Is Running Through a Cemetary Inappropriate?

I think it's perfectly ok. I love walking through old cemeteries and looking at all the gravestones. Some are beautiful. And life goes on. The only time I wouldn't do it is if there is a service going on at the time.

I used to live in an apartment across the road from a very large and beautiful cemetary. It was my usual running route. It never felt inappropriate.

I think it's fine. Just don't use the headstones as hurdles. :D

My grandfather is buried in a small town city cemetry. The little league field is within the perimeter of the cemetry. Countless times we've found baseballs lying near his headstone or seen games going on during our visits. In fact that is why he picked his plot - to be close the kids. It's nice I think. Life goes on and death is very much a part of the process. Happy running.

No, I wouldn't find it offensive as long as you aren't using the headstones as hurdles.

The only place/cemeteries where I would NOT run? Arlington National...the military ones. Other than that? When we are on vacation in South Dakota and Wyoming and I go to visit my grandmother's grave? We play. That's the way she was - playful...she wouldn't want us moping around grieving for her. She wants us to LIVE our lives!!!

God I hope not! My ex's family owns one so my son worked there. Between the chasing geese and his friend running him over with a yard cart....well I don't think running through them is bad.

In my son's defense he was 13. He now works for their funeral home and is a rather dignified 23 year old.

I think its fine...LoL @ Jubee: Dont use headstones as hurdles!

I think that as long as there is not a funeral going on that it is okay. Mourners would probably not like to see a runner, I know I wouldn't, when they are mourning their loved ones death.
L.

I think it's fine as long as you stay off the lawn and don't run there if a service is being held.

Our local cemeteries are a sight to see on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day. There are thousands of flags and a Military Tribute Assembly complete with a fly-over. Many families are there to honor their loved ones and on those days, it might not be appropriate just as a matter of respect.

Otherwise, if the cemetery doesn't have a problem with it, I see no reason why running the path there wouldn't be okay.

Most cemeteries WELCOME the living and all that it entails!
Cemeteries work hard keeping their grounds perfectly manicured, well-planted with seasonal flowers and trees, and keeping the appearance generally inviting. Many cemeteries sponsor events on their properties--races, kids activities, nature tours, stocked arboretums, etc.

Just be respectful of the property, as you would if you were running anywhere else!

I would think it was ok, as long as you remain aware of what is going on around you. Keep a watchful eye for any one nearby who is visiting a grave (even if it's not an actual funeral) or laying flowers at the headstone of their loved one. In that instance I would slow to a quiet walk and make sure no music was coming from my headphones.

Absolutely not! I think it is fine. Now, if I see kids horsing around and disrespecting, then i would be a little furious... but going for a run... no.

Use common sense: if there is a funeral happening, I'd suggest staying away. If there's no service happening, I wouldn't see an issue at all.

What your talking about seems respectful. But the main question makes me think that if I saw a group of teens running wild all over the place it would be rude and disrespectful of where they are. RIP is on there for a reason.

That's a great question. We go visit my husbands family plot everytime we go to his hometown. Last time we had the kids with us and they were playing and laughing and running around. My husband got upset and said it was disrespectful and not to run across peoples graves. That was the 1st time I had given it any thought.

I decided if it were me or someone I love, I would like the idea of children laughing and playing and life going on. I asked them not to touch any headstones, flowers, anything that was placed there by family and to give any people visiting thier loved ones plenty of space. I think as long as the runners are appropriately respectful, it should be fine.

If there's a service going on, go around.

Other than that, GO FOR IT! We have the historic Hollywood Cemetery here, where a lot of old presidents and other famous people are buried, I love taking the kids for walks there. There's no traffic and you always see something new, it's BEAUTIFUL.

If you were running on the lawn in between graves, then I'd say it wasn't right & sac-religious, disrespectful to the ones buried there but if you're running on a designated road or pathway, then I don't see the harm if that's what you'd like to do. If I were visiting a grave & saw someone running inside the grounds, I might be taken aback just b/c I'd never expect to see anyone taking a run through a cemetery but for me, I wouldn't do it just b/c I'd feel like I was being disrespectful but it'd be up to you what you choose to do.

As long as you are on the path and you don't mind being there, it should be fine.

Nope, I think it's perfectly fine and you shouldn't feel weird about it. I can appreciate the beauty of a cemetary, and love to walk around old ones and look at the really old gravestones, imagining what kind of people they were.

Who knows, you may help prevent some thefts.

This question appeared in a Runner's World awhile ago. As long as you're respectful and a funeral isn't going on, it's fine to run through one.

I find nothing wrong with it. Obviously if you were running on the grass near the graves that would be wrong, but on the path-no.

E., the fact that you asked shows what kind of person you are. You are a sweetheart. God bless.