Fit Tours NYC
Join a group running tour in Central Park, or run on your own!
Central Park, with a variety of terrain and excellent scenery, is the ultimate runner's dream. With its many paths that range in level of difficulty, Central Park allows a runner to experience clarity and freedom in this picturesque urban oasis. It's easy to understand why the famous New York Marathon has its final miles in Central Park every year.
Running Groups
Running Tours & Classes: Our partners Fit Tours NYC and City Running Tours both offer group running tours throughout Central Park. See Running & Fitness Tours for schedule 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 in the park at the East 90th Street Entrance and East Drive by the Engineers' Gate. Runners can go here for assistance and information about events. Open from 6:30am to 7:00pm Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 5:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 3:00pm on Sunday.
Running Loops & Map
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.