Running can be fun, it's good for your waist line, and it is the fashionable thing to do. Couch potatoes are passe. We understand if running on the road is not your thing. So… where should you run?
The Usual Suspects |DDA sports complex, Sirifort | The jogging track is 1km in length, and the surface is even and easy on the knees. In the morning and evenings, you will find plenty of people walking and jogging/running. Sirifort scores for its easy accessibility, running surface, and for having a wide track that makes over taking easy. The added advantage with the DDA sports complex is that you can combine your run with some squash/badminton/tennis/basketball, since the DDA sports complex is a public facility and open to the general public upon payment of a nominal fee.
Nehru Park | The jogging track is approx. 2.7 kms in length and the surface is soft and does not strain the ligaments. Lot of regular joggers swear by this track.
Lodi Gardens | The jogging track is approx. 2.2 kms in length and the surface has enough clay to provide an optimum workout. The track has some ups and downs to challenge runners. Arun Jaitley and other top ministers and bureaucrats are regulars here. The architecture and sights help Lodi Gardens score some serious brownie points.
Jhahapana Forest | The lush green track is 6.6 kms in length and quite a challenging track, with the running track changing gradient on a consistent basis. During your first few runs here, you will constantly be amazed with the challenge the next turn throws at you. This is a little oasis in the heart of south Delhi. There are regular milestones on the track, which are much needed. There may be stretches where you do not see any joggers/walkers, so it is advisable to run here in small groups. One of the main entrances to the park is opposite Don Bosco school in Alaknanda.
India Gate | Even though there is no set running track here, there are ample open spaces to get some distance under your knees. There is a palpable energy in this area, which is infectious and bound to do wonders for your workout.
Buddha Jayanti | Situated in the southern part of the famous Delhi Ridge, the Buddha Jayanti Smarak Park is accessible from the Ridge Road, Shankar Road or Sardar Patel Marg. With a giant Buddha stone statue situated right in the middle, you can be sure of stunning scenery as you run on this track.
Bio-Diversity Park | The Aravali Bio Diversity Park, accessible from the Mehrauli Gurgaon road {near the Guru Dronacharya Metro station}, is an endeavor to create a forest garden. The park has bio-reserves, wetlands, ponds, a cycling track, a cafe, cycle stand and an amphitheater, and most relevant a walking track. The track itself has multiple gradations, but makes for one stunning route.
Off the Beaten Track |Sanjay Van | Sanjay Van is a city forest near Vasant Kunj and Mehrauli. The area is about 10 square kms. To spice things up, there is also a rumour that this area is haunted. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself tailing a ‘Neel Gai’ or a wild boar. This always adds to the fun of running; you can always imagine you are being chased. Then again, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It is advisable that you run here in small groups.