The “Ben Score” is my subjective rating for some of my favorite places to run.
A score of 10 is given to perfect running spots, while 0 implies the worst running spot imaginable. I assign a score to each of the following aspects: Runnability, Solitude, and Scenery. The final “Ben Score” is the average of these individual numbers. Click on the colored markers to learn about each location, or scroll down for more details on the scoring criteria.
Detailed “Ben Score” Criteria
- Runnability (out of 10) — How easily could I run without thinking about running?
- 10: Can run as fast as and as much as I want
- 8: Makes for a good run, but slightly hillier or a little bit more technical/difficult footing than the ideal. This is the maximum score for a paved trail.
- 6: Running here is quite fun, but a fair amount of mental energy is spent on things like finding footing, navigating obstacles, or not-so-fun-hills. This score may also be given to areas that are a bit too small for a full run.
- 4: Running here is possible but with frequent obstacles (natural or manmade) that make for a diminished running experience. This score may also be given to areas that are way too small.
- 2: Running here is nearly impossible. It’s basically glorified walking/scrambling.
- 0: Running is not allowed.
- Solitude (out of 10) — How easily could I run without bumping into other people?
- 10: I had this place to myslef. Fewer than 1 person per mile.
- 8: Mostly alone. About 1 person per mile.
- 6: There are a few more people than I would like (~3-4/mile), but not enough to be bothersome.
- 4: There are too many people. I constantly have to call “runner back,” and sometimes they get in the way and make you slow down.
- 2: There are so many people that running at all is challenging.
- 0: Running on the Las Vegas strip
- Scenery (out of 10) — How memorable were the natural or manmade sites surrounding me?
- 10: Breathtaking, memorable scenery that made me stop and stare in wonder
- 8: The scenery is beautiful, but lacks the truly breathtaking sites and views that would warrant 5 stars.
- 6: This is a nice place to run, and while there may be pleasant scenery, there’s nothing spectacular or particularly noteworthy that would make you want to take a photo.
- 4: The scenery is boring and not pretty, but not actively oppressive.
- 2: The scenery is not nice, and actively decreases the amount of fun you have on your run.
- 0: You are required to run blindfolded.