Running in NYC — New York's New York

Running in New York City…

I love running, so I wanted to showcase all the
amazing routes NYC has to offer.
You would be shocked at how much of a ‘Running Friendly’
city New York is. (Cycling as well!) From 2 miles to 26.2, asphalt to trail and park to urban, NYC has everything
you might want as far as routes go. I’m going to showcase some of my favorite routes below!

The Reservoir — The Reservoir. 1-2 Miles

The Jackie Onassis Reservoir, quintessential and very picturesque NYC running route that is a 1.7 mile hard packed dirt loop. If you’re short on time and need to just get a few miles in it’s perfect. The northern section offers stunning views of Manhattan.

The Jackie Kennedy Onnasis Reservoir never disappoints…

The 4 Mile Loop — The Four Mile Loop. 4 Miles

The four mile loop (generally speaking) goes from 72nd Street in the south up East Drive and across the 102 Transverse to West Drive and back down. It’s a fun route the excludes Harlem Hill, making it slightly easier than a full loop. Although, Cat Hill and the West Side Rollers still make for some challenging hills.

The Northern 4 Mile Loop — The Northern Four Mile Loop. 4 Miles

If you’re looking for a more challenging 4 miler than the typical one above, cut through The Ramble and then head north past the 102 Transverse to tackle Harlem Hill.

The Northern 5 Mile Loop — The Northern Five Mile Loop. 5 Miles

For a challenging 5 miler cut across 72 Street and up the East Drive. Go past the 102 Transverse and head up to Harlem Hill which will take you right back down the West Drive to finish up.

The North Woods

One of the ‘wildest’ places in Manhattan, the North Woods will make you forget you were in New York City!

The 6 Mile Loop — The Six Mile Loop. 6.1 Miles

THE loop. 6.1 Miles that take you entirely around The Central Park. This is most New Yorker’s favorite route and really, it doesn’t get any better. ^ challenging miles in one of the most beautiful parks in the world… do it!

Cleopatra's Needle — The oldest man-made object in NYC…

Seen on any run that tackle’s the middle section of The Park, Cleopatra’s Needle might be may favorite thing in NYC. Over 3,000 years old it is one of two Egyptian (duh) obelisks made around 1450 BC by King Thutmose III and erected in The Central Park in 1881. The second sits quietly in London along the banks of the Thames.

The 17 Mile Loop — Circumnavigate the Island. 17 Miles

We’re getting into the heavy stuff. When I’m training for distance nothing thrills me more than a Circumnavigate the Island run. It’s challenging in the sense that you’re tackling heavy miles, but for the most part it’s very flat and offers water fountains in warm months for hydration. I prefer a clockwise attack.

The 26.2 Mile Loop — Marathon Distance. 26.2 Miles

I don’t run 26.2 as a training run often, but I know plenty of Ultra Runners that do, so maybe that’s you? Start with the Circumnavigate the Island run but instead of cutting in at 66th Street head north to 110th and then cut into the Park. Then do one full loop of The Central Park to complete the 26.2.