Running Around Campus
If walking up and down the hill everyday isn’t enough cardiovascular exercise for you, let me introduce you to the delight of running around the Tufts area. From lovely fall foliage around Mystic Lake to the ever-social atmosphere of the Somerville Community Path, Medford, Somerville, and the greater Boston area offer runners a plethora of joys to experience.
One of my favorites, and one of the first places that will stand out on your mapping application when searching around the area, is the Mystic River and connected Mystic Lakes. They have a nice built-in natural loop and course to follow, with many green or multicolored (depending on the season) offshoots to take in the scenes and snap some pictures for the ever-important Strava post.
For more of a true trail running feel, I would highly recommend the Middlesex Fells Reservation, primed for runners and hikers alike. The nature reservation excels with its spaghetti-like trails, varied elevation, and dense tree cover. The various reservoirs and ponds create seamless loops for the short mile/mile and a half return to Tufts campus.
For those interested in more of a city run and either a longer run or are prepared to brave the train in workout attire, I would recommend the Charles River Esplanade. Again, this area offers a natural loop to follow, with the added benefit of a direct connection to Boston Common and the Public Garden. When running on the weekends, you will especially feel the size of Boston with the sheer number of runners, walkers, and Bostonians enjoying their days off outside. This is a great option to appreciate Tufts’ connection to a major metropolitan area.
Last but certainly not least is the Somerville Community Path. If you ask any Jumbo runner for their running suggestions this path will surely be on that list. Beginning at Davis Square and extending out into Somerville, the path brings together runners, cyclists, and walkers from across the community. This paved route is great for all levels and gives you a fantastic sense of the Somerville area.
A great way to learn about these routes and many more would be by joining the Tufts University Running Club. Joining the team has not only allowed me to learn about these various routes near campus, but also helped me build a community, participate in meets throughout the year, and has motivated me to run on days when I am not feeling as up to it.
Overall, the compact nature of greater Boston means varied terrain, tourist attractions, architecture, and nature all readily accessible at any distance that suits your Jumbo running needs.
P.S. If you are ever curious about more runs, check out the TUXC Digital Run Preservation Project. This project was started in 2020 by the Tufts Cross Country team to document the many runs they go on around the area.
Photo credit: Luc Brown (2026).