Running and Jogging in New York City's Central Park

As the gem of Manhattan, Central Park is right the site for New York Marathon's final 3.2 miles. With a perfect blending of varied terrain and scenic distractions, Central Park offers rising challenges to runners of all levels. Feel like running or jogging? Lace up your sneakers and hit the park!

The periphery of central park is as long as 6.1 miles. Whether for short workouts or longer training runs, you might need a detailed running map to help you navigate the loop. Download a printable running map here:

Central Park Running Map

http://www.centralpark.com/usr/maps/CentralParkRunningMap.pdf

From the above map, it's not difficult to find that there're typically 3 optimal places to run or jog at Central Park:

Park Drives: It's the big loop the entire Central Park. It's a good option for accomplished runners. You can challenge a 6.1 miles or 5.2 miles tour. There are a number of scenic distractions. If you can't hold on, just cross those distractions.

The Reservoir: The Reservoir is probably the most popular place to run in Central Park which largely owes to its breathtaking sceneries and soft surface. This maintained dirt path is 1.58 miles around. Spring or summer, day or night, the Reservoir offers the best skyline views in the Park. As far as we know, most runners prefer circling the path in a counter clockwise fashion.

Bridle Paths: Bridle Paths are more appropriate for beginners as well. While cruising around Bridle Paths, there're three conjoined paths to choose from: the Reservoir loop, the North Meadow loop and the southern spur. Total distances of those three loops are respectively 1.5 miles, 1.1 miles and 1.5 miles.

If you are adventurous enough, combined loops would worth a shot! We've found a more detailed loops plan with maps offered. Surely you'll get enlightened with a brief reading at:

Central Park Running Track

http://www.runyourcity.com/state/ny/new-york-city/running-map-of-new-york-city/manhattan/centralpark

What's the best time to run in Central Park?

Though a runners' lane is always available, we'd like to suggest you to take the drives when Central Park is closed to traffic. Hours when the park is closed to traffic are as follows:

Monday - Friday: 10am - 3pm

Sunday & Saturday: 7pm (Friday) - 6am (Monday)

More details can be found at:

Running and Jogging in Central Park

http://www.centralparknyc.org/visit/things-to-do/sports/running-jogging.html

To avoid trouble and enhance your running tour in Central Park, you should bear some safety tips in mind:

- Get help from Central Park Precinct if necessary. The park is in charged by New York Police Department's Central Park Precinct. If there is an emergency, feel free to contact them at 212-570-4820. Over 40 call boxes are available throughout Central Park.

- Stay away from the dark. If you insist on running at night, you can find a running partner or join the NYRR Running Class or NYRR Group Run.

- Take down your headphones or earbuds. It can help you to avoid not only potential thefts but also approaching cars and bicycles.

- Ensure supplies of water if your running lasts over an hour. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue and malaise. There are a good many of water fountains throughout the park. Make sure you've got the locations. Or you can bring bottle waters.

Keep safety first when running. For more tips, please vist:

Safety Tips

http://www.nyrr.org/resources/training/safety.asp