Check the day, not just the place
Public events, temporary closures and maintenance can change access. Club announcements and venue notices are more useful than old opening-hour posts. Check the forecast and decide whether the route still suits the conditions.
Plan both ends of the journey
Save your start pin and a clear return landmark. A race may finish somewhere else; a social run may continue to a café. Check parking, public transport or pick-up arrangements separately from the running route.
Carry what you rely on
Bring water, your phone and the essentials you normally need. Do not assume vendors, toilets or bag storage will be open when you arrive. Ask the organiser before leaving belongings at a meeting point.
Make a simple fallback
If access is closed or the path is busy, shorten the outing or use another nearby public space. Do not follow a thumbnail through a barrier or onto a road just to complete a planned shape.