Cool Running on the Rillito

Our group of runners has recently discovered a desert oasis nestled right here in the heart of Tucson.  Well positioned along the Rillito River Path, the Brandi Fenton Memorial Park features chilled drinking fountains, shaded ramadas, bathrooms and get this – a free water park!  Featuring water cannons, tipping water buckets and in-ground geysers, the park is a perfect way to ‘cool down’ after a nice run. At the junction of Dodge, Alvernon and River, the park is a hidden gem for runners, walkers and bikers looking for a respite along the path.

This fits nicely into our thoughts about running during the hot summer months in southern Arizona. Many of you have asked about training tips during the summer and I think that I have found an option for those aching to get outside and off the treadmill. The Rillito River Path provides more than 10 miles of paved and dirt paths along the Rillito River as part of the Pima County Loop System. During a recent run on the Rillito, I found an abundant amount of shade along the mesquite lined path early in the day.  Along with the Brandi Fenton Park, strategically placed drinking fountains along the path mean you’ll never have to go more than 10 – 15 minutes without a drink. Hit the trail at 6 a.m. and you are bound to have temperatures in the mid 70s.

It's important to realize that many others have found the path as well, so there is a certain etiquette for being a 'cool' runner on the Rillito.  A sort of ‘Rules of the Path’, if you will:

• The path is like the road – running/walking/riding is done on the right side of the path.


• Runners, yield to walkers; bikers & rollerbladers yield to both runners and walkers. 


• Pass on the left.  If you are passing someone from behind (especially you bikers), a simple “on your left” as you approach is helpful.  Yield where appropriate.


• If you are getting passed from behind, hold your line, let the person passing you determine the best way around you.  A quick movement may lead to an accident.


• iPods/mp3s are OK, but YOU are now required to be fully aware of your surroundings and others on the path.


• Dogs OK, but on a leash (and please, please take advantage of the well positioned dog scoopers and clean up after your dog).


• There are plenty of designated parking lots along the path.  The Craycroft parking lot on the Rillito, St. Phillip's Plaza and the La Cholla trail head are good spots to park. Trader Joe's on Campbell opens at 9:00 a.m., so the lot tends to be empty early in the day.  Brandi Fenton Park also has plenty of parking.

Mileage along the Rillito is much better marked than in the past.  Pima County has designated the system of paths and trails around Tucson as The Loop.  It seems that almost weekly new distance and mileage markers are posted.

Campbell Avenue and the bridge that crosses the Rillito River Path is  the ‘Zero Point'.  East or West bound, you are sure to be pleasantly surprised about what you’ll find.  From ‘Stonehenge’, a solar viewing circle at the end of the mesquite grove, about four miles west of Campbell, to the pleasant rest area at Craycroft trail head about five miles east of Campbell, there is always something 'cool' around the next bend.  My friends and I are looking forward to exploring new portions of The Loop, looking for 'cool' spots along the way!


So get out early, follow the rules and you’ll get your miles in while avoiding the heat. Oh, and one last piece of etiquette to remember: it is perfectly acceptable to return fire with the blue water cannon at Brandi Fenton Park.