2. Rivergreenway
The Rivergreenway is a 25-mile series of trails that stretch throughout central Fort Wayne and New Haven along the banks of Fort Wayne's three rivers. Fort Wayne has a spectacular, bustling downtown area that is also very safe and clean. This path integrates the riverside wildlife and scenery with the urban setting of downtown.
Check out more information on the Rivergreenway here.
Photo Credit: @matt.hakey on Instagram
3. The Plex North and Purdue Fort Wayne
I have memories of running high school cross country meets at The Plex North. With its wooded areas and hilly course, this spot is the perfect place to train. Settled right next to the Purdue University Fort Wayne campus, you will have plenty of smooth, scenic paths to satisfy your daily training. Run over bridges, past modern art, forest paths, and riverside to make your workout a memorable one. The section near Purdue Fort Wayne is even part of the Native Trees River Walk!
4. Fox Island
Run through a marsh, beach, forests, and fields all in one park! Fox Island is a 605-acre State Nature Preserve in Southwest Allen County with 7 miles of marked, relatively flat paved, dirt, and gravel trails. This park couldn’t be more dog-friendly! Let your pooch off the leash at the doggie beach after your run or hop in yourself at the Bowman Lake swimming beach. Park admission is $3 per person, and I guarantee well worth it.
Find the Fox Island Trail Map here.
5. Towpath Trail
While Towpath may only be 5.5 miles, it connects with countless more trails like Eagle Marsh, the Lutheran Hospital campus, Rockhill Park, and downtown. The possibilities are endless! I also really like this path because the trail is flat, paved, easy, and clean. It’s great for walkers, bikers, and all other activities. There is free parking at multiple spots around the trail, but the parking on Glendale Rd, off of Smith, gives you a nice central location to start.
Check out the Towpath Trail map here.
Gear Shops
When it comes to gear, our local shops have your back.
Stop by Three Rivers Running Company for footwear and apparel, but also coaching services, gait analysis, and wellness classes.
Fort Wayne Outfitters is another local staple for athletes. located on the riverfront in downtown Fort Wayne. In addition to apparel and gear, they have a variety of bikes, kayaks, paddleboards, and more available for purchase or rent.
Races Galore
Now that you’ve trained and have the gear, it's time to run a race! Fort Wayne is home to countless races throughout the year, from 5K to half marathon. See the Fort Wayne Running Club website for their list of upcoming races.
Fort4Fitness hosts several events each year, all leading up to Fort Wayne’s biggest annual health and fitness event: the Fort4Fitness Fall Festival. The entire weekend is packed with races ranging from a senior marathon and children's marathon to the full 26-mile marathon.
This post was originally published in July 2017 and has been updated. Last updated: April 2025
