Great Runs in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Note: For the Full Guide to Running in the U.S.V.I, see the GR Website
The Virgin Islands are a cluster of the Caribbean Leeward Islands, known for green jungly forests, glimmering white sand beaches, and scenic rocky bluffs. Various islands fall into various political jurisdictions, but the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), which are some of the main tourist islands, are St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Running on the U.S. Virgin Islands can be somewhat of a challenge, but there are a few great spots — you just need to know where to go!
Virgin Islands National Park, Francis Bay/Johnny Horn Trail—St. John: This run in Virgin Islands National Park is a bit off the beaten path, but it’s an interesting course which mixes paved roads, paths, and waterfront views. Francis Bay Trail is 6 km out and back, or 7.5 km when combined with the Johnny Horn Trail.
Lind Point Trail—St. John: Trails in the USVI can be steep and rocky, but this 2.6 mile out and back route in Virgin Islands National Park from Cruz Bay up to Honeymoon Beach is one of the most runnable trails on St. John, and features great views.
Great Cruz Bay Road—St. John: A perfect course for anyone staying at or near the St. John Westin, Great Cruz Bay Road is a two mile (3.5 km) roller coaster of a paved street running along the rocky peninsula between Cruz Bay and Chocolate Hole.
Charlotte Amalie Waterfront—St. Thomas: The breezy 1.2 mile stretch along the Long Bay Waterfront is a rare opportunity to break away from the trails and narrow streets of the USVI and run along a nice paved walk which caters exclusively to pedestrians.
Magen’s Bay—St. Thomas: Magen’s Bay is arguably the best beach for running on St. Thomas. About 1.5 miles (2.4 km) out and back on quite runnable sand, with a concrete path/road along the beach as an option.
Christiansted—St. Croix: Town on the northern shore of St. Croix that offers some interesting history and some good running options. Run in town, around the National Historic Site, up the Christinansted Bypass road to an overlook with great views.
The Buccaneer—St. Croix: The Buccaneer Golf Course, in the Shoys area of St. Croix, may seem exclusive and inaccessible, but it is home to a public jogging track where runners can get in a good, and hilly 4 miles (6.4 km) away from the busy, narrow roads.
Frederiksted Waterfront—St. Croix: Located on the western end of St. Croix, the “Freedom City” of Frederiksted is a sleepy port town with a rich history and a fabulous 1 mile (1.6 km) long waterfront walkway, a pier, and a quiet road to Sandy Point Refuge.
East End Coastal and Jack Bay Trail—St. Croix: Great running on the eastern side of St. Croix. The road from Cramer Park to Point Udall has incredible views (no shoulder, use caution!). There is also some of the best trail running in the USVI here. Note: super hilly!
Original Post By: Kelsey Perrett. For the full running guide to the U.S. Virgin Islands, see greatruns.com.
