Couch to 5K: Recommended Walking & Running Trails

The Couch to 5K Training Program helps individuals gradually increase their physical activity levels enough to walk or run a 5K (3.1 miles) in 9 weeks. In addition to the encouragement and training guidance from Jupiter Medical Center Wellness Centers, we want to provide participants with resources to be active in the community. In 2022, we have partnered with three 5Ks:

  • Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K on April 30th starting at the Els Center for Excellence and going through North Jupiter Flatwoods. This is a trail race through a sandy trail.

Based on the 5K races we are training for this year, we are including some local parks and trails. We have shared what type of trail (pavement, gravel, mulch, and sand), shade level, and lighting.

Our recommendations for training for the Live Like Jake 5K and Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K:

  • Riverbend Park - 9060 W Indiantown Rd

    • The trails in Riverbend Park are gravel, and very well-shaded.

  • Carlin Park Heart Trail - 400 S. S.R. A1A, Jupiter, Florida 33477

    • Mulch trail that is not very well-shaded.

    • There is also exercise stations at this park and around the trail is 1.25 miles.

  • Indian Creek Park - 1795 Indian Creek Drive East, Jupiter, FL 33458

    • The fitness/jogging trail is mulch and some dirt. Very well-shaded.

  • North Jupiter Flatwoods - 3377 Church Street, Jupiter

    • Parking is located in the northwest corner of Jupiter Community Park

    • The Nature Trail (Paved) is 0.55 miles and the Hiking Trail (Sandy) is 1.44 miles

  • Abacoa Community Park - 1501 W. Frederick Small Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

    • Grass trail along the fields Make sure to pay attention as this is an active field with soccer players and football players.

    • There is good lighting around the fields.

Our recommendations for training for Town of Jupiter Turtle Trot 5K:

  • Walk along the beach on Ocean Drive

    • You can park at Carlin Park (400 Florida A1A, Jupiter, FL 33477) or Ocean Cay Park (2188 Marcinski Rd, Jupiter, FL 33477)

    • Make sure to walk or run on the sidewalk, and look out for others using the sidewalk. This is a very popular spot.

  • Central Boulevard near the Abacoa Community

    • This road has wide sidewalks, and a lot of tree coverage.

    • If you don’t live around this area park near Main Street in Abacoa and walk north. Check out this photo to see the recommended route.

  • Powerline Trail off Toney Penna

    • If you don’t live near these streets, park at the North County Aquatic Center.

    • Plug your address into google maps or check out this map.

    • It is a short trail (less than a mile).

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park - 16450 S.E. Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, Florida, 33455

    • $6 per vehicle to enter park

    • 8AM until sundown, 365 days a year

    • Download trail maps here

  • The Gardens North County District Park - 5101 117th Court North

    • There are often soccer games, so the park is very well lit at dusk.

  • Jupiter High School Track - 500 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL 33458

    • Hours: Monday through Friday 5:30AM to 7:00AM except school holidays.

    • Parking is available to the public in the Daniel’s Way parking lot.

Drop in the comments below your favorites places to train!

James GarvinComment