Where to Run in New York City

Running in New York City might conjure images of dodging yellow cabs, managing crowds or feeling dwarfed by skyscrapers like the Empire State Building. The truth is, NYC runners have plenty of places to run that offer green space, waterfront views and little to no traffic.

For locals and visitors alike, it’s easy to treat yourself to a running tour of Central Park, keep it short and sweet for a shakeout in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park or hit your long-run flow connecting some of NYC’s boroughs on iconic bridges.

The United States’ largest city by population has a deep history in immigration and is home to a variety of vibrant neighborhoods to match the vibe any runner is looking for. From Manhattan’s bustling sophistication to Brooklyn’s eclectic feel and everything in between, here is everything you need to know about running in New York City.

Fleet Feet: NYC’s Local Running Resource

Fleet Feet NYC has six locations that are community hubs where runners are encouraged to gather with friends. With convenience to a variety of nearby routes, our stores make a great starting and stopping point for runs.

Brooklyn

Fleet Feet Brooklyn is perfectly situated in one of New York City’s most dynamic, diverse and populated boroughs. Nearby Prospect Park is a hub for Brooklyn runners, where many training runs and races happen. Other popular routes include the Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the Brooklyn Greenway. We make it easy for you to have a change of clothes handy for brunch or a beer after your run—feel free to stop by during store hours for a safe spot to stash your gear bag.

Manhattan

We have four locations in Manhattan. Here are quick notes about each:

Fleet Feet Columbus Circle is our largest and most popular store in NYC. Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, this bustling location gets tons of foot traffic from runners. The store offers free lockers—some have digital locks, otherwise you’ll need to bring your own. Many runners will drop their gear off in a locker and head out for a run or race, head back for a quick change of clothes and water, then head out for brunch.
Located near Union Square is Fleet Feet Union Square. Head west to run the Hudson River Greenway, and take it north for Little Island and Pier 57 Rooftop Park for views of the water. When you’re done, head to Greenwich Village to refuel.

Fleet Feet East Side is just a few streets away from Central Park, or you can head to the East Side Highway to run along the East River. If you’re training for the New York City Marathon, do a loop that hits up the Queensboro Bridge and Roosevelt Island for the long incline and decline.

West of Central Park is our Fleet Feet Upper West Side store. This one also has lockers available for safe storage while you’re out for a run. Head two blocks east to enter Central Park at 72nd Street, or west to run the West Side Highway.

Westchester County

Just north of the city in Westchester County is our Fleet Feet Bronxville store. It’s an affluent neighborhood with plenty of parks and pathways for runners to enjoy. Join us for Sunday group runs on the Bronx River Pathway, then hit up one of the area’s coffee shops, restaurants or bars for a post-run bite. While not in NYC, Bronxville is a village just 15 miles north of Midtown Manhattan. Runners can easily make it into the city for one of its many landmark races.

Many of the Fleet Feet NYC stores host weekly group runs. Can’t make it, but still want to connect? Join the growing Fleet Feet NYC Strava Group for routes and virtual support.

Running New York City’s Boroughs

Runners run on the road in New York City.

New York City is massive, so it’s organized by boroughs with their own governments, and within the boroughs are unique neighborhoods. These boroughs are the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island, and they’re are connected by bridges and tunnels.

Getting Around NYC

The city is runnable, but because of the sheer size of NYC you’ll have to rely on a car or public transportation to get around. Many New Yorkers use the NYC Metro, the nation’s largest subway system. It’s by far the quickest, easiest and most affordable way to get around. There are 472 subway stations, and Times Square is the busiest.

If you’re headed to a location that isn’t close to a subway stop, cabs and ride-sharing apps are a solid option when you don’t have your own car.

Runner Safety in New York City

The easiest way to stay safe is to run with a partner or group. There are so many running clubs to choose from in NYC, plus free community events, making it easy to partner up.

If you’re heading out alone, be smart about running solo at night or in unfamiliar neighborhoods. The longer pathways along rivers and in parks are well-lit and frequented by runners. Central Park’s paths are well-lit and always have people and police presence at night.

If you’re visiting NYC and staying at the Westin New York at Times Square, be sure to check out their RunWestin program. Their run concierge can recommend a three- or five-mile route that includes some of Manhattan’s best spots. Sometimes other guests are also looking for a run, and the run concierge will help you connect for some company if you want it.

New York City’s Best Running Routes

There are tons of great running routes in New York City, and they don’t have to include crossing busy streets during rush hour. We’ve narrowed it down to some of NYC’s most popular running routes based on distance, hills and even some dirt trails.

Shorter Runs in NYC

1. Customize your distance running loops in Central Park. The 1.7-mile lower loop is easily accessible to the Columbus Circle Fleet Feet store, or add miles as you work your way north through the park on the extended path. A full lap around Central Park will get you just under a 10K. Central Park is home to many popular races and is perfect for running year-round.

2. Prospect Park is the heart of the running scene in Brooklyn. You can get 3.35 miles on a paved loop around the park that is bike-friendly but car-free. Keep it simple with a single loop or add miles through nearby Park Slope.

3. Roosevelt Island, situated between Manhattan and Queens, can get you four miles of skyline views. This perimeter pathway around the island is paved and flat, making it perfect for an easy run.

Two women at a group run in New York City

Longer Runs in NYC

1. The Bronx River Pathway in Westchester County makes it easy to get a few miles or go long. End-to-end you can get nine miles along this paved multi-use path. Double back for twice the distance, or add loops in connected neighborhoods for even more miles.

2. Connect NYC’s Queensboro, Pulaski and Brooklyn bridges for a scenic, 16(ish)-mile long run that can start and end in Central Park. You’ll run through Manhattan, Queens and Brooklyn on this route.

3. Head to Manhattan’s East River Greenway for 9.4 miles end-to-end. To go longer, connect in Battery Park to access waterfront paths on the west side of Manhattan. You can run nearly the entire perimeter of Manhattan on a mix of bike paths and city streets.

Hilly Runs in NYC

1. It seems like cheating to say that Central Park has it all, but it really does, and that includes hills. The popular 6.1-mile loop around the park has plenty of variation to keep your legs guessing, especially as you get further north. Harlem Hill is often part of race courses in Central Park, and holds the distinction of the longest climb at 0.4 miles.

2. If you need hill repeats, West Side Highway in Manhattan is a 5.5-mile route along the Hudson River waterfront that has some good hills as you travel east.

Trail Runs in NYC

Trail running is great when you need relief from pounding pavement. You may be wondering if there’s a chance to do some trail running in New York City. Believe it or not, it is possible. The 4.2-mile Bridle Path in Central Park is great. It runs nearly the entire length of the park and loops around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. Keep an eye out for horses—carriages have the right of way.

There is also a full loop of narrow, dirt pathway available at Prospect Park, netting over three miles, just like its paved loop.

Where to Fuel up Post-run in NYC

A big box of bagels after a group run at Fleet Feet New York City.

It’s nearly impossible to pick a favorite place to refuel post-run in New York city. All Fleet Feet NYC stores are near diners, coffee shops, restaurants and bars.

For a light and healthy option, head to Juice Generation for fresh-squeezed juices, smoothies and açaí bowls. They have shops in Uptown, Midtown, Downtown, Brooklyn and Queens.

Of course, in a city known for its bagels, you can’t go wrong with a bagel with cream cheese. Locals say that NYC bagels are better than anywhere else because of New York water, an essential ingredient, and because the bagels are hand-rolled instead of machine-made. Enjoy your bagel with a hot cup of coffee or chocolate milk and you have the perfect post-run meal for refueling.

Same goes for pizza—who can resist a hot slice? There are many theories about why NYC pizza is better than anywhere else in the United States, but we’ll leave the final ruling up to you.

Don’t hesitate to check in with the Fleet Feet NYC team for all of your questions about running in New York City, training groups, group runs and workouts, New York races and more.

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A group of runners cross the street in New York City.