Running through a National Cemetery?

The dead are dead. I'm sure they don't give a shit one way or another about it.

Wrong. I tried running there one time and got some people pretty pissed at me - and rightfully so. That cemetery in particular is supposed to be a somber place.

If Ed Whitlock does it, it can't be bad.

Go running at Theodore Roosevelt Island!! It's some of the best running in the capitol; run a couple laps and you think you're in the wilderness, if it wasn't for the jet planes flying right over the island on their landing run!

I believe its how you personally approached the run. While you ran did you reflect on their sacrifice and service? Perhaps think about friends who served? As a veteran and a runner I occasionally run through a veterans cemetery on Veteran's Day or Memorial Day. Its my way of spending some serious time thinking about old friends and honoring all those who served. If you simply looked at it as a quiet place out of the daily traffic, then that's the wrong approach- they deserve better. But if you thought about them for one more minute than most folks do, it was a worthwhile run.

Sorry P-47- as I'm sure you surmised response meant for P-51!

why would anyone want to run through a cemetary? then again, if I'm dead, I'd hope that people would run past my grave

This is a good question. I've wondered the same thing -- if running through a cemetary is disrespectful. I have decided that it is for the simple reason that others who are there to pay their respects don't want to see a sweaty guy engaged in recreation in what is supposed to be a solemn place. I think the perception of other people there is that running in a cemetary is like playing catch or throwing a frisbee or suntanning -- not appropriate.

Personally, I wouldn't care if I were paying respects at a gravesite and someone ran by, but I think others would care.

i've run through cemetaries early in the morning - in chicago, it's one of the few places you can run. i think running there early in the morning is fine: you're probably not going to see anyone, other than perhaps a groundskeeper, if you're there before 7:30 or 8:00am. later in the day, when you're likely to see funerals and people visiting graves, i think it becomes a bit more inappropriate. i personally wouldn't be offended if i saw people running through a cemetary while i was there but i too can certainly see why some would be upset by it.

i don't think it's a big deal. but if there is a service going on, i would definitely stay far away, and generally try to steer clear of any other visitors if possible too. anyway, who cares about the assholes who would get all pissed about something like that?

I live by cemetary and they do not care if people are running through and are generally curteous. This cemetary is in Minneapolis. They do not allow bikers, rollerbladers, skateboarders, etc. If you see that there is a ceremony in progress, do not get anywhere near it. Maybe I am off on this, but if I have short shorts and no shirt it seems less respectful than when more dressed.

While maybe a "national" cemetary is different, my opinion with regard to running in regular cemetaries is that the dead might enjoy the company.

I had an interesting conversation with a Moravian minister years ago. There was a wide path at the end of a street running along the edge of a cemetery that would have been an ideal (logistically) portion of a race course I was laying out. I called the home church and asked permission and was told politely, but in no uncertain terms, NO.

He then explained that for them the cemetery was a place for calm reflection and worship, not a park. He was very nice and gave a clear explanation of their articles of faith.

It's clear that some at least would find it grossly disrespectful.