Based on the experiences I've acquired over twenty years, I have determined that there are a variety of ways to run a small town. You can run things from an elected position. You can run for an elected position. You can run campaigns for other people to get into elected positions. You can run a shop. You can run community events. You can run into people you know everywhere you go. You can even run from the law. My preferred method of running a city is to do just that:

Run.

We often find ourselves locked up inside steel jungles, plugged into the playlist of our own lives, pushing through one more set, while becoming totally oblivious to those who surround us, and shutting out opportunities for peaceful, reflective silence. It's important that we acknowledge our natural resources and make efforts to preserve them and encourage the use of them.

Take your workout outside and go for a jog around the neighborhood. Smile at a stranger. Accept the friendly challenge of a race from a neighbor kid. Take note of questionable characters and become that annoying person that always runs past when nefarious deeds are about to be executed. Enjoy the tranquility of our nature preserves. Pick up litter. Love where you live.

Here are my favorite places to go running in Steubenville:

Union Cemetery

No biking, skating, talking, skateboarding, singing, dancing, jumping, roller-blading, chewing gum, smiling, stepping off the road, or having fun, but you are allowed to run, so have at it! In addition to the occasional adorable elderly couple, there are a plethora of friendly deer at this cemetery, making every athletic outing a near-Disney experience.

Belleview Park

I think we can all agree that there is only one correct direction to run around this park. Ain’t nobody got time for that hill.

The Steubenville Marina

This 1.5 mile trek between the river and the train tracks from the Marina to the Market Street Bridge is one of the most calm and beautiful trails in the area, and the only park with a panoramic view of the Ohio River. Racing trains is optional.

Downtown

Everyone talks about how “unsafe” it is downtown, but there’s hardly anything unsafe about abandoned city streets. I have been running downtown alone on dozens of occasions, even after dark, and I've yet to have an unpleasant encounter. My usual 5K course follows a scenic route along Historic N. 4th Street and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Market Street Bridge

Contrary to popular belief, this bridge isn't just a photogenic landmark in Steubenville. There is a footpath along the south side of the bridge that is a little over a quarter mile long and affords a gorgeous outlook over the Ohio River.

Harding Track

Who doesn't love running in circles, right?

Beatty Park

Wooded trails and historic stairs set the tone on this quiet nature path. The 2 mile trail runs through the heart of the city from Lincoln Avenue up to Union Cemetery.