By lirunning.com - This run is along Ocean Parkway which actually continues east for about 12 miles after you get out of Jones Beach, going through Gilgo State Park, and Oak Beach before ending at Captree State Park at the east end of the island. The run from West End 2 to the Jones Beach Tower is about 2.5 miles. It is only about another 0.5 mile to the last parking lot (on the South side). After this, you can continue towards Captree but there is a lack of any distinguishable landmarks for most of the run, so it you just have to wing it if you are trying to figure out how far you have gone. A short but enjoyable run is to run along the Boardwalk. It is two miles long, starting from parking field 6 to field 2, and it makes a nice 4 mile run if you are willing to turn around at the end. What makes it especially nice is that distance signs are posted every mile, so that you can keep track of your time and pace. Although there are always other people on the track, I have found the crowds a hindrance only once, on the Fourth of July. Otherwise they are no bother. Another wonderful feature of the run occurs at sunset, when the setting sun over the dunes is a sight to behold. You get the feeling that you are a million miles from civilization. Moreover, you do not have to inhale the poisonous exhaust fumes or ruin the natural habitat of birds that happens when you run on the road.

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