With the summer days ahead and all the activity that it brings, getting in shape seems to be a  priority for future beach bums in Scituate. As the summer countdown begins, running can help eliminate stress while amping up those endorphins that put you in a good mood. Long distance runner sophomore Jackie Cosica said, “I like running around the lighthouse and the harbor, its really nice and scenic. In Scituate I never get bored and there’s a lot of options for different loops.”

So lace up your sneakers and start stretching, because here’s some of the best loops to try in 02066.

For Beginners:

The Driftway: 1.49 miles– Park at the Conservation area near the windmill across from widows walk and continue on the newly paved bike/running path up towards Gilson road. Once you reach Gilson, turn around and continue back the way you came.

Lighthouse Loop– 1.06 miles– Park at the lighthouse and run towards Scotties on Rebecca Rd.. Once you reach Scotties, turn around and run back towards the lighthouse following Lighthouse Rd.. This short loop is around 1 mile, but if you want to challenge yourself, you can do multiple laps.

Intermediate:

The Back Roads: 2.39 Miles– Park at Wampatuck Elementary school and start off down Edith Holmes drive. Take a left on Woodland Road and continue right on to Captain Pierce Road until you reach the 4 way intersection. Take a right towards Egypt Beach and stay on Tilden Rd until you’re back at Wampatuck.

The Harbor: 2.75 Miles– Park at Cole Parkway and continue up through the harbor and towards St. Mary’s. Follow Edward Foster Road up the cliff and take a right on Peggotty Beach Road, follow it up the cliff and continue towards first cliff. When you reach the end of the cliff and the jetty is in sight, turn around and return to second cliff while taking a right on Edward Foster Road until you reach Front St.

Marathon Aspirers:

The Cliff Challenge: 5.55 miles- Park at the harbor and follow “The Harbor” loop above, but instead of heading back to St. Mary’s, cut through the Peggotty Parking lot on your second loop and head on over to Third Cliff. Take a loop around the cliff and return to the Peggotty Parking lot, and end where you started. The consistent hills will guarantee sore calves the next day. Track runner junior Ryan Donovan said, “For track we run to the bridge at Peggotty and even go swimming. It’s great to run in Scituate with both the scenery and the ocean.”

The Scituate 500- 9.56 miles Start at Tedeschis, run to Minot beach and follow Hatherly Road 2.5 miles to Kenneth road. Take a left and proceed to the lighthouse loop, follow it to the Harbor and go over the Peggotty bridge. After going around first and second cliff, follow down the driftway to conservation center. Instead of heading back to Tedeschi’s,, get picked up by a friend or family member- you’ve earned it.