Koreatown Run Club's Guide to LA
Koreatown Run Club's Guide to LA
Running in Los Angeles is a lot different than I think most people expect, especially if they’re coming from somewhere like New York. LA is sprawling. Oftentimes you’re driving to go run which may seem crazy to most. It’s not as hectic. For the most part there’s not something “interesting and cool hidden around every corner.” It gives you a chance to zone out on your run, to focus on your run. That’s why I think it’s great.
Elysian Park and Griffith Park are easy spots to get your quick dose of nature. But if you’re really looking to get out, a few miles up into the Santa Monica mountains will give you endless trails to run on.
Tip: Wherever you are staying, make sure to explore the neighborhood. Take a walk on foot or go for a quick jog - it’s a great way to get a sense of your surroundings and also to find your next lunch/dinner spot!
First time in LA don’t forget to also go eat Korean food in Koreatown!
In this Guide
Western/6th to Vermont/6th
“6th st in Koreatown gets so busy with the nightlife and endless restaurants. I love running down 6th and seeing all the chaos that comes with everyone having a good night out on the town.”
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Hancock Park
“For a mellow neighbourhood run, I enjoy running through Hancock Park which neighbours Koreatown. I love looking at the architecture of the houses there.”
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Wilshire Blvd
“My favourite route is definitely running down Wilshire Blvd heading west. It’s a straight shot that leads to Santa Monica. I enjoy all the stop lights for the quick breaks to catch your breath during your long run :) ”
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Will Rogers State Beach
“We meet here a lot during marathon training. Starting from the most northern spot of the parking lot, we run south through Santa Monica, Venice and Playa del Rey and back up with the Pacific Ocean right by our side. It’s about 16 miles but there’s ways to extend it to 22. No lights and we end up with a good time at the beach.”
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Downtown Los Angeles
“Downtown Los Angeles is always fun to run through. We don’t go there often. Maybe to a restaurant or bar but we’re in and out. You often don’t get to wander and look around so it’s always refreshing run our route runs through it.”
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Vermont and Venice
“In the mornings when we do our big group runs, we’ll sometimes run down Vermont leaving Koreatown and pass a whole block of street vendors that take up the whole sidewalk. There’s probably like 20 tents packed with people. It’s the only place that can match our energy that early in the morning. We always run alongside them and exchange good mornings and buenos dias back and forth.”
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Silverlake Reservoir
“Easy loops around the reservoir ending with some coffee and food in Silverlake is always a good time. It’s also a good ten miler from Koreatown with a loop around the reservoir.”
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Blue Ribbon Sports
“Nike has always been a great partner with us early on. 3107 Pico is home to the original Nike store. Eventually, it became a printing/copy shop but with some work, it fell back into the hands of Nike. A place with a lot of history. Always good to run out of here and make some more.”
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