Running In The City Of Bucharest Can Be Very...

Bucharest, Romania

Running in the city of Bucharest can be very enjoyable. Not all street are safe for runners, but if one starts out in the park at the front of the People's Palace (the one that the last dictator built) and proceed along a canal for about 2 miles you will reach a water/lake reservoir that is circled by a wide 6 feet wide paved path. This path is for the servicing of the water reservoir and is very free of vehicles. Many people use it to cycle, to walk, and young people simply hang out during the evening hours. Of course many dog owners also use the area to exercise their animals so one has to be careful since the dogs are not accustomed to runners. As first defence protection, carry a small pointed tree branch about a foot long so that one can distract the dogs until the owners get over how funny this is and take control. The loop around the reservoir is not shady. It was at one time but the cold winters there have made the people cut down the trees for firewood. The path around the reservoir is elevated at about 6 feet from the water level and summer breezes made the 5 mile distance very enjoyable. A return trip to the People's Palace makes it a distance of about 9 miles. The drinking fountains cannot be trusted too much so it is wise to bring your own small water bottle. Enjoy running in Bucharest!