Saturday Morning North Clinton Shores Trail Run

One of Lawrence’s hidden gems is the 22 miles of natural trails along the north shore of Clinton Lake. On Saturday mornings you are invited to join the TrailHawks in exploring a part of this trail system via a 3-5 mile, moderately paced run.. You can expect to meet trail veterans as well, as they start their longer runs.

All distances, all paces, and all levels of enthusiasm are welcome. We love introducing newcomers to the trails and will make sure you are not left behind and get an orientation to the trail system.

Generally, our start time is 7:30, but in the heat of the summer, we might start earlier.

Regularly, we start at the Army Corps’ Trailhead (also called the Overlook Park Trailhead), a bit south of the US Army Corps of Engineers’ office. Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kixPkmCH45oh2UvJA. However, we like to mix things up, and at other times start at other locations along the trail system, most requiring a pass into the state park (see below). In addition, when the trials are too wet to run, we are off to other locations in the vicinity.

On Thursday evening of each week, the week’s planned run is announced on the TrailHawk’s Facebook page and other social media. When weather conditions threaten, it is good to check the page for changes that might be needed.

The run lead is David Barfield

Here is a link to a map of the North Clinton trails (note: north is down on the map): https://www.lawrencemountainbikeclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/clinton_lake_north_shore_trail_map.jpg

As you will observe, the trail system is dominated by two trails: - the shorter, and generally easier, Blue Trail closer to the lake and - the longer, more “technical” White Trail running roughly parallel to the Blue Trail, but a bit further from the lake.

There are several connectors between the two trails, shown in yellow.

Want to know more? The TrailHawk’s Matt O'Rielly has created the definitive guide on running the North Shore trails including the history of the lake; park entrances; description of the various trails, connectors, loop, trailhead, other locations of interest; water and bathroom access; trail etiquette; and tips for new runners. See https://trailhawks.com/static/docs/Lawrence-Trail-Hawks-Guide-to-Running-Clinton-Lake.pdf

When:: Saturday at 7:30 AM
Where:: None
Run Leader:: David Barfield

Frequently Asked Questions

How old must I be to run with the Trail Hawks?

Runners of all ages are welcome. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, preferably a parent.

Do you run at night?

Yes! During the winter, most group runs are at night so make sure you bring a head lamp or a handheld light. The trails ARE dark at night.

How fast do you run?

Our speeds typically are slow. A lot of us are slow runners, with a few speed demons. The shorter runs are usually faster than the longer runs. If speed is a concern for you, we can change the run tempo to accommodate.

How far do you run?

Our distances vary. Our “Beginner Run” is every Monday, and ranges from 1-4 miles. Another Trail Hawks beginner-oriented trail run is our women-only "Gal-Gallop,” also between 1-4 miles. Our Wednesday Short-to-Middy Run goes from about 4 to 12 miles. The Saturday long run has gone as far as 40 miles. Not everyone runs the full distance, and some run further. No one who is new to the trails is ever left alone on them during our group runs. Check out our "runs page" for details and contact info.

What is "screwing your shoes"?

It’s inserting short, hex head screws into the lugs in the outsole (ie, the bottom) of the shoe For an excellent write up on how to do this, read Matt Carpenter's webpage, "The Screwed Shoe".

I’m not a joiner. Can I run with the Hawks anyway?

Sure thing. All our scheduled weekly runs are free. And you can get in on the Hawk Talk by joining our Lawrence Trail Hawks Yahoo e-mail group or our Facebook Page.

Do you run in the winter?

Yes! We run year round. Rain or sleet or snow. We're like the USPS. Only thing that keeps Hawks of the trail are tornadoes and lightning. One trick we often use to help our winter running (especially when it is icy) is to screw our shoes. We run in nice weather too.

I want to come run with your club, what should I bring?

We are a self-sufficient group. Each runner is expected to bring water, water-bottle/s (or hydration pack), food, salt tablets, etc. It is often hard for first-time distance runners to judge the amount of water/food they should bring. If you have any doubts it's always safer to bring more than less. Here is a guide which should help.

Note: this guide is subject to change depending on weather conditions and from runner to runner.

under 10 miles: 1 water bottle and 1-2 gel packets (or food of similar calories) 10-15 miles: 1-2 water bottles (or hydration pack) and 2-3 gel packets and 1-2 salt tablets 15-20 miles: 2-3 water bottles (or hydration pack) and 2 gels and one energy bar and 3-4 salt tablets

Please remember that this is a general guideline. Each runner has his or her own fueling needs. And more importantly weather conditions can make this guide fluctuate wildly.