Cemeteries and Running?

[WindingRoad]

I swear I didn't intentionally time this at the end of October but was curious if any of you ever run in cemeteries. Is it appropriate? I have a huge cemetery near my apartment and it seems like it would be a great place to run. Ideas?

[jessmarimba]

I just saw a little bit in Runners World on some very old man whose daily run is in a cemetery. But I think I would feel awkward if anyone saw me doing running there.

[indysteel]

I've never run through one, but I've ridden my bike. I used to do hill repeats in Crown Hill, WR. I suppose I felt less weird about it because Crown Hill attracts a fair number of tourists.

[KnottedYet]

I run or walk or ride through one or another cemetery near me just about every day.

While my Dad is not buried in either cemetery, I always "talk" to him a bit when I go through. I find cemeteries to be very peaceful and soothing places and always have, and it feels good to go through the cemetery and put the trials and tribulations of my day into perspective. There is a section of massed Spanish Flu victims from a century ago in one cemetery, which always touches me. Though I don't work with infectious diseases, my mom did a lot of historical research on social effects of Spanish Flu; so it feels important to me to acknowledge those small, generic, cheap, massed gravestones every time.

I'm always very careful to avoid mourners. When there is an internment going on, I stay out of the cemetery entirely.

Often there are other people going through, and I've noticed that as a whole they are also generally very respectful.

Cemeteries are sacred spaces, never forget that as you go through. I see no problem running through the one near your apartment as long as you are respectful. (and say a little prayer if you are so inclined)

[Cataboo]

people run and walk through the one that I have family members in - it doesn't bother me. It's a pretty urban area and it's probably safer running through the cemetery than out on the roads...

the dog walkers who walk their dogs through the cemetery or let themrun loose and don't pick up after their dogs, I mind. (Those that keep their dogs leashed and pick up after their dogs, they're okay)

[lph]

I don't know about running, but I noticed by chance that one cemetery on my bike commute has a "no biking" sign on the gate. I had never thought about it (nor considered riding through there), but I can understand that any mourners or visitors would not appreciate yellow-clad bike commuters zipping through there at full blast.

If there are no signs about it, I'm guessing that moving through with respect and in accordance with the dignity of the place is fine.

I love walking through strange cemeteries, they're filled with so much history.

[WindingRoad]

Mary Ann - I am quite familiar with Crown Hill I used to do my hill repeats there a lot This 'new' cemetery by my house if huge, historic and beautiful too. I have to say being on the East Coast has really been interesting from a historical perspective which has made what little riding I have been able to do well worth it, running too. I will check the new one out and look to see if they have signs up. As someone with native beliefs I do understand sacred places quite well. In my own beliefs as long as one is respectful of the space then I wouldn't have a problem running or biking there. Of course that's IMO. There seems to be a gatehouse at this cemetery so maybe I'll just stop in and ask them I definitely don't want to upset anyone.

[Bike Chick]

There is a cemetery on the hill behind my house that I run in when I'm doing hill repeats. It's the perfect place without traffic. Since it's on a hilltop, it's very scenic. It's very peaceful and the roads are well paved. I never thought about it being off limits

Our neighbor runs there every morning and the elderly man down the road does his daily walking there. Is this disrespectful?

[kacie tri-ing]

I did a race in an old atlanta cemetary last halloween, and it was great. Lots of old atlanta name are buried there and the race went to supporting the history center there. It was a great time.

[limewave]

I like to run through cemeteries. I especially like to run through cemeteries when I'm traveling. I don't know why, but visiting cemeteries in other cities/states is interesting to me. And I find running a good way to tour while I travel.

[Cataboo]

If there's actually a funeral going on, I think it's a good idea not to do hill repeats next to them or to lap them.

[artifactos]

After next Friday, I'll have done two 5k races held entirely in cemeteries.

I don't live close enough to a large cemetery to consider using its pavement for training - and if I'm going to drive somewhere to ride or run, I just go to the MUP.

[Fredwina]

If there's actually a funeral going on, I think it's a good idea not to do hill repeats next to them or to lap them.

I grew up in house next to cemetery, and one of the rules was you couldn't play outside when there was a funeral. Getting back on topic, I Think as long as you're respectful, it should be ok.

[PamNY]

I think it would be fine as long as there isn't a burial taking place. I wouldn't mind someone running where my family is buried.

[zoom-zoom]

The running board I frequent had a long thread about this very topic a few years back. Seems there is really no consensus and depends a lot upon the region or specific cemetery.