New York City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in the world, offering a vast array of running routes for marathon training. Whether you're preparing for a race or simply enjoying a long-distance run, NYC offers a diverse mix of scenic routes that will keep your training exciting and motivating. Here are the top 5 running routes in New York City that are perfect for marathon training.
Distance: 6 miles (but can be extended to longer routes)
Location: Manhattan
Why It’s Great for Marathon Training: Central Park is one of the most iconic running destinations in New York City, providing a variety of terrain that can help improve your endurance and speed. The park's famous loop is 6 miles long, and its combination of flat and hilly sections will challenge your stamina and strength. Running here, you’ll get scenic views of nature, ponds, bridges, and landmarks like Bethesda Terrace.
Features:
Rolling hills to build strength
Flat stretches for speed work
Beautiful scenery throughout the year
Tip: Try alternating between easy-paced runs and tempo runs on the loop to prepare for race day.
Distance: 5-6 miles (can be extended with nearby routes)
Location: Manhattan to Brooklyn
Why It’s Great for Marathon Training: Running over the iconic Brooklyn Bridge gives you a chance to take in incredible views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Statue of Liberty. Starting in Manhattan, you can cross the bridge and continue through Brooklyn Bridge Park, which offers a beautiful waterfront route. The path is mostly flat, with some gentle inclines as you get closer to the park.
Features:
Iconic bridge with breathtaking views
Flat terrain, perfect for long, steady runs
Great combination of urban and waterfront scenery
Tip: Use this route for a recovery run after a long, intense training session.
Distance: 10 miles (one way)
Location: Manhattan, along the west side
Why It’s Great for Marathon Training: The Hudson River Greenway offers one of the most scenic and uninterrupted running routes in the city. Running along the Hudson River provides fantastic views of the river, New Jersey skyline, and famous landmarks like the George Washington Bridge. The path is mostly flat, wide, and separated from traffic, making it perfect for long runs or interval training.
Features:
Flat, wide, and uninterrupted path for uninterrupted long runs
Scenic views of the water and bridges
Convenient access to other running paths in Manhattan
Tip: Use this route for your longer, steady-paced runs. You can extend the distance by continuing up or down the river.
Distance: 5 miles (one way)
Location: Manhattan, along the west side
Why It’s Great for Marathon Training: Riverside Park is a peaceful route along the Hudson River, stretching from 72nd Street to 158th Street in Manhattan. The park features a variety of paths, including some with gentle slopes, making it ideal for hill training. Running here provides a serene environment with fewer crowds compared to Central Park, offering views of the river, the George Washington Bridge, and the cliffs of the Palisades.
Features:
Quiet, scenic environment
Gentle inclines for hill training
Ideal for long runs with peaceful surroundings
Tip: Add hill repeats to your run at Riverside Park to build strength and improve race performance.
Distance: 3-6 miles (depending on the route)
Location: The Bronx
Why It’s Great for Marathon Training: Located in the northern part of the Bronx, Van Cortlandt Park offers a less-crowded alternative for training, with challenging hills, cross-country trails, and plenty of wooded areas. The park has a variety of terrains and running loops, including the famous Van Cortlandt Park Cross Country Course, which is home to rolling hills and tougher sections, ideal for developing endurance and strength.
Features:
Cross-country trails for off-road running
Challenging hills to simulate tough race day conditions
Scenic and less crowded
Tip: Incorporate trail running to build strength and improve your footwork and agility.
In addition to the above routes, consider adding the iconic Queensboro Bridge and Williamsburg Bridge to your training for additional variety. Running over bridges provides resistance, helping build leg strength, and the views from these bridges are spectacular!
These top running routes in New York City offer runners the perfect mix of challenge and inspiration for marathon training. Whether you prefer a scenic waterfront view, a peaceful park, or the energy of running through iconic urban landmarks, NYC has a route for every type of runner. Choose your favorite, stick to your training plan, and get ready to tackle your marathon with confidence!
Happy running!