Runner’s Guide to Charlotte
Next up in our Runner’s Guide series, Charlotte, NC. This is home to Feetures Product Design, Marketing, Inventory Planning and Sales teams, and thus it holds a special place in our hearts!
The Queen City: Charlotte, North Carolina is one of the 25 largest cities in the United States: a huge financial hub AND it’s also home to a growing and diverse running community. If you’re looking for greenways, trails, or a mix of both, you can find plenty of places to run, ride, walk, or anything in between in Charlotte.
Let us “show you around” the Queen city from a local’s perspective.
Where to Run:
Cross Charlotte Greenway/Little Sugar Creek Greenway - This ever expanding greenway system will eventually take you all the way across Charlotte.
The Whitewater Center Trails - There are over 50 miles of trails ranging in difficulty and length. After your run, grab a beer and watch whitewater rafters try their luck in their state of the art man-made rapids.
McAlpine Creek Greenway - If you ran Cross Country for a High School in Charlotte, this place holds many memories for you. This trail is partly paved and partly gravel and is a great place to see runners of all abilities out and about. There are several paths that intersect and all in all make up about 20+ miles of running space.
Rail Trail - SouthEnd Charlotte (home to Feetures Charlotte HQ) has a great greenway that runs along Charlotte’s Light Rail line. Making up at least 6 miles of runnable and bikeable space, this path is a favorite of Millennials and Gen-Z who work, play and live in this trendy area.
Where to Eat (a.k.a. Your best chance of seeing the Feetures team)
Salted Melon - Come for the healthy salads and yummy coffee, stay for the adorable atmosphere.
Common Market - Quirky sandwich shop with a great selection of wine, beer, and kombucha
300 East - Charming restaurant on East Blvd. established in an old victorian style home. Do not miss out on the French Onion Soup.
Barcelona Wine Bar - A Feetures Team favorite for Happy Hour!
Best Socks to Wear:
Elite Ultra Light No Show Tab - Charlotte is known for its great weather and plentiful sunshine, but summers are humid and we like to find ways to stay cool however we can. This sock is our most breathable, lightweight option.
Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew - Our most stylish men's running sock, the Elite Light Cushion Mini Crew will give you a pep in your step when you need it most.
Pick up some running gear:
We love all of our retailers, and connecting with them as part of our local community is truly special. For any running essentials you may need, be sure to check out some of our awesome, local Charlotte retailers:
Charlotte Running Company
Ultra Running Company
Run for Your Life
Fleet Feet Charlotte
What to See:
Explore SouthEnd - SouthEnd Charlotte is one of the most fun neighborhoods to explore, and it also happens to be where Feetures HQ resides. Walk the Rail Trail, explore some shops, grab some yummy food or drinks. There’s something for everyone here.
Whitewater Center - Not just for whitewater rafting. The Whitewater Center offers a great beer scene, weekly concerts during the summer, yoga, and a huge variety of events to enjoy.
Check out a game - Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Charlotte Hornets (NBA), Charlotte FC (MLS), or the Charlotte Knights (MiLB)
Romare Bearden Park - THE place to take a skyline picture, have a picnic and do some people watching while in Uptown.
Charlotte’s Best Races
Around the Crown - Have you ever been stuck in traffic on the highway and thought to yourself, “I could run faster than this”? This idea is exactly how Around the Crown 10K got its start. One of Charlotte’s most fun events, plus they’re on a mission to work with local Charlotte companies, build a sustainable race, and give back to the community. A win all around for us, and we are proud to be a sponsor!
Charlotte Marathon - Charlotte’s only marathon held annual in November. The course tours some of Charlotte’s most beautiful and quirky neighborhoods. Be advised, it’s a little hilly but who doesn’t love a challenging course!
Whitewater River Jam Race Series - Held on the second Thursday of every month in the summer, this series has a 5k(ish) and 10k(ish) distance, and winds through the fabulous trails of the WWC. Enjoy a beer and a free concert afterwards.
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