Great Runs in San Antonio
The 7th largest city in the United States (and growing), San Antonio has a rich and storied history, with old and modern landmarks, making it a scenic place to explore by run. Originally settled by Spanish Catholic missionaries in the late 17th century, over time this new Spanish Mexican province became the capital of the Southwestern lands. Over a series of battles over 30 years, starting in 1828, this territory, the capital of which was San Antonio, was taken over by Americans, and finally annexed into the United States in 1845.
The Alamo, the location of one of the major battles for Texan independence, is located downtown, as are other historic landmarks including the 17th century missions and the San Fernando Cathedral. Tourist and cultural attractions include the Tower of the Americas, San Antonio Museum of Art, Blue Star Arts Community, and the River Walk, winding through downtown and beyond along the San Antonio River.
There is very good running accessible from downtown hotels. The centerpiece is the River Walk, 2.5 miles downtown, with River paths continuing further south to the historic 17th century missions.The San Antonio Highlights Loop runs by all the major landmarks in the downtown area. For quieter, less city-congested runs, Brackenridge Park and Olmos Basin Park are close to downtown. The Alamo Heights and Terrell Hills residential neighborhoods are great for running. Further out, just past the airport, are McAllister Park and Eisenhower Park, and opportunities to get a taste of Texas Hill Country running. There is also an extensive and growing network of greenways and linear parks, which are great for running.
The weather in San Antonio is fantastic for running, mild to warm, between October and May. The summer months are hot but not quite as brutal as other Texas cities. Snow and freezing temps are rare. Geographically, the city is fairly flat, but there are hills just beyond the city.
Transportation wise, there is good running accessible from downtown. There are buses but no real rail or metro system. Anything outside the city requires a car. The airport is only 15–20 minutes away.
Iconic Runs
- River Walk
- San Antonio Highlights Loop
- Brackenridge Park
- Mission Reach Trail
- Alamo Heights/Olmos Dam
River Walk
6 miles; downtown; many entrances; loop or out-and-back; MAP
The River Walk is the largest tourist attraction in San Antonio, larger than even the Alamo. In the early 20th century, a flood along the San Antonio River caused massive damage to the area. In the years that followed, efforts were made to prevent the flooding including the construction of the Olmos Dam and a bypass channel. In time, the River Walk was constructed, revitalizing the San Antonio downtown area. Today boat tours, bars, restaurants, and hotels are found along the route. (The NBA’s San Antonio Spurs have used the river as part of the victory parade.)
Our map starts at Tico’s Bar, but runs along the River Walk can start anywhere. Some hotels have basement entrances that open onto the walk. Running north along the paths, this route will take you past The Tower of the Americas, The Alamo Mission, La Villita Historic Arts Village, the San Antonio Museum of Arts, and across the convergence of the many metroways crossing the city.
San Antonio Highlights Loop
5.5 miles, downtown; loop. Start: San Fernando Cathedral on Main Ave. MAP
This route will take you by most of the highlights within the downtown area of San Antonio. Beginning and ending in front of the San Fernando Cathedral, highlights include the River Walk, Market Square, the University of Texas-San Antonio campus, Tower of the Americas, Blue Star Arts Complex, HemisFair Park through the King William Historic District, and the Alamo, among others. This relatively flat route can be started anywhere within the downtown area.
Brackenridge Park
7.25 mile loop; Start: at the park (3 miles from downtown) or downtown; MAP. Park Map. Park Trail Map
A variation of the River Walk run, this route travels a couple of miles further north to Brackenridge Park, one of the more popular running areas in the city, and home to the Japanese Tea Gardens, Botanical Garden, and the San Antonio Zoo. A 350 acre public park, The Brak (as it’s locally known) offers a bit for everyone with bike and running trails, public fishing, kid’s parks, gardens, and more. Our route incorporates River Walk and the San Antonio River, starting and ending in either downtown or at the circle in the middle of the park. For a shorter run, it’s one can do ~3 miles within the park and join some of the River trail nearby.
Mission Reach Trail
9 miles (or fewer) out-and-back; 2 miles from downtown. Start at Lone Star by Roosevelt Park. MAP; Mission Reach Trail Map
Starting two miles from downtown, this route, an extension of the River Walk, runs by the 18th century missions, including Mission San Juan and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The Mission Reach Trail, traveling south along the San Antonio River, was the final part of an ecosystem restoration project and an extension of the River Walk restoration. This particular section and route turns around at Padre Park in the southeast section of the city. Highly visible mile markers make it easy to adjust the length of the run.
Alamo Heights/Olmos Dam
5.6 mile loop. Start: Olmos Basin Park, 5 miles from downtown. MAP
One of the more historic markers in the city is the Olmos Dam, which allowed for the renovation and restoration of the San Antonio River after the great flood in the early 20th century. This route, a little hillier than others, courses through Olmos Basin Park and the neighborhood of Alamo Heights, one of the highest peaks in San Antonio. Topping out at 817 feet, the course also includes two 100 foot climbs, one gradual through the park, the other steep.
Further Afield
- McAllister Park
- Eisenhower Park
- Hills and Dale Run (hills and tacos!)
McAllister Park
Approximately 20 minute drive from downtown. Blue Loop: 6.5 miles around. Trail Map
Just north of San Antonio International Airport, McAllister Park is a very popular place for runners. There are five miles of asphalt trails, and more than 10 miles of unpaved natural bicycle and cross-country trails, There are water fountains and restrooms throughout. The primary loops in the park are the Blue Loop: both natural and asphalt trails: 6.5 miles; Red Trail: 2 miles, natural trails; Red Trail/Blue Loop: half mile; both natural and asphalt trails.
Eisenhower Park
Approximately 15 minute drive from downtown
Also located near the airport, to the west, Eisenhower Park’s trails can be used for hiking and running, for those looking for more off-road trail running. With no bikes allowed, the park is also great for those looking for less traffic and more quiet than a typical city run would provide. There are 5 miles of total trails.
Hills and Dale Run
3.1 mile loop. Hilly. Start: Hills and Dales Ice House, 17 mi.from downtown. MAP
This is a popular combination ‘run and eat’, and a way to get a taste of Hill country not too far from downtown, and near UT San Antonio. The run starts at the well-known Hills and Dale biker bar, next to Aguascalientes Taqueria, which is famous for breakfast tacos (do the run first!). It’s a pleasant and hilly neighborhood run, topping out at High Mountain Road, with great views of San Antonio. A good add-on is to take Babcock Rd. across the highway and enjoy the paths on the campus of the University of Texas at San Antonio. Also, it’s near Six Flags amusement park — drop the kids and go for a run!
Stay
Most of the hotels in the city are located in the heart of downtown. Some are located along the River Walk, with a basement entrance to the walk itself, others are only a few blocks from the downtown area itself. With the airport only 10 miles (a 15–20 minute drive) from the downtown area, if you have to stay near the airport, a visit to the downtown sites and a run past the landmarks is still easily achievable.
Running Stores/Community
Best bets in the downtown area are San Antonio Running Company and Run Wild Sports.
RunWild Sports. Multi-sports boutique store between downtown and Brackenridge Park.
San Antonio Running Company — Located in the heart of Downtown San Antonio. They also promote the Spectrum Trail Race Series and a number of trail and off-road races, including ultramarathons in Colorado and Big Bend Ranch State Park.
Group Runs: Wednesday 6pm., followed by Yoga for Runners
Fleet Feet San Antonio. In Alamo Heights. Note: moving spring 2016 to the Quarry Mall, just north of Olmos Basin Park.
Group Runs: Tuesdays, once per month ‘destination runs’. More info
We Run San Antonio — Founded in 2004 as a small running group, We Run has expanded into one of the most successful training programs and stores in the area. Stores located in Alon Park and Leon Springs areas, offers customized training programs and has a specific New Runner Program.
Soler’s Sports — Alamo Heights. Specialized for triathletes.
Group Runs: Sunday mornings, with up to 80 people of all levels and ages attending, and fun runs on Wednesday evenings of 4–5 miles.
Run On (iRun Texas) — Three locations: Stone Oak, Bitters (near UT San Antonio), Dominion. Lots of training programs and events.
San Antonio Road Runners has an active group. Click on ‘where we run’ for additional running route options.
Races/Events
Good event calendar
Humana Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. December. Starts and finishes at the Alamodome, the race winds through the city, passing major landmarks and neighborhoods such as The Alamo, Trinity University, the Blue Star Arts District, Padre Park and Mission San Jose, and the Riverwalk.
Also held on the same day are a half marathon, 10K, 5K, Relay, and Kids Rock race.
I Ran Marathons Park Series - A series of eight marathons held over the course of eight days in San Antonio in mid February. Participants can choose to run all eight, or a combination of each. Also included are half marathon and 10K options.
Alamo 13.1 Half Marathon - March.Begins and ends in front of the historic Alamo, and is started off with a cannon blast.
Carnival of Venice Half Marathon - Just before the annual four-night Fiesta Celebration, this half marathon will be held for the first time in 2016. Started in 1891 to honor the battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto, the purpose behind Fiesta San Antonio has changed over the years to now commemorate a celebration of the city itself. A 5K will also be held the same day.
Spectrum Trail Racing Series - A series of trail racing events throughout Texas (and some beyond), these races are held throughout the year and vary in length from 10K to 50K.
