Best 5K routes in Madison
FREE. That’s right. That’s how much it costs to lace up those shoes, put on your favorite playlist and run. If you’re looking to get active outside with minimal equipment, give running a try! Running can help you explore new areas, strengthen your cardiovascular health, and provide stress relief. Whether you’re brand new to running or looking for some routes in Madison, check out the list below for some of our favorite 5Ks.
Route: Picnic Point and Lakeshore Path
Starting Point: Picnic Point Entrance
Ending Point: Memorial Union
Why run this route? This flat, scenic run is one of the most popular routes on campus. With a fresh breeze blowing off the lake and beautiful greenery, it makes for a pleasant run.
Route: Campus Views Loop
Starting Point: Bottom of Bascom Hill on Park Street
Ending Point: Bottom of Bascom Hill on Park Street
Why run this route? If you miss walking to class and being on campus, we have just the route for you. This loop will take you down University Avenue and then up past the Observatory. You can check on Ag Hall and see the construction on Bascom all in one run.
Route: UW-Arboretum Route
Starting Point: Intersection of Vilas Park Drive and South Orchard Street
Ending Point: Intersection of McCaffrey Drive and Seminole Highway
Why run this route? This route will take you through the Arboretum where you’ll be fully immersed in nature and catch some views of the stunning Lake Wingra. This is also a great route if you’d like to challenge yourself with some hills.
Route: Lake Views Loop
Starting Point: Intersection of Broom Street and West Gorham Street
Ending Point: Intersection of Broom Street and West Gorham Street
Why run this route? This route will give you views of both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota while looping you past some Madison hot spots including the Monona Terrace and James Madison Park.
Route: Southwest Commuter Path Loop
Starting Point: Southwest Commuter Trail entrance near the Nicholas Recreation Center
Ending Point: Southwest Commuter Trail entrance near the Nicholas Recreation Center
Why run this route? Slightly longer than a 5K, this route will take you off campus and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Queue Jump Around and Build Me Up Buttercup because you’ll swing past Camp Randall both there and back!
Route: Campus Views Loop
Starting Point: Bottom of Bascom Hill on Park Street
Ending Point: Bottom of Bascom Hill on Park Street
Why run this route? If you miss walking to class and being on campus, we have just the route for you. This loop will take you down University Avenue and then up past the Observatory. You can check on Ag Hall and see the construction on Bascom all in one run.
Route: UW-Arboretum Route
Starting Point: Intersection of Vilas Park Drive and South Orchard Street
Ending Point: Intersection of McCaffrey Drive and Seminole Highway
Why run this route? This route will take you through the Arboretum where you’ll be fully immersed in nature and catch some views of the stunning Lake Wingra. This is also a great route if you’d like to challenge yourself with some hills.
Route: Lake Views Loop
Starting Point: Intersection of Broom Street and West Gorham Street
Ending Point: Intersection of Broom Street and West Gorham Street
Why run this route? This route will give you views of both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota while looping you past some Madison hot spots including the Monona Terrace and James Madison Park.
Route: Southwest Commuter Path Loop
Starting Point: Southwest Commuter Trail entrance near the Nicholas Recreation Center
Ending Point: Southwest Commuter Trail entrance near the Nicholas Recreation Center
Why run this route? Slightly longer than a 5K, this route will take you off campus and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Queue Jump Around and Build Me Up Buttercup because you’ll swing past Camp Randall both there and back!