Saturday Morning Lower and Upper Beltline 8.5 to 15 km (Socialize at cafe)

Are you up to a 8.5 to 15 km run with a climb?

Join us for our run along both the lower and upper Beltline. This time with an easier route. We'll start out at Oriole Park along the Gardner Kay Beltline Trail. We will head east on the trail across the Yonge street bridge. After the bridge, we will take the stairs down to Yonge Street and run south to Heath Street East. Run east to Ferndale Ave and then turn south and run to St. Clair East. Run east a block and cross the street to Avoca Ave. Run south a block until you see the entrance to David Balfour trail. Run carefully down the hill and the follow the trail into Yellow Creek.

Enjoy the beautiful, tree-covered trail alongside Yellow Creek, crossing over Mount Pleasant Rd and continuing south past Milkman's Lane into the Don Valley, bending north as we begin to climb, past Brickworks Park, along Mud Creek. The ascent — our first challenge — is greatest at the 5 km point as we approach Moore Ave. Cross Moore Ave to enter the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

The second challenge of this run is navigating through Mt Pleasant Cemetery. Run pass the funeral centre and cemetery office. A simple left-right-right-left will get you to the underpass (under Mt Pleasant Rd). Cut onto the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail at that point and head west back to Oriole Park to complete the 8.5 KM route.

8.5 KM Route

Those wishing to run the 15 KM route; continue west past Oriole Park and stay on the trail to its end at the Allen Expressway. Turn around at the wall and double-back east to the Yonge Street bridge. Turn around at the bridge and head back to Oriole Park. This section is a relatively straight and flat. Enjoy its serenity!

15 KM Route

You have now finished your 15 km.

After the run, we will meet nearby at Circle & Squares Bakery Cafe (1909 Yonge St.) to grab a coffee or snack. Seating is on the second floor.

What you need: good running shoes, dress for the weather. If you don't have running gear yet, consider going to Black Toe (Bathurst and King) or the Running Room (various locations across the city) and asking for their advice. Come hydrated.