Submitted by Rachel Belmont

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam to Phnom Penh Cambodia, a route I came up with as I wanted to find a way to connect 2 countries I have always wanted to visit. Well, it sure was an adventure alright. I figured I would start at a coffee shop in HCM, Coffee Goc Pho (the 83/50 location as it is a chain) and end at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, where the king of Cambodia resides. The route I mapped out is 144.7 miles, or 233 km.

Located in Missouri's capital city, Binder Park is the largest park in Jefferson City. Binder Park trails connect to create a scenic loop on multiple trails throughout the park with views of the beautiful lake. This loop has every feature a trail runner should see if visiting Missouri, from numerous changes in the trail terrain to water and bridge crossings, steady ascents and descents, changes in the forest type from oak to cedar and pine, and the beauty of the 155 acre lake. It’s one of the longest trails within the Mid-Missouri area for about a 1 hour distance in all directions.

A fun lap around Washington DC connecting several parks together throughout the city (Rock Creek Park, Reservation 630, Glover Archbold Park, Whitehaven Parkway and Dumbarton Oaks Park).  The majority of this route is actually a trail run, with the last several miles being on paved multi use paths.  To start, begin at the trail marker sign post at Bluff Bridge and head south on the pathway to pick up the trail which will be located on your right.  Not all of the paths and directional changes on the route are going to be marked, so make sure to know the map well and where your turns will be.