America’s most populous city is located in the state of New York and is often referred to as the ‘City That Never Sleeps’ due to its round-the-clock hustle and bustle. New York City is a significant worldwide hub for media, entertainment, and finance. Famous for both Broadway and off-Broadway performances, the vibrant city boasts a flourishing theatre and performing arts scene. NYC is a bustling, international city with a varied culture, strong sense of energy, and rich history.
However, amid this dynamic environment, it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. Exercise can be a great way to effectively reduce stress. Running, and other types of cardiovascular exercise, are found to encourage the release of endorphins - brain chemicals that serve as natural painkillers and mood enhancers that help to lessen the symptoms of stress and anxiety. While not the only reason people do it, running may also act as a type of mindfulness or meditation. Not to mention the sense of success and self-efficacy that comes from setting and fulfilling running objectives can be good for one's mental health!
So, if you’re in New York and want to get into running, here’s our guide on what are the best running routes in New York?
Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir
Central Park is an iconic public park found in the heart of Manhattan in New York City. The park was created by Calvert Vaux and Frederick Law Olmsted and was initially made accessible to the public in 1857. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors and has an impressive area of 843 acres. The park has a variety of landscapes, including lakes, ponds, and woodland regions as well as diverse meadowlands. It thus serves as a fantastic area for a range of outdoor activities with several walking routes, bridle trails, and bike paths.
The circle around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir is a well-known running route in New York among New Yorkers. Follow the Park’s walking routes along its border, enjoying the shade provided by trees, views of the upscale apartment buildings that line the park's perimeter, and the Midtown skyline as you go. If you start from the Columbus circus, you can use the reservoir as a turning point for your loop. Fun fact: the reservoir was once a significant source of water for the city but was decommissioned in 1993.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: Columbus Circle.
Distance: Approximately 6km per loop.
When? Anytime
Cautionary notes: Beware of Jogger Jams. This is a popular route amongst New York runners.
Across Central Park and Harlem
New York is internationally renowned for Central Park. Its lush green spaces and varying landscape is the perfect place for a run at any time of day! So why limit it at only one running route around the park?
This next route is pleasant as you reach the hills of Central Park and Harlem before cutting across the flat of West Side Highway. It is excellent for natural fartlek training on the hills. If you’d like to improve your anaerobic threshold, then check out Central Park’s Cat Hillvon route. Don't forget to take in some of the cultural heritage buildings on your way.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: 59 St-Columbus Circle Station
Distance: Approximately 10km
When? Anytime
East River Park Loop
The East River Park was built over an old landfill, replacing a warehouse and pier-filled industrial district that mostly supported the coal and timber industries. In New York City, this waterfront conversion to parkland was the first of its sort, shortly before Hudson River Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, and other similar parks. It is a great place to mix both shoreline and city views amid one of New York’s best green spaces.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: East River Park
Distance: 3.8 km loop
When? Anytime
The Roosevelt Island Loop
Roosevelt Island is a small island on New York City's East River. It is situated halfway between Manhattan and Queens and is reachable by bus, metro, and the Roosevelt Island Tramway. Roosevelt Island, formerly a jail and asylum, is now a residential neighbourhood with several parks and green spaces, as well as a seaside promenade and a tiny lighthouse.
You can run and admire the scenery across the whole border of the island, now a peaceful residential area. By running along the outer rim of the island, the path allows you to take in the views and makes it very easy to follow for those who are new to running in New York.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: Tramway from Tramway Plaza East 59 St (or Roosevelt Island subway station; F line).
Distance: Approximately 6.4km
When? Anytime
Two Bridges Loop
As the name suggests, this loop crosses two bridges so provides not one, but two opportunities to get great city views. Starting from Broadway-Lafayette, you will need to run down Bleeker Street until Foley Square where you will turn left to cross over Manhattan Bridge. Manhattan Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the East River in New York City, linking south-eastern Manhattan to western Brooklyn. The bridge opened to traffic in 1909 and remains open to pedestrians, offering breath-taking views. This is one aspect of living in New York that never gets old. Once off the bridge, take a left along Flushing Avenue, followed by another left along Kent Avenue until you can cross Williamsburg Bridge. After running along the East River Park on the left of Williamsburg Bridge, you can take a left to get back to Bleeker Street and finish off this hefty loop.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: Broadway-Lafayette Station, Beeker Street
Distance: 15.5km
When? Anytime apart from rush hours to avoid foot traffic along these sometimes-busy streets
Cautionary notes: watch out for cyclists on the bridges
Fort Greene to Grand Army
This run is a milder 5km journey but includes its fair share of surprises and challenges. Starting at Fort Green Park, you can run along the path to do a full loop around the park. It is a small but lovely and mountainous greenspace. After you have finished your small loop, run along Flatbush Avenue all the way to Grand Army Plaza. If you want to increase mileage, you are more than welcome to add a loop around Prospect Park, located right behind.
You will then need to go back up towards Atlantic Avenue and follow Vanderbilt Avenue to get back to Fort Greene Park. The run passes through several quaint neighbourhoods with traditional Brooklyn brownstones and tree-lined streets. This route has many sweet treat pit stops such as the Bittersweet Bakery, which is why many enjoy jogging it.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: DeKalb Ave/Fort Green Park
Distance: 5km. However, can be extended by looping around Prospect Park
When? Anytime
Astoria Park Running Track
This park is located on the margin of the East River, sitting between the Triborough Bridge and Hell Gate Bridge. Although best known for its stunning Pool, Astoria Park has a lot more to offer. Visitors come from beyond the five boroughs to enjoy the outdoor tennis courts, track, bandstand, several pathways, basketball courts, and playgrounds. Oh, and let's not forget about views, too! The park offers East River shoreline views, making the benches around its perimeter popular places to perch all year long.
It is the place to be if you want to branch out and try tennis or swimming. For those who prefer to stick to running in New York, the park’s running track can be the perfect option. It will allow you to practice both short- and long-distance running and is a safe place to challenge yourself.
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: Astoria Park (Astoria South & 18 Street)
Distance: as long or short as you’d like
When? Anytime
Midtown East Manhattan
Who said running in NYC wasn’t a great way to sight see? When in a new city, one of the best ways to see the traditional neighbourhoods and stray away from the touristic attractions is to explore freely on foot. You can start this run from St. Vartan Park and cross the city all the way to the One World Observatory which was built in honour of the Twin Towers. Beginning at 1,362 feet, the deck rises to a glass parapet that reaches 1,368 feet, the exact height of the South and North Towers. Why not also go up and admire the view?
Route Stats:
Start/Finish: St. Vartan Park
Distance: Approximately 5.5km
When? Avoid rush hours
Cautionary notes: Careful of cars when crossing roads - we recommend running through the quieter streets
You know how the saying goes: work hard, play hard! If running has awakened your appetite, or if you’re just looking for a quick post-morning-run coffee, then don’t be afraid to try the many cute coffee shops hidden around New York City. For a sneak peek at these hidden gems, have a look at our selection of the Top 7 Coffee Shops in New York. Or, for a less caffeinated option, you can check out our Top Healthy Food Spots in the city.
