Is it appropriate to run in a cemetery?

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.

But yes — cemetery paths tend to be surprisingly nice. Just maybe save the strides for somewhere else.

I've done it plenty of times. Often had to duck under a coffin as I didn't want to pause my tempo run.

Distance running for me elicites positive , bright, being alive thoughts

Running by the tombstones of my dad, friend who was killed by a train and wife who died of brain cancer

Would elicit thoughts of heart attacks, trains hitting cars and craniotomies at MD Anderson

Not thoughts I like to think about on runs.

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

My god Letsrun is full of awful people. No it's not ok to run through a cemetery, do you really need to be told that? Show some respect.

yeah i'd say just find a nice public park or somewhere else, it's not worth the worry or potential disrespect

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."

If you speak to dead people 💀 👻

No.

what cemetery? always looking for a good outdoor place to run in NH