The weather is warming up again, and with the warmer temperatures, the focus on healthy, outdoor exercise has also returned. It only takes one drive through Destin in the early morning to realize that one of the most popular land-fit pastimes in the area is running. Runners can be seen daily along U.S. Hwy. 98, but there are several other running options in the city.
Local business owner Frank McKenzie is an avid runner and he told The Log a few of his favorite spots to jog in Destin.
“For a scenic view, there’s obviously Scenic 98,” he said, adding that large asphalt sidewalks along the road are a plus. “And nothing beats Calhoun Avenue for running in the summer.”
McKenzie noted Clement Taylor Park along Calhoun Avenue is a great spot to stretch, and take in the view of the Bay after a run. A popular running route begins at Clement Taylor Park and follows Calhoun Avenue to another city park, Joe’s Bayou, and back. The round trip run is 3.2 miles.
“There are plenty of places to run here,” McKenzie said. “In Destin, there is almost always a sidewalk, so we run all over the place here.”
Another local runner, Wendy Moen, helps organize social group runs and said she loves the camaraderie running brings when groups assemble together.
“I have a Meet-Up page called Destin Running and Walking Club, so we can get people together,” she said.
“Often, people want to find other people to run with. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join, we take all age groups.”
The two most popular weekly social runs in Destin are the Monday run at Bric-a-Brac and the Thursday run at Bubba Gump’s, both runs begin at 6 p.m.
“Pretty consecutively everyone meets at Bubba Gump’s and runs the pavement track around Morgan’s Sports Complex,” said McKenzie. “The other group runs from Bric-a-Brac down Holiday Isle and back. It is right at a 4-mile run.”
Moen said that runners of all skill levels show up for the weekly informal runs, but no matter what the pace or experience, everyone will leave healthier and encouraged.
“Don’t be intimidated, no matter what stage you are in,” she said. “You cannot expect someone to walk with you, but you can expect that you will have support and camaraderie afterwards.”
Both social running groups begin and end at restaurants, and Moen said the motivator is most often the food and friends at the finish line.
“Usually after the run, the group will go in and eat,” she said. “I myself am a social runner. I’m not out for speed, it’s just a social thing for us and we really enjoy it.”
As for her favorite Destin run, Moen said she can’t get enough of the Destin harbor; an added Saturday run for social runners wanting more of a challenge.
“The Destin Bridge and harbor run, that’s my favorite,” she said. “A lot of people don’t like the traffic on the bridge, but when I cross that bridge I always think, ‘That’s why I live here! I could live other places but I couldn’t run that bridge.’ It’s quiet and serene. It’s a great view, fun people and a great atmosphere.”
For more information on the social running group visit www.meetup.com/Destin-Running-Walking-Club/.