One of the primary reasons driving my route boredom is that the majority of my runs are completed within the same 21km radius of my house (or so). Luckily, my training group is based in Oak Bay, which has provided ample opportunity for me to explore new routes with friends. Recently, we completed our interval work along Dallas Rd. Though I have walked along the breakwater many times, I neglected to realize it’s high potential for group interval training.

Map: This route began at Beacon Hill Park and included a couple kilometers of warm up towards Dallas Rd, before following the length of Dallas Rd, extending all the way to the breakwater bridge. Shown right is the satellite map, overlayed by a heatmap depicting speed changes throughout the numbered intervals, and the turn-around point on Dallas Rd shown between intervals 9 and 10.

Terrain: With the exception of the few cedar chip trails present during the transition between Beacon Hill Park to Dallas Rd, the entirety of this run was completed on road base (pavement). The section along Dallas Rd itself offers a separate walk/run/bike path on which we completed our intervals. The path was wide enough for us to run in trios, leaving room for other pedestrians or cyclists without obstruction. It also enabled us to run in the dark without worrying about traffic, under streetlights and in small groups.

Distance/Elevation: The total distance of this route was 12.5km, totaling to just under an hour and a half. The intervals themselves were completed along a 4-5km section of Dallas Rd and included a turn around point. The total ascent during this route was 93m, with a descent of 89m, and maximum elevation of 37m. Overall, significantly flat, providing ideal terrain for speedwork.

An Honest and Thorough Review: This route provided simple, easy terrain that was ideal for group training after daylight hours. Ample parking at Beacon Hill enabled all of us to start together without finding parking along Dallas Rd, however, there are also several spots at Clover Point that could be an alternative option. Traffic was minimal to non existent, given the separate pedestrian and cyclist path and the private trails through Beacon Hill Park. This route is exceptionally scenic, with a five-star view of the Olympic mountains during daylight hours, and a peaceful view of the Victoria Harbour in the evening. Overall, I would say this route is a stellar option for group training at any time of day, regardless of daylight or traffic volumes. The only downside to this routs is its’ lack of protection from any sort of adverse weather; it directly faces rain and wind coming off the ocean.

Rating: 5/5

Media: These photos were not taken at the time of this run, but provide evidence of the daytime views and walking paths. Media was obtained from iHikeBC.