Stress fractures, shin splints, and face-plants — oh my! For those who participated in last weekend’s third annual Christie Clinic Marathon, recovery may be weighing heavily on the brain and the body this week. Considering the course for the race predominantly took place on hard pavement, it is likely that many continue to battle sore joints and stiffness and are still looking for an apology from the concrete and the impact it put on their legs for 26.2 miles.

While campus-town may be the best place for the race in regards to spectators, it certainly isn’t the most ideal on a runner’s foot. Though often unavoidable, running on cement for such an extended period of time leaves the body prone to injury. From the long-term perspective, the constant pounding of pavement proves that campus-town is one of the worst places to run, said Graham Farnsworth, junior in LAS and UI track athlete.

“Concrete has no give, so your body is taking the whole impact every step. It is a very unforgiving surface,” said Farnsworth.

Michael Brothers, graduate student and middle distance coach for the Illinois Track Club, said that due to the unevenness of concrete, tripping becomes hazardous for those running on sidewalk. Despite cement’s bad reputation, Brothers also said there are ways to avoid injury on this common surface.

“The fact is, people run on pavement because it is readily available, a smooth, consistent surface, and it is a lot less boring than running on a treadmill. Running on pavement is perfectly safe as long as you have the proper shoes and take the proper precautions,” said Brothers.

Competitively speaking, Farnsworth noted that a harder surface is ideal for running faster and winning races.

“The harder the surface, the faster you’ll go,” said Farnsworth, who competed this past weekend at the Drake Relays in Iowa.

Depending on the length, pace and purpose of the run, each surface warrants a different set of pros and cons, and an original mathematical equation. In regards to avoiding injury, Brothers conjured up this ranking system from best to worst: Crushed gravel, Treadmill, Dirt, Grass, Asphalt, Track, Concrete.

But when it comes to the need for speed, Farnsworth provided a slightly altered one (from best to worst): Track, Crushed gravel, Grass, Asphalt, Concrete, Treadmill.

While the comparison between winning a race and maintaining health may seem similar to apples and oranges for experienced runners, Jacob Englander, graduate student and long distance coach for the Illinois Track Club, noted that it is important all runners are aware of the difference.

“Running on tracks, especially indoor tracks, is dangerous if you do it all the time. They are really good for training to race on a track, since it yields the best times, but we’d never use a track for easy longer runs. That would lead to a lot of hip problems,” said Englander.

With only a few track meets left in the semester, Farnsworth looks forward to going home to his favorite running surface: The Illinois Prairie Path, a set of trails located in the suburbs of Chicago comprised of crushed limestone.

“Crushed limestone,” said Farnsworth smiling with a grin perhaps only another runner may be fully capable of understanding, “is the most perfect surface for a run.”