Works out different muscles than running. Causes relatively few injuries. Offers all the pleasures of covering distance and keeping track of your time. Lets you enjoy the great outdoors. Layer your clothing.
Cautions Offers a good aerobic workout.
Creates social opportunity if you run with a partner. The track is predictable but can get repetitive. Some runners think it's a bore. It holds little sense of freedom or discovery. Same aerobic benefits as outdoor running, and the same possibilities for pain and injury.