Running Routes in Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Are you heading to the Dominican Republic for the holidays or for a winter break in 2011? Do you want to know the best places to run while you are here? I've been running in Las Terrenas for almost two months now and I can recommend running a variety of routes to keep in shape while you enjoy your beach vacation.



Sidewalks on both sides of road, Las Terrenas

 This time of year, the weather is cooler and the humidity is less intense. You may experience a sudden downpour along your run but these generally pass quickly. Worst case, you get wet but the warm temperatures remind you of a summertime thunderstorm – not an autumnal gale.

Running from the Resorts

Las Terrenas only has one large resort, Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo, that has a fully equipped fitness center. If you usually run outdoors, though, you know exploring is part of the fun of the run. Most of the hotels and are located along a great running road where you can put in plenty of miles.



Great view, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic



The road connects the town of Las Terrenas with El Limon and the road to Sanchez and Samana to the east. It has almost three miles of uninterrupted sidewalk so you can run a variety of distances. You can add another mile by tagging on the distance where you must run in the road. Be mindful of traffic in those parts. I would recommend turning off your music so you can listen for oncoming scooters, buses and dump trucks if you decide to run beyond the safety of the sidewalk.

Marking the Miles

To keep this simple for anyone visiting Las Terrenas, I will start from El Cemetario. El Cemetario is surrounded by a high white wall and the road from the Sanchez mountain pass splits at this point east and west to follow the beach. All running distances head east from the Cemetario along the road to El Limon.



El Cemetario is marked by the wall between the lightposts



The following landmarks will help you figure your distance.

Mile 0.0 – El Cemetario -

 

Beachfront road coming from El Cemetario, Las Terrenas


Mile 0.5 – The sidewalk begins at Punta Popy


Sidewalk Begins, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic



Mile 1.5 – The flashing light marking the beginning of Balcones del Atlantico

Mile 2.0 – The narrow bridge with small footpaths on either side

Mile 2.5 – La Bodega De Portillo



La Bodega de Portillo, Dominican Republic



Mile 2.75 – Gran Bahia Principe El Portillo

Mile 3.0 – El Portillo development under construction



El Portillo Development, Dominican Republic



Mile 3.3 – Playa El Portillo

Mile 3.8 – The By-Pass Road intersection

Parking Your Car

You can park at La Bodega de Portillo if you aren't staying at one of the resorts and need a spot to leave your car while you are running. You can also park at Punta Popy if you want to start with sidewalk instead of trying to negotiate the first half mile on the road from downtown.



Park at Punta Popy, Las Terrenas


Hazards While Running in the Dominican Republic

Three hazards you should keep in mind as you are heading out for your run. First, take the usual precautions if you run in the road – listen for cars, run facing traffic and cross over when you approach blind corners. Second, the sidewalks can be slippery after a rainstorm and occasionally, there are unmarked holes where a manhole cover is missing – watch your step.


Hole in Sidewalk, Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic

Finally, use caution if you encounter any “cocodogs” - the stray dogs that you find throughout the Dominican Republic. I have found when I am running they tend to view me as prey. I like to think I have the look of a gazelle or deer that makes them take chase. The solution, a big stick or slowing to a walk. As always, be alert. The views along the way are definitely worth the effort.