Running around Canton: Everything You Need to Know

Whether you're just lacing up your shoes for your first run or have been pounding the pavement for years, Canton and its surrounding areas have many resources for your training and running adventures. In this blog, we will look at some trails, running groups and races.

Hit the Trails

Canton is home to many parks and trails that are great for running and walking in nature. The closest park to the library is Heritage Park, which features two easy loops to meet your distance goal, as well as a Story Trail. More details on Canton’s walking, biking, and running routes can be found the library's website as well as on the Canton Township website.

If you’d like to explore more of the outdoors during your walk, run, or hike, check out this Interactive Virtual Trail Explorer from the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) to see what beauty and potential for adventure we have in our area.

Want to visit a nature center or Metro Park? Michigan Activity Pass has you covered! You can use your library card to check out a pass to many parks and nature areas in southeast MI and across the state.

Go with a Group

RunDPT

RunDPT, short for “Run Downtown Plymouth,” is a walking and running group that meets in Kellogg Park. There is no registration, and there are routes to run 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 miles.

RunDPT’s regular walking/running group meets at Kellogg Park on:

  • Tuesdays at 6:00 PM
  • Thursdays at 6:00 PM
  • Saturdays at 8:00 AM

Find out more information on the RunDPT group Facebook page.

Gazelle Sports Northville Urban Herd

Join Gazelle Sports in Northville for a weekly run/walk. These weekly run/walks start at the store and return for a distance between 3 and 7 miles. You are also able to test shoes during your run.

Prepare for a Race

Many people find that training for a race can be a great motivator for consistent running habits. One of the biggest races in Canton each year is the Canton Liberty Run, which is held in June as part of Canton Liberty Fest.

You can view many other races that happen throughout the year with a Google events search. Use this link to find races within 10 miles of the 48188 zip code. 

Want to Learn More?

Check out one of the titles below. 

Born to Run 2: The Ultimate Training Guide by Christopher McDougall – An illustrated, practical, and holistic guide for every kind of runner, with tips on nutrition, training, shoe recommendations, and suggestions for finding a running community.

Galloway's Book on Running by Jeff Galloway – This updated edition features tips on getting started, training for marathons and how to use specific training methods to avoid injuries and sustain momentum.

Run Your Best Marathon by Sam Murphy – Whether you're looking to step up to the marathon for the first time or to better previous performances over the distance, Sam's runner-centered approach will help you prepare for and race your chosen marathon to the best of your ability. 

The Runner's Brain by Jeff Brown – Utilizing cutting-edge brain science and sports psychology, this book shows you how to unlock and capture the miraculous potential of the body's most mysterious and intriguing organ and rewire your mind for a lifetime of athletic success.

Training Essentials For Ultrarunning by Jason Koop – This updated guide will prepare you for marathon running in a variety of conditions. It includes training strategies, how to plan for races, and hydration and nutrition advice.