I never considered myself a runner—until I moved to New York City. With so much to explore and a desire to stay active, running suddenly seemed like a fun and practical idea. My roommates and I decided to take it one step further and train for the Brooklyn Half Marathon together. Since then, we’ve been discovering new routes and running paths across the city!
Hudson River Greenway
The Hudson River Greenway has quickly become my go-to spot for running. With numerous access points along the West Side Highway—many of which connect through Riverside Park—it’s easy to mix up your route. The views along the Hudson are absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. This scenic, flat path runs the entire west side of Manhattan, making it perfect for long runs without having to double back. It’s always lively, with runners, walkers, and cyclists enjoying the space. If you’re looking for a steady, uninterrupted, flat route, this is it.
Central Park
When I’m in the mood for a challenge, I head to Central Park. The hills and elevation changes make for a more intense workout. What I love most is the variety: you can stick to the main road loop—often filled with fellow runners—or venture onto the many winding side paths for a more scenic and spontaneous run. One of my favorite spots is the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, a peaceful 1.58-mile loop with gorgeous water views. Central Park is beautiful year-round, from green summer trees to fall foliage, winter snow, and spring cherry blossoms. Pro tip: if you prefer a flat route, try running along the park’s perimeter—but be cautious of uneven ground in some areas!
Riverside Park
Riverside Park has become a hidden gem in my running routine. It’s easily accessible from campus, with great entry points along Riverside Dr., like 95th and 108th Street. I usually choose this park for shorter runs, or I’ll start here and connect to the Hudson River Greenway for a longer stretch. You can find both flat paths and slight inclines depending on the direction you take. It’s a peaceful and scenic way to run without straying too far from home.
Battery Park
Battery Park is located at the southern tip of Manhattan, so I typically find myself there at the end of a long run down the Hudson River Greenway. That said, it could easily be the start of your route if you’re up for the trek. It’s a beautiful and bustling area with views of the Statue of Liberty, and it’s always full of people walking, jogging, and enjoying the day. The energy is contagious!
East River Greenway
This path is a bit out of the way if you’re based near campus, and it’s a little more broken up, which makes it better suited for shorter runs. Still, it offers great waterfront views and is a nice way to switch things up. My favorite access point is at E 37th Street—from there, you’ll get some incredible sights as you head south. That said, parts of the path aren’t as visually appealing, which is why I usually prefer the Hudson side. But if you’re craving a change of scenery, it’s worth checking out!
Brooklyn Bridge/Domino Park
I actually haven’t run in Brooklyn yet, but I had to include it because one of my roommates swears by it! Her ideal route involves running through Dumbo and crossing the Brooklyn Bridge or taking it easy and running along the water in Domino Park. It’s definitely farther from campus and takes some effort to get to, but I’ve heard the views and atmosphere make it totally worth the trip. It’s high on my list to try next!
One of the best parts about running in NYC is the endless variety. If you wanted to, you could take a different route every day and never run the same path twice. It’s a fun, energizing way to explore the city while staying active. Whether you’re training for a race or just looking for a new way to connect with your surroundings, I hope my favorite routes help inspire your next run!
By: Abigail Smith