Running in New York City

A few times per week, I get an email like the one below from a reader, co-worker, friend, or Twitter follower.

Hi Ashley!

I a new follower of your blog, I found you through Monica’s Run Eat and Repeat blog from Reach the Beach race! Nice Job!

I am coming to New York in July, and would love suggestions for running in the city. I really want to take a run through Central Park. I’m from San Diego and we have so many safe and gorgeous places to run here. ANY advice is welcome! Its also my first time in the Big City!!

Thanks!

I love these emails and often respond to them one off, suggesting different routes based on where they are staying. But, I figure in addition to responding to the emails, it’d be helpful if I create an ongoing library of my favorite routes as I discover new ones.

Therefore, this post will also become one of my pages which will hopefully serve as a great point of reference for those of you traveling to New York City in the near future for work or pleasure. In addition, if you live in New York City, maybe I’m sharing a new route that will help you shake things up.

Two Bridges Run If you’re visiting New York or looking for a couple of challenging bridges then this is the route for you! You’ll have the chance to run through parts of Brooklyn, see the city from the other side, explore multiple neighborhoods, and get some quality bridge running in as well. This one includes a few more twists and turns through the neighborhoods but there are always signs you can follow for the bridges!

Upper West Side Route: This route is one that I’ve done multiple times during marathon training and includes a scenic, flat path along the Hudson River via the West Side Highway, comes back downtown through the scenic Riverside Park and finally loops into Central Park for a rolling last few miles. Perfect for anyone staying at a hotel on the UWS or starting from Columbus Circle area.

My Favorite Central Park Route Sure this route doesn’t include the famed Harlem Hills which will leave you huffing and puffing, but it includes amazing views of the city from the Resevoir, takes you up Cat Hill, and allows you to people watch as you wind in and out of the paths in Central Park! Its a great way to see the park in under an hour, depending your speed as it’s a 5 mile route. The park is highly populated so this is a very safe route for anyone who is from out of town and worried about dealing with the traffic, city streets or getting lost.

Questions? Comments? Coming to New York City and want a suggested route from the neighborhood near your hotel? Shoot me an email or reach out to be on Twitter at anytime!