Riverwalk Runners

Tuesday night runs, and it was a great opportunity to get our expanding Middlesex Community College running club exposed to some of the hidden jewels of footpaths that encircle historic downtown Lowell.  That means a route that runs the riverwalk on both sides of the Mighty Merrimack, and the first voyage onto the pathways for many of the members of our club!

MCC's Federal Building makes for a great backdrop as the 5K outing starts

The city building looks pretty impressive as a backdrop, too!

Not quite sure what happened to the lighting on the Hunts Falls bridge, with Lowell General and the Massachusetts Mills faded into the background

Heading toward the Ouellette Bridge, Pramod makes his move

Not many folks know of the northern walkway along the Merrimack, mostly because it's recessed from the road and not all that easy to see, but it provides a flat, straightaway that runs beneath three bridges, ending at Beaver Brook.  It also lends itself to some pretty pics

Coming off the other side of the Ouellette, we circle behind LeLacheur Park to head inbound on the riverwalk toward the Tsongas Center.  But not before throwing in a few random push-ups for some good old fashioned circuit training. (Rebecca's not throwing up, she stopped throughout the run for some extra aerobic activity)  Don't ask, just roll with it.

Behind the Boott makes for a terrific historic setting for a relaxing fitness run

And finally, the home stretch, coming up past the Lowell National Historical Park and the Boott Cotton Mills museum, alongside Boarding House Park.  The fabric mills - a good place to be if you're running with a stitch.

Take us home, Richard!

Seriously, if you haven't gotten out to explore the footpaths along the river, you don't know what you're missing.  Look at the dynamic, historic, and picturesque backdrops from just these running pics!  I'd wager that a good amount of the city's population, not to mention our neighbors, have never even stepped foot on these trails.  Well what are you waiting for?

Next Tuesday night,  MCC's Running Club heads out into the neighborhoods!