QUITO LONG GREEN RUN – 9.5K

Description

The Parque Metropolitano is the most important green area in northern Quito. It is 557 hectares and is home to more than ten varieties of hummingbirds as well as other bird species and small wildlife. It was established in the early 1990’s as a response to the few green areas that Quito had and now it is managed as a park/ecological reserve inside the city. In the early morning hours you can find elite and amateur athletes riding mountain bikes and trail running. The afternoon sees less visitors.

In this run we will partake in the fun that this park’s trails offer. We hit the trails after a short warm up from the entrance and right away the scent of the Eucalyptus trees fills up the air, with the birds flying among the trees. Up and down we go, jumping over and stepping on roots and rocks. We step out onto a wider easier trail to catch our breath for a little while before it’s back to the narrow trails. Running at the edge of the park we keep going, past the power line towers where the trees give way to a meadow and wider views. Time for a short stop to listen to the forest. Then we hit the trail that runs on the side of the mountain. The towns of Cumbayá and Tumbaco can be seen in the valley below and, if the day is clear, we will see the snowy peaks of Cayambe, Antisana and Cotopaxi volcanoes. STOP! Take in the views. Huffing and puffing, up and down the section called the “rollercoaster” and then the fast downhill run back to our starting point. What a beautiful way to start or finish a day in Quito!