This post was previously published here on the Electronic Media blog, EC Reporter.
The polls are closed and the results are in, Boston runs along the Charles River. Out of 29 votes, 16 people voted for the Charles River. Eight voted for the Fens area, three voted for the treadmill, and two voted for the Back Bay area.
Few people run along the Charles in the winter months. Those that do are usually in training for the Boston Marathon in April.
Maura Tuohy ’16 at Emmanuel College enjoys running along the Charles in the warmer months because there is no guarantee that the sidewalk has been shoved she said. The combination of the peaceful water and the lack of traffic attract Tuohy to this running path. There are no cars to worry about while running, just other pedestrians and jogging moms with strollers.
Tuohy does admit that sometimes she worries about running along the river, as she does anywhere in Boston.
“Sometimes you hear news stories about people getting assaulted there really late or really early in the day,” Tuohy said. However if you run from 5pm to 7pm, everyone is running, so it’s safer.
David, an older gentleman from Beacon Hill clad in florescent yellow, likes running by the water when the river isn’t frozen over. In the winter, the running paths are often better than the roads, he said.
Emily Miliken ’17 at Emmanuel College prefers running in the woods at home, but does not mind running along the Charles. The trail is very flat, she said, though it is a really nice run.
Alex, a freshman at Northeastern University said he likes looking at the buildings along the Charles and that it’s a pretty nice view all the way around.
“It’s just a meditative experience, that’s why I run for the most part.” Alex said.
In line with seeking that meditative experience, the Esplanade Association holds sunset yoga along the Charles River in warmer months. They also have Zumba, Tai Chi, CrossFit, a running club, and sunset dance lessons making this a major hub for Boston fitness.
Abbi Matheson 