University of Michigan's North Campus

Credit: Jen Bizzotto

Distance

1.0-3.0 miles; 2.0 miles from downtown Ann Arbor.

Note: North Campus is frequented by free University of Michigan buses that run within minutes of each other. They will take you to and from downtown Ann Arbor.

General Attributes

Scenic and hilly, these paved roads and sidewalks make one of the shorter routes in Ann Arbor - if you're both starting and ending in North Campus, that is. Deer sightings are likely; high concentrations of pedestrians (of the student breed) and cars are almost certain. While people can potentially be obstructing and pavement can become boring, these aspects provide a service: North Campus is an easy and safe night-route, and it doesn't even require a handheld light because the roads are well-lit.

Credit: Jen Bizzotto

Amenities

If you want to make North Campus a stop along a longer run (or if you simply want facilities to use after or before a shorter jaunt), university buildings provide consistent opportunities for water and restrooms. Also, note the bus routes: you don't have to run to North Campus to run North Campus.

Navigational Tips

Getting to North Campus is easy: the turn off Fuller Road is well labeled. Even so, the roads inside North Campus - roads that loop around and interconnect and are surrounded by confusingly indistinguishable buildings - can be confounding. Here are easy and helpful ways to not get lost:

1. Purchase a permanent marker. Trace the provided map (or, if you're aesthetically challenged, written directions) onto your elbow. Profit.
2. Abandon pride and/or embarrassment and ask a nearby pedestrian for directions. (Don't fret: freshmen, engineers, and art students, all specimens you would be likely to find in this area, aren't as off-putting as they look.)
3. Keep running until you find a familiar area. Or until your muscles seize.

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