – Map
Where to Run
We often get requests for information on where to run. This page attempts to address that need. Below are places in the Erie area that are accessible, scenic, and generally safe for runners.
Asbury Woods
Located in Millcreek Township in Erie County, PA, Asbury Woods is a 200-acre tract of wetlands, trails, forests, streams, fields and historic properties. With five distinct natural and recreational areas – Asbury Woods Nature Center, Asbury Community Park, Brown’s Farm, Greenway Trail and James Wildlife Preserve – Asbury Woods is one of the premier environmental centers in northwestern Pennsylvania, providing educational and recreational opportunities to more than 130,000 visitors annually. The official Website is here. Directions.
Behrend College
One of the local colleges, Behrend has some rather nice trails, offers a couple of miles of off-roadway running, and is at the southern end of the Bayfront connector trail. Be aware that the directions take you close to the college. New roadways make the directions you are likely to receive a little off. Just watch for the signs, and park in one of the commuter lots. If you get ticketed, there is a provision for “just visiting” on the envelope they give you. Directions.
Frontier Park
Frontier Park, located in the city of Erie, on the west side, is the location of many high school and college cross country meets. The park is approximately 1 mile around, and offers plenty of beautiful running. Directions.
Presque Isle State Park
This is one of the most scenic places in Erie County, favored by the Erie Runners Club (10 of our races are held here during the year). With over 13 miles of multi-purpose trail, miles of unpaved trails, road access to most of the park, and fantastic views of Lake Erie, this is a nice place to run. Directions.
Scott Park
Located very close to Presque Isle, Scott Park offers a couple of miles of unpaved trails through typical Pennsylvania woodland. Directions.
Bayfront Trail
Running parallel to the Bayfront Highway, the multi-purpose trail extends from Frontier Park at the West end to Behrend College at the south/east end. More Information.