Let’s not lie to ourselves…our website is full of recommendations for amazing cookies, wood fired pizza, and delicious cocktails. We’ve supported locally through curbside & takeout. We’ve worked out with our favorite local fitness studios streaming. We’ve bought groceries and cleaning products at local stores and restaurants in town to avoid waiting in the ridiculous line outside HEB (and to support local, of course).

Spring and Fall in Midland are the BEST and most beautiful times of year in Midland (IMO) to work off some of our go-to meals and treats from around town, so get outside and enjoy the perfect weather with one of these running routes around the Tall City.

If you’re at a loss as to where to start with your running plans, here are a few of our favorite runs in Midland (in increasing distance order):

Wadley Barron Park Loop

Fondly referred to as “the duck pond”, this is a scenic .36 mile route that can be a fun family walk/jog or sprint training. If you’re looking for more distance, this route can easily tied in to the adjacent Club Estates & North Park Hill neighborhoods back to Memorial Stadium for a low-traffic run.

In general, this area is a great place to explore some of the unique features and homes in Midland. Enjoy!

Windlands Park Loop

The Windlands Park loop, located just south of Wadley and A St, is a paved walking, jogging, and recreational area with a 1.7-mile loop (.8 miles if you don’t also hit the connected Tumbleweed Park).

The path is fairly flat, and stroller-friendly and the park offers a number of other amenities.

Should up for a quick game of frisbee golf afterward, Windlands Park has that for you, too, along with play structures, barbecue pits, picnic tables, and more.

Midland College Loop

The loop around Midland College is approximately 1.5 miles. While it’s definitely a popular area to run and bike, it’s fairly low in vehicle and foot traffic. It’s also a popular area in Midland to hold local races such as the Hot Dog Run benefiting the Midland Humane Coalition in June.

Two loops around and you have yourself a nearly perfect 5K surrounded by the interesting buildings at Midland College, trees, and open fields.

Heart & Sole 5K Route

Another 5K option for your vault: this run, starting from Midland YMCA and looping through a corner of Downtown Midland (including the soon-to-be-completed Centennial Park) is off the main roads.

The Heart & Sole 5K takes place in February each year and benefits the Midland YMCA.

Green Tree 4 Mile Loop

If you’re looking for a quiet, low-traffic 4-mile run; up and around Green Tree Country Club, and Green Tree neighborhood is certainly one of our favorites.

Wide roads and low traffic make it a favorite among road and gravel bikers as well.

Follow up this run with some healthy eats, a latte, or even an adult beverage from Hand Cafe.

Tour de Downtown & Old Midland + Neely

If you’re looking for a 6-7 miler with a tour of central Midland to boot, we’ve got you covered.

This route begins and ends catty-corner to the Volunteer Park which houses the Midland mural. Also, conveniently located to King & I for some delicious Thai food.

If you’re not a midday multi-miler, there are many segments along the route that are worth checking out.

Energy City Half Marathon Route

While not a closed course, it is largely residential, and almost anywhere along this route is ideal for a long run. Keep your wits about you and look out for cars, folks. This route also sweeps past one of my favorite spots in Midland - the pump jacks flanked with vines and beautiful landscaping by Fasken Oil & Ranch headquarters.

Given that the Energy Half Marathon, brought to you by the Camron Stotts Foundation, was supposed to take place March 28th this year, this route might bring some sadness to the local Midland running community.

The good news? It was rescheduled for October 31st which means that you might still have time to train in order to participate.

Strava didn’t have this route readily available so this map is brought to you by Half Marathons.net.