I always love these threads because runners will debate biomechanics, spikes, and shoe foam for hours, but the moment someone mentions a cemetery route everyone suddenly becomes a philosopher.
For what it’s worth, a lot of cemeteries actually prefer runners or walkers because it means someone is around who isn’t up to no good — same story where I live. As long as you’re respectful and not treating it like a tempo course, nobody bats an eye.
On a related note, I put together a free little running site called Running Made Easy. It’s just basic training plans, pacing tips, and beginner-friendly info — no ads, no fluff. If anyone wants to check it out or give feedback, I’d appreciate it.
I'd say running your entire course within a cemetery would be a bit strange because that is supposed to be a quiet and calm place and running is a rather loud and agitated activity. In the same vein monasteries, meditation centers and such often ask their guests not to run.
However I do rather frequently run through Invalidenfriedhof in Berlin, it's a short stretch of 200-300 m and there are a lot of other runners and bikers using it. Main path through Assistens Kirkegård in Copenhagen is the same. I try not to spit or clear my nose while I run through.
I used to run in this private soldier's cemetery that is owned by DoD. It has these wooded sections that get extremely creepy at dusk. I got a very eerie feeling going through that part of the park and stopped doing it because i found myself going up to like 5k pace just to get through it.
Also, I was told not to run without a shirt on by a caretaker once and it felt akin to being called a harlot by a Puritan in 1704 so it was already starting to feel weird
Did sessions at George Mason in 1987 at a cemetery on the boundary and never felt good about it. So no i wouldn't have my athletes now run anywhere near a cemetery.
Maybe Mason and Fairfax were less developed then? I attended Mason and there were low traffic neighborhoods on the periphery, a track that was never locked, and bike paths within 5-10 miles.
I don't remember a cemetary anywhere near Fairfax, but there may have been one at a church or a small one near downtown that I ran by in like a few secs.
Fairfax memorial Park 800 repeats with Abdi. We trained on dirt and grass back in the day. Burke Lake was a favourite
Live near our small-town cemetery. 3/4 mile loop around the outside roads. No one has a problem with it and many in town run/walk/bike there. It is a great place to run in the winter because they actually plow it.
I once stayed at this small town in South Central Missouri. There was no fitness room in my hotel and no park anywhere close.
So I decided to go to a cemetery to run. It turned out local elderly people go there for their "fitness walk."
I once did part of a run in a cemetery in East Stroudsburg, Pa. next to a Super Eight I stayed in the night before. A white car followed me for maybe five minutes then finally pulled up next to me. An old woman got out and said, "I've been banging and banging on my husband's crypt and he won't come out and answer me." Then she asked if I'd like to have a try.
And you're right. Aside from trying to bring the occasional spouse back from the dead people ride bikes, walk, and walk dogs in cemeteries. No reason you can do all that stuff in one but not run.
Was home for the weekend and popped through the cemetery where my grandparents are buried. Took a pause for a minute to say hi; I'm not really a spiritual person, but I like making my rounds when I'm able- a part of me thinks they do too.
In general, I don't do it, just other routes I prefer though in high school we would periodically if we were bored (always on the path, never over graves).
I'll never forget my high school head coach, who was my age (26) at the time took us past his high school buddie's headstone, stopped, pointed, and told us "this is why you don't f--- around in the river" and continued on the run. I don't mess with rivers these days.