The track, originally a road that has been closed to vehicles since the early 1970s, is a gathering place for fitness buffs from nearby Uptown and University neighborhoods. From first light to twilight, every hour dozens of runners and walkers huff and puff around the oval course, much of it in the deep shade of huge oak trees. Many of them make the circuit side by side chatting amid weaving roller skaters and new moms pushing strollers. A trot around the track can give the feeling of working out in a giant open air health club. Like a health club, the exercise track at Audubon has rules.
Pedestrians can go either direction, though most go counterclockwise as suggested by park officials.
Cyclists must go counterclockwise and observe the 10-mph speed limit. Muscles not directly benefiting from walking or running can be strengthened at one of 17 exercise stations along the path. For a longer run, leave the exercise track at Magazine Street, head toward the river, and loop the zoo on Riverview Drive. Runners share the street with motorized traffic here but get great views of the Mississippi River. After passing the park's horse stables, reconnect with the exercise track for a loop of 3.1 miles.