The Best Running Routes in NYC
New York, New York. It’s energetic, loud, and – during most times of day – swarmed with people. Living in Hell’s Kitchen, the only time of day I was guaranteed empty sidewalks was 6 am from November-March. (Want to become an early morning runner? Start here.)
Despite the craziness, New York City is populated with thousands of runners and many beautiful spots to run. Here are some of my favorite running routes and spots, categorized by the type of workout.
For the Long Run: Hudson River Path
Depending on where you start and the length of your run, the path along the Hudson River can probably serve your needs. From the George Washington Bridge to Battery Park, it’s about 11 miles. Need longer? Either keep running all the way around the island, towards the East River
For Speed Work: Icahn Stadium
Icahn Stadium hosts elite track events during the summer, but its blue lanes are open to recreational runners all year round. Located on Randall’s Island, it’s a pain to get to, but think of the long ride as mental preparation for the workout ahead. As you push through your intervals, remind yourself of all the greats that have ran around the same 400-meter oval. Icahn is where Usain Bolt set the 100-meter dash world record.
For Hills: Central Park
In NYC, elevation is hard to come by. For trail-running enthusiasts, you have to travel by train or car at least an hour to find any decent rocky running surfaces. Hills are another tough topography to find. Your best bet to hill running is in the northern section of Central Park, close to the park’s border at 110th street. There you’ll find the largest paved hill available. Trust me, a couple times up that guy and you’ll realize how infrequently you train hills.
For Tempo Runs: Prospect Park
I love Central Park, I really do. But sometimes it gets a bit…overcrowded. Between the horse carriages, the novice bicyclists, and the tourists who don’t know the difference between walking and running paths, sometimes it’s a miracle to make it through a run without a close call.
For tempo runs when you have a need for speed, Prospect Park is the perfect spot. Less crowded, but still large and tree-adorned, the scenery will distract you and you won’t get run over by a selfie-taking teenager on a bike.
For Inclement Weather: Chelsea Piers
Sometimes the outdoors won’t do it. When fresh snow falls upon the NYC streets, respect it. Go indoors. Chelsea Piers has a 400-meter running track that hands-down is the best indoor running option in the city. The Armory too, where Columbia’s track team and many high schools and running teams practice, is another great spot for indoor running. The track there is 200-meters.
I like Chelsea Piers over the Armory for indoor easy runs because of the larger track and interesting people watching. Families, recreational sports teams, and boxing classes are all on view as you circle round again and again.
No matter where you find yourself in NYC, there’s a great place to run nearby.
