I ran this route southbound from Springfield to Cincinnati beginning Friday 10/17/2025 around 6AM. Parking at the 99 Parking Garage is free and a short walk from the start of the route. It was a chilly start (40 degrees) but great running weather once I got moving. I chose to run this unsupported and only stopped at public water fountains along the way. My planned stops were as follows though a one of these was not operating so be prepared to go on to the next stop if needed:
- Yellow Springs Station - mile 9
- Xenia Station - mile 19
- Spring Valley Founders Park - mile 26 (inoperable)
- Corwin Little Miami Restroom - mile 33.5
- Morrow Phegley Park - mile 47.3
- Foster Hamilton Township Park (Monkey Bar) - mile 57
- Loveland Nisbet Park - mile 61
- Newtown Avoca Park - mile 73.5
The weather was cool with clear skies making for a great day to run. I felt strong through much of the run but came into Spring Valley almost completely dry and looking to refill only to find the fountain inoperable. The next stop was 7.5 miles at Morrow which was a 15 mile stretch between water. After Morrow was another 14 mile stretch between refills making for a 30 mile stretch in total where there was only one refill opportunity in the middle. This impacted my pace and set me back for for the rest of the run. I refilled at Foster and used the short 4 mile distance to the next water stop to make sure I drank all my water to try and rehydrate before the last large gap of 13 miles between Loveland and Newtown. After Newton, it's a short 5 mile run to the finish where family was waiting to greet me.
Course conditions are great. This is an entirely paved bike trail and very easy to follow. The trail gets a lot of use from other runners and bikers. The only thing to watch out for are the walnuts which can be an ankle roller and, at times, attempt to bomb you from above.
The only gear I used was an Ultraspire Speedgoat 3.0 waist belt with two 550ml water bottles. For calories, I used Maurten 360 drink mix, Maurten 160 gels, Maurten 100 CAF gels, and Maurten 160 solids. All of which fit in my waist pack. No aid was provided and I didn't stop for anything other than water refills at public fountains.
Other than the water fountain at Spring Valley this was great run and highly recommend. Much to see along the route and many small towns you pass through. This could also be a really fun run stopping at the various restaurants along the way.
Thanks to Mark for submitting the route!