Every campus has its hidden gems, its nooks and crannies that
only students know about.
It may very well be a clandestine path only known to UCLA
frequent runners, but the course dubbed “the perimeter”
has gained increasing popularity over the past years.
“I first heard about it from my cross-country coach from
high school when I asked him to recommend some good runs around
UCLA,” third-year Tiffany Tang said.
“(For the) first couple weeks at UCLA, my next door
neighbor in Hedrick (Hall) took me on it,” fourth-year Katie
Schettig said. “That was kind of how we got to know each
other, and now she is one of my best friends at UCLA.”
For those that have yet to experience the perimeter or have only
heard of it being uttered by students, the Perimeter is about a
four-mile stretch that encompasses parts of the UCLA campus as well
as Westwood.
The more common route starts at Gayley and Veteran avenues then
goes around Sunset Boulevard to Hilgard Avenue, then to Le Conte
Avenue and finally back to Gayley Avenue. The path includes more
than just a four-mile stretch. It includes hills, stairs, dirt
paths, parking lots and scenery of sorority row, Ralphs and the
UCLA Medical Center.
It may be just a path to the untrained eye, but for many
it’s a means of training and a chance to avoid the trite
routine of running in circles at Drake Stadium or on treadmills at
the Wooden Center.
“It’s a challenge,” Tang said.
“It’s one of those runs that when you’re done,
you just feel really good, like you accomplished
something.”
As for the popularity of the path, Schettig feels it has grown
considerably with more students wanting to shed those extra
pounds.
“It seems to be (popular), especially in the summer when
everybody wants to get in shape,” Schettig said. “Plus,
it’s a good run if you don’t run that often and want to
do something short and stay near campus.”
Running is one of the more popular activities among college
students, and to most UCLA runners the perimeter has been a staple
of their exercise regime.
As it turns out, many students have turned running into a social
activity where having company adds to the experience.
“I find it more fun to have someone run with you, even
though one usually doesn’t talk much during running,”
Class of 2004 alumnus Henry Huang said. “But, a friend who
runs with you helps keep you accountable and motivated.”
For the most part, running the perimeter offers students a
chance to get away from the stress of academics and the bustling
nature of UCLA.
But students are not ready to get away from everything when they
run. Cell phone conversations are increasingly common for students
who run.
Hard to believe? Not really.
We’re in L.A., after all.