PUBLISHED 12/12/2006
Tour Guide: Craig Davidson of the Runner's Den
Run 1: Murphy Bridle Path (5.3 miles): Start at the intersection of Central Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Run north along Central Avenue, following the tree-lined Murphy Bridle Path, made of soft-packed dirt. Pass Northern Avenue. At the Arizona Canal, turn around and return to the start.
Run 2: Arizona Canal (7.3 miles): From Granada Park at the intersection of 20th Street and Maryland Avenue, head east along the Arizona Canal, which is lined with a sandy trail on both banks. Pass the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Golf Course. Turn around at 44th Street and return to the start.
Run 3: Piestewa Peak Freedom Trail (3.7 miles): From the trailhead, just off the parking lot at the end of Squaw Peak Drive, head north along the Freedom Trail, also labeled as Trail #302. Follow the trail counterclockwise as it loops through the park and passes over a mix of steep and gradual climbs. Finish at the start.
Visitor Kit
People: Arizona Road Racers (www.arizonaroadracers.com)
Places: Hava Java, 3166 East Camelback Road; Le Grande Orange Grocery and Pizzeria, 4410 North 40th Street
Races: Resolution 5-K, January 7 (www.arizonaroadracers.com); P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Arizona Marathon and Half-Marathon, January 14 (www.rnraz.com); ARR Desert Classic Marathon and Half-Marathon, February 4 (www.arizonaroadracers.com)
Specialty Running Stores: Runner's Den, 6505 North 16th Street; Scottsdale Running Co., 6941 North Hayden Road
