I just go by the local high schools and middle schools and colleges and see if they have them. I assume I can use it unless it is in a gated area (and no way in without climbing) or there is a sign. Another way can be to email the school district and ask about using them.

Public high schools have public tracks. Even here in Texas where High School Football is a religion, you can run on a regulation track around the football field any time, day or night. (I run on a track during the practice of the state's championship team . . . and they don't notice. You'd be surprised what you get by asking, "Hey coach, do you mind?" They don't care.) When you find one, read the sign outside the gate carefully: They usually restrict you from using the actual field, not the track. You can use the track all you want, with limits on what kind of shoes you can where, not who can run and/or when.

You also asked about finding one: Locate the school address closest to your house (high and middle schools have tracks adjacent to or on their campuses). Next, look it up on Google maps and click 'satelite.' Zoom in and you can clearly see whether or not they have the regulation track.

If you want confirmation about whether or not it is 'open to the public,' call the district's Athletics Office and ask specifically about the track - not the field - at School X: Is it open to the public? (It will be because it is a public school, but they will probably tell you "No" just to keep you off of it.)

+1. Just zoom out a bit on your area, and drag the thing around until you see a large, brown/black oval. Chances are, that's a track.

On tracks inside prisons you have to warn the person you are passing that you are 'just running' so they don't think you are about to jump them from behind or they'll turn and bury a shiv in your jugular. Just sayin' if this is a rough neighborhood you might not want to sneak up on someone if you pass.

I think Kylie is right here and if you just follow the general rule with the fence. If you have to climb one to get access, you could probably get in trouble whether its a public school or not.

I grew up 50 miles south of Cinncinnati (Carrollton Ky) and ran track all through the Northern Kentucky area. If you're on the Kentucky side of the river I know there are some good High School track optionsin the Covington area. If you are on the Ohio side of the river, I would recommend moving to the Kentucky side ;-)

This query reminds me of the fuss about the running track in our city park.

A while back (2 years I think) the council wanted to plow it under and plant roses or grass which is easier to maintain and looks nicer than mud during rain. It is a dirt track, not even cinders. I wrote a letter to the Editor in the local paper stating that it is counter-intuitive to plow under an exercise facility in the face of rising health care costs in a population that is appallingly sedentry and most in need of exercise. Especially in light of the speech given by the Minister of Health in Kelowna, 30 miles down the road, wherein he said a fitter population would relieve the system of millions of dollars in healthcare costs. You can't thumb your nose at the Minister and expect the Government to continue funding your municipality.

They kept the track open.

Now, not only crazed triathletes seeking increments in foot speed can use it, but also it is frequented by seniors who walk it in pairs and threes, safely inside the chainlink fence (unlocked at all times), away from dogs and traffic.

best of luck with finding the oval of your dreams.

PoC