About cycling & running in ColumbusColumbus River Miles
Running: Locals run Columbus from the Chattahoochee Riverwalk first, because the 15-mile linear park gives steady miles from Lake Oliver toward the National Infantry Museum. Big Dog Running keeps the rhythm with Wednesday Sunset Group Run at 6:00 PM on rotating 4-5 mile routes. Big Dog Running also meets Saturday Sunrise Group Run at 6:00 AM when the miles run a little longer and a little faster. Columbus Roadrunners adds more company, and the riverwalk out-and-back stays easy for Z2. The Holiday Classic Series, Heroes of America Marathon/Half Marathon/5K, Gobbler 5K, and Standing Boy Trail Festival give the calendar real anchor events.
Cycling: Locals ride the Dragonfly Trail when they want city miles without overthinking it, and the 32-mile path follows former rail lines past river views and art installations. Bicycle Columbus gives the scene a real club backbone, and Ride On Bikes hosts Full Moon Rides once a month on the Dragonfly Trail. The route runs 03 km with 281 m of gain, so intervals can live there. The Dragonfly Trail runs 22 km with 121 m of gain. Gravel riders can stitch 10th Armored Division Rd to Audernarde Trail, Lookout Loop, and Mountain Brook Rd into short rough miles.
Season: May brings the cleanest bike energy, because Bicycle Columbus stacks four events in four weeks for National Bike Month. The Full Moon Ride meets at Ride on Bikes at 8:00 PM, Bike to Work Day starts at Iron Bank Coffee Company between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, and Ride with the Mayor starts at Woodruff Park at 6:00 PM. Summer running leans early, and the Big Dog Heatwave 5 Miler tells locals what kind of morning it can be. Winter keeps people accountable, because the Columbus Roadrunners December Challenge requires 12 5Ks between 12/1/25 and 12/31/25 and the Holiday Classic Series stays open.
