Whether you are a novice runner or a pro, the area around Pleasant Valley is filled with great paths for biking, walking, and running. The cross country team knows these paths like the back of their hand, so they gave some of their favorites. If you are new to the area or want a little boost to start running, this list is for you. Every path can be altered for your fit—ranging from two miles to twelve.
Bike Path Right
Ask any past Pleasant valley runner, and they will have an opinion about this staple Spartan route. The classic route on the duck creek bike path is essentially endless, snaking out to Emeis. Whether it’s a chilly autumn day with friends or a solo trek through the snow-covered path, Bike Path Right is a beautiful and covered with trees along the quiet, streaming creek.
Bike Path Left
Despite the much-criticized addition of the fence to the bike path, Bike Path Left is another utilization of Bettendorf’s great paths. As this path goes through Devils glen park, you can jog down to great Mississippi and run along quad cities staple river.
Bridges Loop
Thanks to the new addition of the I-74, a new route the team runs, mainly in the summers during optional runs, this new route is a great route that is a loop. Starting at either Leach Park or Lindsey Park, this route spans four cities, two bridges, two states, and an arsenal. This run instantly brings memories of the beating sun on cool summer mornings.
Village of East Davenport long run loop
What is my personal favorite, this route is a long-run loop that spans Davenport and Bettendorf. Starting at the high school, the route goes down Middle Road until it hits Jersey Ridge. Down Jersey, you are running through the quaint village of east davenport. You then run back through some of the fewer run paths to round out a nice 10-mile run.
Crow 5 k
The classic spartan route is Crow Creek Park, this is the home court, the place where the iron gets sharpened. With winding paths and three massive hills, this course is fit and measured to be a thrilling 5k race. Whether you skip the Exterminator or not, this course is still a great one that is a quintessential Pleasant Valley staple.
Gooch Bowl (over and over and over)
A part of some of the most grueling practices including 800s and miles, the Gooch bowl is essentially a dirt track that’s shaded by trees on either side. As your toes tickle the gooch, you can find yourself mesmerized by the gooch. Thanks to the shade and soft surface, one could have fun with themselves in the gooch for miles on miles.
Kentucky Route
The route is pretty simple. It looks like the state of Kentucky. This route is a classic 6 or 7-mile route that touches bases on the most-run streets of PV XC. Devils Glen? Check. Middle Crow Creek? Check. Duck Creek Park? Check. This route is truly quintessential Pleasant Valley cross country and it’s always a fun run with friends.
Dishonorable mention – down to the river and the industrial
This route is so ignorable that it doesn’t even have a given name like the others. You run down Scott for a mile and run along state street on the open, often windy path. You get by the river, which can be cool, but the route is not even that long! If you want to run more than seven-miles you just have to turn around and add extra at the school. It’s not terrible, but it’s got its fair share of haters.
