New York

Best Running Routes in New York (2026)

Explore 2 running routes in New York, mapped by the local running community. From scenic trails to fast road loops, find your next favorite run.

Running in New York

NYC runs five boroughs, but the running scene is anchored on Manhattan's Central Park, the West Side Greenway down the Hudson, and Brooklyn's Prospect Park. Crews meet every morning of the week, from sub-6:00 marathoners to laid-back coffee-run pace.

When to run: October-November and April-May are peak. December-February is cold but runnable with layers; July-August is humid but mornings stay tolerable. The Greenway and park loops are plowed and lit year-round.

The routes locals actually run

Practical context, not a full route map. Combine these with the route detail pages below for turn-by-turn maps.

Central Park outer loop

6.1 miles

The canonical NYC long-run unit. Two and a half loops = a half marathon. Cat Hill and Harlem Hill are the only real climbs.

Central Park Reservoir loop

1.58 miles

Soft-surface dirt path around the Jackie Onassis Reservoir. Counter-clockwise only. Best for easy recovery runs.

Hudson River Greenway

Up to 11 miles one-way

Paved, flat, water fountains roughly every mile in summer. Battery Park to the GW Bridge is a classic point-to-point.

Prospect Park outer loop

3.35 miles

Rolling, leafy, less crowded than Central Park. Lookout Hill at mile 1 is the only real climb.

Annual races to put on the calendar

Recurring races local runners build their year around. Specific dates change; the months and vibes don't.

TCS New York City Marathon

November

First Sunday of November. 50,000+ runners across all five boroughs. The lottery is competitive; NYRR's 9+1 program (9 NYRR races + 1 volunteer day) is the most common entry path for locals.

United Airlines NYC Half

March

13.1 miles from Brooklyn's Prospect Park across the Manhattan Bridge through Times Square and into Central Park. A faster, sharper-edged version of the marathon course.

Popular Brooklyn Half

May

13.1 miles ending at Coney Island. The most popular half marathon in the U.S. by entries. Registration opens early and fills in minutes.

Community-mapped routes

FAQs about running routes in New York

Where can I run in New York?
New York offers a variety of running routes from paved paths to off-road trails. Browse the routes above to find one near you. Each includes an interactive map with the full path.
Are these routes safe for solo running?
Always assess trail conditions and safety before running an unfamiliar route. Consider running with a local run club for added safety and community. Check out run clubs in New York.
Can I add my own route?
Yes! Club owners can create and share routes using our route builder. Claim your club on RunClubDirect to get started.

Looking for running groups? Check out Best Run Clubs in New York. Or browse all routes.