Run the National Parks!

Image from NPS Centennial Celebration site promotion "Find Your Park" https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm

RUNNING TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS: THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Runner’s World published two articles in 2015, the year preceding the actual date of the UPCOMING 100th birthday of the National Park Service. Created on August 25, 1916 (corrected) by an act of Congress, it is an agency of the US Department of the Interior, charged with preserving areas entrusted to the US government’s care and management and making them available for public use and enjoyment.
 
Both running-related articles were written by Lisa Jhung. "Trails to Run: Best National Parks for Running", August 5, 2015,  provides a list of 15 parks in which to run, plus valuable information that will help to prepare for and enjoy the experience, including “Location, Elevation, Miles available for running, Gear you need to run this park, Types of trails, Best route/don’t miss, Wildlife, Cost, and an Insider’s tip”. The highlighted parks are located all across the country, from as far west as Hawaii, to Maine in the east, to Michigan in the north to Florida in the southern US.
 
Another article "What You Need To Know About Running In The National Parks" July 31, 2015, gives guidance on how to be a good citizen and how to make the most of your visit. It reminds runners about being sensitive to the needs of nature, other visitors, and park personnel, courtesies that are appropriate for all occasions and places.
 
Did you know that there are 59 areas designated as “National Parks” but 412 “units” or areas making up the National Park System (NPS)? These areas are variously designated and include National Battlefields and Forts, Monuments, Memorials, Seashores, Preserves, Historical Parks, Heritage Sites, Recreational Areas, Pathways, Rivers and Lakes, and Trails. Information on the NPS is scattered throughout the official organizational celebration and foundation websites, but a great deal more is offered in a Wikipedia listing that is extensively detailed and referenced.

RUN HAPPY!

https://www.nps.gov/subjects/centennial/index.htm
 
http://www.nationalparks.org/our-work/celebrating-100-years-service
 
http://www.runnersworld.com/trails-to-run/best-national-parks-for-running

http://www.runnersworld.com/run-the-great-outdoors/what-you-need-to-know-about-running-in-national-parks

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Park_Service