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.