The Coaster Run

I first read about “The Coaster Run” online and knew I wanted run the route. So glad I did! The flat, incredibly-scenic, point-to-point run is a breath of fresh air from the same old out-and-backs or mind-numbing loops that I sometimes find myself running due to their convenience.

According to the article, you can park at the Solana Beach Coaster Station, take the train up to Oceanside and run back, totaling roughly 16 miles and hence the name “The Coaster Run.” Fringe benefit of ending in Solana Beach? Great brunch nearby!

Since we live in nearby Del Mar, I told C I’d just run all the way home. A few extra miles never hurt anyone, right?

So, we were off. I had C drop me at the Oceanside Coaster Station and then it was up to me to get back.

As I said earlier, this run is flat! Outside of a few minor hills, it’s a straight shot down the 101 with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean keeping you company nearly the entire time. The run takes you through parts of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Leucadia, Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea before depositing you at the Solana Beach coaster station (where you may, or may not, have parked your car earlier). At this point, the run is about 16-ish (scenic) miles.

Another important thing I made note of was that every few miles there were bathrooms and water fountains for public use at the beaches – it was nice to not have to worry about any of that as I ran.

In my case I cruised through Solana Beach and into Del Mar, then “ran” to the top of Del Mar Heights Road before calling it quits, somewhere around 20 miles (my iPhone died).

Depending on how much mileage you’re looking for you could easily continue down to Torrey Pines (and up to the top if you want a killer finisher), or veer left on North Torrey Pines Road and head toward La Jolla for additional miles.

The Coaster Run is a fun, scenic run that doesn’t require a lot of planning to do. If you get the chance, I’d highly recommend it … as it truly is a “breath of fresh air!”

Check out the slideshow below to see a sampling of sights along the route.

Have a great rest of your week,

-G

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