In the Merrimack Valley, there are thousands and thousands of places to run.
I prefer running trails, if possible. Despite a dense population, we are very fortunate to have plenty of trails to run. Many are fantastic.
But my favorite place to run - and it's only a 20-minute drive from my home - is the home of the Merrimack River 10 mile trail race, a magnificent stretch along the mighty Merrimack from Andover to a slice of land in Tewksbury and back.
There's no place like it.
Speaking of the race, the 29th and final race will be held Oct. 2 at 9:30 a.m. from the back parking lot of the DoubleTree by Hilton in Andover. Runners make their way along the Merrimack and turn around just a stone's throw from the 13th green at Trull Brook Golf Course in Tewksbury.
It is a spectacular layout. You run over at least 15 foot bridges and the Merrimack is visible for much of the race. I recently did the course backward, starting in Tewksbury and ending at the finish line.
I was so pumped to run 10 miles again, but I was more excited to return to a course which stands above all in the area, in my opinion. You want elevation? This has got plenty of hills, although a flatter option awaits for those who run along the river.
I just signed up for the final Merrimack 10 mile trail race. Watching race director Steve Peterson is alone worth the admission. He's animated, he's enthusiastic, he makes the race a blast. And speaking of the admission fee: $10. That's not a misprint. Ten bucks. One buck for every scenic mile. (The fee is $15 after Sept. 25). And stick around for the post-race raffle. There's about an 80 percent chance you'll win something.
It's a special race in a special place.
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