Is it disrespectful to run in a cemetery?

The dead don't mind, trust me.

I've had stuffy old people yell at me when I'm running through cemeteries, but I've never understood why. It's a peaceful spiritual place, much like running. A cemetery is to been seen and visited. If they think it's disrespectful they should be cremated, not put on display in a public park. I want to be buried on the infield of a running track.

Some years ago there was a flap about people running in Arlington National Cemetery. (By the way, thanks to the OP for spelling the word correctly.) Apparently people were loud, shirtless, spitting--you know, the usual "we can do what we want, we're runners" mentality.

I don't know how that was resolved, but apparently people got quite upset.

OTOH for a year I coached a team mostly in a cemetery, and we never had a problem.

I run occasionally at the Bull Run battlefield - although the trails do not cross over any memorial or cemetery sections. But given the carnage that took place over the two battles, it is akin to running in a cemetery. But no one seems to mind - the optics of the place is now a battlefield park, and not as a morgue for the dead.

Ed Whitlock does not think so.

I see no reason not to as long as you are not interfering with a funeral in progress.

Whenever I am home I run through the cemetery where my parents are buried.

Some say "Life is for the living" (i.e., a neutral stance); however, I add that the dead, if able, would enjoy the company (i.e., a positive stance).

I think they would enjoy your company. It must get lonesome down there six feet under. Sometimes they talk to you. I had one gentleman circa 1800 - 1848 tell me all about the Indian wars in upper NY and PA. He also told me to pick up the pace!

I say it is disrespectful to run in a cemetery. This has me wondering, was anyone else raised to not walk directly over where the coffins are buried? I remember accidentally doing this as a kid and getting a stern talking to from my pops about it.

Are you trying to run like along designated paths throughout the cemetery? Along the perimeter of the place? In any event, I wouldn't do it. If you have to ask if it's disrespectful, then...

I did alot of my morning miles in a cemetery just behind my dorm in college. it had a 'forgiving' dirt and gravel road that was a 1 mile loop around the perimeter. Our team would go there in the afternoon, on occasions to run a shorter loop within the cemetery that was around 700m, for intervals. I and we, were always careful to be respectful and never run right past funerals or make alot of racket or disrespect those visiting loved ones.

not gonna do it wrote:

I say it is disrespectful to run in a cemetery.

Why?

No one is running over graves, they're using the roads.

Never even really thought about it. A group of us run in a cemetery quite frequently and have never had anyone say anything to me about it. I usually make a loop to the part where a good friend of mine who died too young is buried.

Forgot to mention that I always stick to the path though.

Many cemeteries have signs posted that encourage people to walk, run, or bike through the grounds, as long as you are respectful. It is a place for contemplation, and there is nothing wrong with enjoying the solitude (and traffic-free environment), as long as you don't interfere with a funeral, as was mentioned.

I cut through one every day (on the road) to get to my main trail. When weather is really bad I will do loops. Nobody has ever complained and I see lots of people walking dogs. I always detour if someone is visiting a site to respect them. Compared to the teenagers who smoke up, litter, and vandalize the place I am the least of peoples worries.

Definitely not disrespectful.

I had someone yell at me once when I was running in a local cemetery, but even a guy who worked there said he ran there as well, said it gave him a kind of peace/companionship b/c his parents' graves were there.

If I spot a funeral ahead, I detour to another road so as not to disturb the mourners.

As for walking on top of the graves, I heard from my mom not to do that. But as for running along the roads, my mom only warned me to be careful running alone in a cemetery. And that, I agree, is something for us females to keep in mind. When I run in the cemetery, I try to go at times when there will be others around--workers, other runners, etc.

[quote]present wrote:

Some years ago there was a flap about people running in Arlington National Cemetery. (By the way, thanks to the OP for spelling the word correctly.) Apparently people were loud, shirtless, spitting--you know, the usual "we can do what we want, we're runners" mentality.

I don't know how that was resolved, but apparently people got quite upset.

quote]

I didn't know any better and tried to do the same. I got as far as the guards armed with submachine guns and they proceeded to chew me out like there was no tomorrow.

I had no problem with the rule, but their reaction was totally insane.

Once I complied though they were rather pleasant.

I've run in numerous cemeteries and never had a problem from anyone saying it wasn't right or proper. In high school my team used to go to a cemetery a mile away and do hill repeats on a loop in the back of one. People sure looked shocked when they'd be pulling into the cemetery and there'd be 20 guys charging over a hill over and over again.

Works for Ed Whitlock. Works for me.

Ed's the man!

Also, gives you a sense that life is short. Play hard!

I've run in many cemetaries over the years. The most recent one has gotten overrun by people who bring their dogs to the cemetary so they can run free. I gave up running there after getting hassled by some dog packs. But no one ever complained when I ran in graveyards. Make sure to steer well clear of actual burials.