In Episode 5 Season 3 of Hoka One One Top Trails, we visit Columbus, OH. A few short years ago, Columbus really didn’t offer much in the way of single-track running trails. This all changed when Columbus’ strong community of passionate runners had been participating in trail races across the country and decided that Columbus needed a trail to call its own. The Rocks and Roots Trail at Alum Creek was born- built by runners, for runners. Jeff Henderson (Manager, Fleet Feet Columbus) and Ryan Moran (VP Rocks and Roots Trail Runners Association) tell us about some of the early discussions, and what it took to build single-track trails meandering through the woods, over creeks, and along the Alum Creek Lakefront. They currently have about 13 miles of purpose-built trail constructed, but could eventually see as much as 50 miles of connected trail-system in the area. 

Hosts Matt Barnhart and Ian Terpin visit the popular restaurant, Dirty Franks Hot Dog Palace to talk to John Meadows (HOKA Account Executive, Columbus Area Runner) about some of the local hot spots as well as some additional running locations Columbus has to offer. John takes us on a run at the Highbanks Metro Park ending at an observation deck 100 feet above the Olentangy River.

Matt and Ian also sit down with Jeff Henderson and Ryan Moran at Lineage Brewing to discuss the running community that helped make building their own trail a possibility.