Running outdoors in New York City offers opportunities to combine sightseeing and exercise, a pursuit sometimes referred to as sightrunning. Visitors can take advantage of jogging routes away from crowded streets, where fresh air and open vistas can remind even longtime residents of the Big Apple's appeal. Running apps, friends, bellmen, doormen and personal trainers would likely recommend these routes to joggers.
The finish line of the New York City Marathon is inside 843-acre Central Park, which contains 58 miles of running routes. Two popular routes are the park's periphery, which measures approximately 6 miles, and the soft path around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, which at 2 miles was the former first lady's frequent circuit. Cars are prohibited from entering the park on weekends and are restricted to speeds below 25 mph at all times. An urban oasis highlight for runners are the park's 150 drinking fountains, none more popular for meet-ups than the one at East 90th Street and Fifth Avenue.
Rise early, play "The 59th Street Bridge Song" by Simon and Garfunkel on your MP3 player and head for a path along the East River to enjoy a groovy morning jog. Cover 6 miles round trip along the Upper East Side from the entrance at 60th Street to the one at 90th Street. Heading north, skirt Carl Schurz Park with views of the mayoral residence, Gracie Mansion. The return trip has views of the 59th Street Bridge and Roosevelt Island Tram. The main feature of this route is the East River, which reflects rays from the rising sun.
Riverside Park is a long, narrow strip of green along the Hudson River from 58th Street. It continues north about 5 miles to Fort Washington Park at 156th Street. Varying from shoreline drive to park interior, the mainly flat path is part dirt, part pavement. Depending on which cross street is most convenient, a runner can join the path at any point. A statue of Eleanor Roosevelt stands at 72nd Street. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial with big cannons is at 89th Street. The largest mausoleum in North America, the tomb of Ulysses S. Grant, is located at 122nd Street and Riverside Drive. Within another 10 blocks north, the majestic George Washington Bridge spanning the Hudson River comes into view.
At the southern tip of Manhattan, a sightrunner's destination may be Battery Park in the heart of the former 17th century Dutch colony. The route around the handsome 25-acre park near Wall Street and the financial district has close-up views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Governor's Island. Adding to the distraction of sights are the frequent comings and goings of the Staten Island Ferry, pleasure boats and tour cruises. Battery Park has conveniences for runners such as public toilets, Wi-Fi, kiosks, food carts and a cafe. Those looking for a longer run can proceed north along the West Side bike path beside the Hudson River piers.
