This route skirts one of Portland’s up-and-coming neighborhoods and takes you to the city’s most-loved running loop.

With Tommy’s Park in front of you, take a right up Market Street, heading north for two blocks. Turn right onto Congress Street for .4 miles, passing the Portland Fire Department. Take a left onto Washington Avenue, running past Coffee By Design and artist spaces such as Portland Pottery and the PhoPa Gallery. After half a mile, take a slight left and continue over Tukey’s Bridge on the Back Cove Trail. The 3.5-mile Back Cove path is home to 5K road races year-round, and offers unparalleled views of the Portland skyline. Follow the loop around Baxter Boulevard and past Edward Payson Park. This is also on the route of the Maine Marathon, held every October. At the parking lot across from the Hannaford Plaza, leave the path and turn left onto Preble Street. Veer left onto Elm Street, and head back to Tommy’s Park, using the route noted in the Eastern Prom run.