Fit Tours NYC
Run Central Park with our free running guide and map!
Central Park is the ultimate runner's dream. With its many paths and terrains varying in levels of difficulty, runners can experience clarity, freedom, and excellent scenery simultaneously. It's easy to understand why the famous New York Marathon has its final miles here every year!
Below we have included some information about various groups that runners can join, as well as our free running map and running guide, which details Central Park's most popular running loops.
Running Groups & Tours
Running Tours & Classes: Our partners Fit Tours NYC and City Running Tours offer small group running tours that explore different areas of Central Park so you can sight-see while you sweat! Visit our Running & Fitness Tours page for schedules and details.
Running Groups: The New York Road Runners host more than 100 running events every year in Central Park, and they also have a kiosk at the E. 90th Street entrance and East Drive by the Engineers' Gate. Runners can stop here for assistance and information about events.
Running Map & Guide
Download our Free Running Map before you head to Central Park!
Where to Run in Central Park: There are numerous loops and locations that are ideal for running in the park. And because cars are no longer allowed in Central Park since June 27th, 2018, the roads belong to runners, riders, and skaters.
Full Loop: A full loop through Central Park is nearly 6.1 miles and runs along the Park Drives on the West and East sides using the various transverses to cut across the park.
Short Loops: Shorter variations are also possible. For example, you could take a 5-mile loop through either the lower or upper sections of the park. You could also take a 1.7 mile loop in the southern part of the park by the Tavern on the Green.
Reservoir Loop: The Reservoir loop gives runners a soft surface cinder pathway of just over 1.5 miles around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It has a slight 2º slope and offers spectacular city views. Stay to the right on this path and run counterclockwise.
Bridal Path Loops: There are also two Bridle Path Loops to choose from, both on dirt. The shorter of the two is 1.66 miles and circles around the Reservoir below the aforementioned cinder path. 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. Please note that horses have the right of way on the Bridle Paths, so make sure that you are aware of their location.