By Marnie Kunz,
NYC running coach

If you’re running Central Park, it can be overwhelming to navigate at first. I’ve lived and ran in NYC for over 10 years so wanted to share my top tips for running in Central Park. The green oasis is a beautiful place to run and enjoy the great outdoors with convenient access to top landmarks and tourist attractions. Of all the places to run in New York City, Central Park is the most iconic and most famous place to run.

From sweeping views along the reservoir to the bustle of dog walkers, live music, performers, and hosting the world’s largest marathon, Central Park is a must-see for any runner. The park can be overwhelming for visitors, however, and if you’re wondering where to run in Central Park, this Central Park running guide will help you plan your Central Park run, including which trails to hit, and how to navigate the gorgeous green space surrounded by concrete.

Central Park offers 843 acres of nature amidst the cement and steel of Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side, and the Upper West Side. The world-renowned park attracts 38 million visitors annually. Whether you are visiting NYC or are a New Yorker, Central Park is a must-hit on your running list. Here is the rundown for running Central Park, with tips on trails, rules, and more.

Central Park Running Trails

Central Park includes a 6.1-mile (almost 10 km) running trail around the outer loop of the park, as well as many side trails to run. An easy place to hop on the main running loop is at Columbus Circle, on the southwest side of Central Park, between 58 Street and 60th Street at Columbus Circle (see map).

Central Park Main Loop

You can’t miss the main loop in Central Park because there is a constantly revolving circle of people biking, walking, running, and skating along the path. The main loop will take you along the tree-lined Park Drives on the West and East sides of the park. You will also run by the magnificent Museum Mile on the Upper East Side, which includes world-famous museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim. The main loop also includes Harlem Hill, which will give your legs an extra hill workout, with the reward of beautiful views coming down.

Running Central Park Reservoir

I love running on the soft, flat surface of the Central Park Reservoir. The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir offers stunning views and a cushioned, flat running path that is made of cinder. The reservoir is just over 1.5 miles, making it perfect for some speed work or sightseeing, as you’ll see the city’s towering skyline on either side of the tranquil water.

Just be aware that the reservoir path gets crowded during peak tourist times and also during rush hour as local runners get in their workouts. So if you are planning to do speed work, an early morning weekday run is your best bet. I recommend this path for a leisurely run where you can stop and take iconic NYC photos. It is also great for recovery runs or if you are coming back from injury and need a soft running surface (which is hard to find in New York).

Bridle Path

If you are looking for more soft running trails, you can run on the Bridle Path, a dirt path winding through Central Park. Part of the Bridle Path is 1.66 miles and circles below the reservoir. The full Bridle Path Loop is 2.5 miles and extends beyond the reservoir, further north to the North Meadow fields, and across the 102nd Street Transverse. It eventually rejoins the main path after some time on the West Drive. I love the Bridle Path because it is more relaxing than running on the concrete main loop around the park, and the footing is softer so if you have knee problems or are coming back from an injury, it is easier on the joints.

Other Routes

There are many other Central Park running options, including shorter routes off the main loop by hopping onto one of the transverse running paths at 72 Street or 79 Street. For speed work, check out the Great Lawn Oval, which is a paved path that is shaped like a track and measures almost one-half mile. Another option is to run through the Ramble or the North Woods to escape into the forest.

Central Park Running Tips

Central Park has incredible views so it’s best to do at least one run where you can stop and take in the views and snap a few photos or videos. If you want to take the scenic route, you can run on part of the NYC Marathon course as well as see famous statues. Here are some of the must-see places for runners in Central Park:

Best Photo Spots

Running the reservoir offers some of the best views in Central Park, and you can capture the contrast of nature with the water against the impressive Manhattan skyline. The views are particularly stunning at sunset or sunrise. The Bridle Path also offers amazing views, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

NYC Marathon Route

The last segment of the world’s biggest marathon, the New York City Marathon, is in Central Park every year. The NYC Marathon course comes down Fifth Avenue on the North side of the park, at 110 Street, and follows Fifth Avenue down to 59 Street, where the course turns right and comes up the West side of Central Park, ending at 67 Street on West Drive.

Fred Lebow Statue

The Fred Lebow Statue is of a man standing on 90th Street and East Drive along the Central Park main running loop. The man, Fred Lebow, is the creator of the New York City Marathon. Every year, days before the marathon, the statue is moved to a spot near the NYC Marathon finish line, not far from where Fred himself would stand on marathon days during his years at the helm of the iconic marathon. At the end of the NYC Marathon, Fred’s statue is wearing his cap and running gear like no time has passed, glancing at his watch as the runners finish their 26.2-mile journey.

If You Get Lost

Besides using your phone GPS and Google maps, check out the lampposts in Central Park for determining your location. Check the four numbers on any lamppost base — the first two numbers indicate the nearest street (“70” would mean 70th Street) and the last two numbers designate whether you’re on the west or east side (odd number means west, even number means east).

Central Park Running Rules

Stay to the right and run counterclockwise on the Central Park Reservoir. Be alert as tourists can be walking in groups and stopping for photos.

On the main Central Park loop, make sure you are in the run/walk lane on the left and not in the bike lane, which will be to your right. Be careful as speeding bikes have been known to hit pedestrians on foot. Within the running lane, follow the general principle of staying to your right side when running slower and passing people on the left. Always look both ways when coming onto or off of the running loop.

Check out my running safety tips for more help navigating running in NYC. I hope you enjoy your running in Central Park and share your runs with @Runstreet on Instagram to get cheered on. 😊

Where is your favorite place to run in Central Park? Comment below.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, dog lover, Akita mom, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY.

Running Central Park: Tips from a Local