Running Destinations: Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield

Windsor Castle Park by The N. Pham - The Virginian Pilot

Very often, the joy of running is an extension of where you run. This is true whether you are talking about a marathon or a long run. Boring is almost never good.

Over the past couple of years when I started running seriously, I have run a lot of miles in a lot of different places. One of the best places I have found to run is Windsor Castle Park in Smithfield. It provides excellent trail running and challenges you with a few hills. The trails are well maintained and wide in most places, so it's easier to run out there with a group.

Windsor Castle Park by The N. Pham - The Virginian Pilot

Our Cornerstone group generally meets at the parking lot across from Smithfield Station off of Church Street. You have to be careful, because if someone plugs "Windsor Castle Park" into their GPS, nine times out of ten, then will be directed to the parking lot at the dog park.  An outer loop around the park is just under 3 miles (not including some of the dead end side trails), so it's perfect for a group where some runners want to drop out and others want to rack up more mileage. For longer runs, we often divert out of the park onto Jericho Road and into the Town of Smithfield. You may encounter a few cars, but nothing heavy.

Windsor Castle Park by The N. Pham - The Virginian Pilot

Like some of the other regional parks in Hampton Roads, Windsor Castle has nice foot bridges and signs to direct you around the property. Also, in the summer and early fall, there is a bonus. Smithfield has a terrific farmers' market. We often finish our runs and head over there to reclaim some of those burned calories in the form of all kinds of treats. Not a bad incentive to finish off your miles.

As you can imagine, Windsor Castle Park has lots of fans in the form of runners and walkers. We usually start early in the morning, but still encounter our share of others enjoying it. If you are looking for a good side trip for a run, check out Windsor Castle Park. You won't be disappointed.