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Author Topic: Running routes in Jackson Heights  (Read 14611 times)

Offline Tiller

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Running routes in Jackson Heights
« on: April 04, 2008, 10:41:26 PM »
I'm wondering if any of you who are runners or joggers have figured out a local route that doesn't require stopping at every block to watch for traffic.  To avoid traffic, I run in Central Park which is always amazing, but it's so time consuming getting there and back I'm unable to run nearly as much as I'd like to.  Any suggestions for routes that start in Jackson Heights, don't entail getting on a subway, and allow for a non-stop run?  My ideal run for now is about 6 miles.
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Offline buddy

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #1 on: April 04, 2008, 10:50:21 PM »
what about Flushing Meadow Park?  It's huge, closed to cars. You can run around the lake etc.  You just have to run to 111th to get into the park.

If you're a car person, there's a great path along the water in Bayside.  Not sure but I think it's about 4 miles in each direction from end to end.
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Offline Tiller

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #2 on: April 04, 2008, 11:00:51 PM »
Thanks!  I have no car...but I like the Flushing Meadows Park idea, if it really just entails running up to 111th St that seems quite feasible.  I'll take a look at a map.  I'm grateful for the suggestion, as if this works it will make a huge difference for me.
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Offline buddy

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #3 on: April 04, 2008, 11:04:53 PM »
there's a running/bike path on 34th Ave.  u'll still have to occasionally stop at intersections but at least there's a path designated.  Turn right on 111th and after crossing Roosevelt Ave. you'll see the entrance to the park thru a parking lot in a couple more blocks. sorry I don't remember the exact street but you can't miss it.  once u go thru the parking lot into the park, it's huge and gorgeous.  Beats going into the city for a change.
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lpauls

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #4 on: April 05, 2008, 01:05:13 PM »
I just started running in the neighborhood as well, and I am up to about 6 miles. I have looked into running in both Flushing Meadow and in the opposite direction to Astoria Park.  From 82nd street and 35th av it is just under 3 miles to both parks according to google maps.  As I extend my mileage I am hoping both parks with provide a nice retreat from the streets.  Flushing meadow has the lake and Astoria park, though smaller, has the river and a track. 
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Offline JD

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #5 on: April 05, 2008, 03:46:12 PM »
I try to start my run at 6 a.m. The streets are almost deserted at that time and I rarely have to stop. And on the occasion when I do have to wait for traffic, it is generally one to two cars. The parks are just not convenient for me as part of my regular run.
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Offline buddy

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #6 on: April 05, 2008, 04:34:57 PM »
Since I was at Astoria Park today for the first time in ages, I wanted to add that although Flushing Meadow is so much bigger and a bit closer to JHs, the path along the water by Astoria Park is empty and seems great.  You just have to get to the park from here.  I think Astoria Park is about 3 1/2 miles away (def. not under 3 miles) although Flushing Meadows may be a little under 3 miles away. So I kinda agree with JD since just running round trip is already your six miles.  I don't know bus schedules at all but I'm sure there's a bus along Ditmars that would go to Astoria Park. I used to ride a bike so getting to and from the park was a different experience than running.
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Offline cybgrand

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #7 on: April 06, 2008, 03:32:29 PM »
I just went for a run up 30th and 31st Avenues towards 100th Street. It's very peaceful over there with not too many cars and much less exhaust to inhale than on 34th Avenue. Also, there is a handy web site I use to track my mileage: www.runningmap.com
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Offline JD

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #8 on: April 06, 2008, 04:32:22 PM »
Thanks for the tip. Maybe I'll try that route tomorrow.
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Offline Eileen

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #9 on: April 06, 2008, 08:53:41 PM »
I use mapmyrun.com to log mileage, create routes and to check out local routes that people have used.   
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Offline Gherm

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #10 on: April 07, 2008, 12:15:33 PM »
I'd recommend 34th to Flushing Meadows and go around the water. Astoria park also has a track if you don't mind laps but if you're taking the subway I'd probably opt for Central Park.

Has anyone been running or bicycling in the parks east of Flushing Meadow?
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Offline buddy

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #11 on: April 07, 2008, 03:24:36 PM »
The only other place I've biked, roller bladed or jogged was along the water in Bayside and the board walks in Long Beach Island and Jones Beach.  As far as parks go, I've always gone to either Central Park or Flushing Meadow.  After living in Queens for about 25 years, I just went to Astoria Park for the first time!  I'm a creature of habit, I guess.  Wait, I just remembered the bike path along the water from Chelsea to Battery Park.  I've done that, too. I've never done it up on the North end which I guess would go along side Riverside Drive. I am curious about the other parks.
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Offline lex

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #12 on: April 14, 2008, 11:50:14 AM »

I have had pretty good luck on 32nd ave. where there are mostly stop signs and not traffic lights, so every car has to stop at the intersection.  I find 34th to be too much start and stop.  I'm only doing 3 miles though.

Also great biking to flushing meadow and it gets even better when you ride all the way to Alley Pond park on almost all car free bike trails.
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Offline esmits

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #13 on: April 14, 2008, 01:18:56 PM »
Hey Lex,
do you mean biking is good on 32nd Ave too?
I moved here from Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, near the park, so running here compared to that totally sucks.
I agree that there is too much stop and start on 34th Ave. Also, too much exhaust from the cars.
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Offline lex

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Re: Running routes in Jackson Heights
« Reply #14 on: April 14, 2008, 01:42:26 PM »
Quote from: esmits on April 14, 2008, 01:18:56 PM
Hey Lex,
do you mean biking is good on 32nd Ave too?
I moved here from Prospect Heights in Brooklyn, near the park, so running here compared to that totally sucks.
I agree that there is too much stop and start on 34th Ave. Also, too much exhaust from the cars.

I was referring to running on 32nd ave.  As for biking, if your looking for a good route, I follow 34th ave (in the bike land) heading east to flushing meadows park, then continuing on to Alley Pond, stop to watch some Cricket, and then head back on along the bay.

for more specifics, check out transportation alternatives website or the excellent (and free) 5 boro bike maps from DOT.
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