The lotus bushes blossom in June, after lilac season, so we’ll use a new route for the next couple of weeks.
It’s less mileage but incorporates two vertical climbs, 175 steps to Batkivschyna-Mat’ and the incline to the top of the botanical gardens from Vydubichi Monastery. For longer runs, we can skip the steps and run directly to Misto Bridge and then back through the gardens.
An organized criminal gang guards the tulips in Spivoche Pole, which in the early 2000s I ran through down to the highway. Traversing war monuments on top of the hill has become risky because of Russian rocket attacks.
Another option — but I should prob agree with security first — is running around Pecherska Lavra at dawn. There are plenty of paths there for a good 10K route and impressive scenery. If that doesn’t work, we’ll check out the flights of stairs along the outside of the compound’s walls to Dniproskyi Descent, which can be used to either circle back or for getting to Park of Eternal Glory (a slightly longer run).