When a runner hits the pavement, having the correct shoes and attire is crucial, but having the right running terrain and location is equally important. Every runner has a unique set of physical capabilities and preferences.

For the runner who wants a specific type of running experience, there are Web sites and running clubs where they can get information about running trails that have been tested by other runners with similar running capabilities.  

For the avid runner looking for a new trail, a Web site called www.run.com allows the runner to view hundreds of published trails, as well as an opportunity to add their own courses.  On this site, a route summary is given for each published trail that includes the distance, speed, estimated time to complete the run, elevation changes and a place to determine the number of calories burned during the run.

For someone looking for company to run with, check out the Interurban Running Club at www.Interurbanrunners.net.  This is a local running club for runners of all ages and experience level.  They run trails at different locations throughout the year in the Puget Sound.    

For the beginner, the Puget Sound area offers a variety of safe, well-marked running trails to suit the needs of almost any runner.   
Here is a list of some of the most popular trails in the state.  

Point Defiance Park Running Trails
5400 North Pearl St., Tacoma
The outer loop of Five Mile Drive is closed to motor vehicles every Saturday and Sunday until 1 p.m. - so visitors can run, walk or bicycle along the scenic drive.
Specifically within Point Defiance, Spine trail is 2.53 miles long.  It stretches from the Rhododendron Garden to Gig Harbor Viewpoint and back.

• Others include Square Trail Outer Loop - is 3.76 miles long - and Triangle Trail Inner Loop - which is 3 miles long.
• There are several shorter trails, ranging from a quarter of a mile to one mile, located throughout the park.  

Chambers Bay Golf Course Running Trail
6320 Grandview Dr., University Place
This County gem of a golf course has two trails - the Grandview and the Soundview. Both trails circle the course and are about 3.25 miles long.  The trails include hilly, partly wooded terrain along the Puget Sound.  

Fort Steilacoom Park Running Trail   
9601 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Tacoma
This trail begins at the park entrance and weaves around Waughop Lake and back to the park entrance.  

Ruston Way
2201 Ruston Way, Tacoma
At five miles long, this trail runs the entire length of Ruston Way.  The beachfront trail is mostly sidewalk.