The running scene in New York City matches the vibrant and diverse pulse of the area, offering myriad route opportunities, from riverfront runs to city park loops. Tack on the literal hundreds of running clubs and a number of iconic races, and you’ve got a community that matches the hustle of the city.
One such running club is Mile Style Run Club, a Bronx-based club that started with humble roots in 2016 and has grown into a group that hosts upward of 90 runners. The club’s founder Miguel Hernandez saw the health challenges the Bronx faced — ranking as the most unhealthy county in New York state — and felt the pull to do something about it.
The Bronx, New York.
Running started out as a personal love affair for Miguel and turned into a deeper mission to grow a community of runners in his home borough. Watch Miguel’s story in the video below, sponsored by HOKA. Then read on for trail recommendations, run clubs to check out, the best running events in the city, and where to find a fresh pair of HOKA running shoes in the city.
[Editor’s Note: Click here to watch the full film on YouTube.]
Where to Run in New York City
The best thing about running in the city? You can lace up, step out your door, and take off. But if you’re looking for something more specific, check out our AllTrails picks below or head over to AllTrails to see more recommendations.
Central Park Trail
This route on the Central Park Trail starts at the southern end of Central Park and goes through iconic highlights of the area, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, East Meadow, and Harlem Meer, before ending at the northern boundary of the park. This trail is a respite from the city where you can run in the trees and through sprawling lawns.
Trail Details
- AllTrails Rating: 4.6 stars
- Level: Easy
- Length: 3.9 miles
- Elevation Gain: 190 feet
Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park to Riverside Park
The Hudson River Greenway follows the Hudson River and goes by Little Island, the iconic floating park. Enjoy riverside views the entire length of the trail or head over to Little Island and check out the scene from there.
Trail Details
- AllTrails Rating: 4.7 stars
- Level: Easy
- Length: 5.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 75 feet
Prospect Park Loop
If you’re looking for a run that feels social-adjacent, head out on the Prospect Park Loop. This route goes around Prospect Park, which hosts concerts and dance performances in the summer. During the summer months, the park is usually filled with people enjoying the sunshine, and the trail goes through a ravine of the city’s last remaining forest.
Trail Details
- AllTrails Rating: 4.7 stars
- Level: Easy
- Length: 3.7 miles
- Elevation Gain: 154 feet
Miguel Recommends: Van Cortlandt Park Trail
This trail gives you a good route through most of this secluded park in the city. Located in The Bronx, the pathway is mostly paved though some sections aren’t. You can trim and adjust this trail based on your mileage needs or pick up different offshoots as you run.
Trail Details
- AllTrails Rating: 4.4 stars
- Level: Easy
- Length: 7.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 429 feet
New York City Run Clubs to Check Out
The city hosts around 200 running clubs, so there’s no shortage of groups to join up with and get immersed in the community. If you’re looking for a bank of running clubs to check out, head over to the New York Road Runners site for club info. Below are a couple of run club suggestions.
Mile Style Run Club
Every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., join Miguel Hernandez at 940 Garrison Ave in the Bronx for an open community run and walk. There’s no membership fee, and Mile Style Run Club is a community-based group with a mission to improve the overall health and well-being of Bronx residents. Find them on Instagram for up-to-date info.
World’s Fair Run Crew
The World’s Fair Run Crew is a HOKA-sponsored club based in Queens. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., they meet at Pong Arena Sports Bar for a 3- to 4-mile, all-pace community run. There’s no membership fee to join.
Running Events in New York City
When you think of races in New York City, the first thing you might think of is the TCS New York City Marathon, which is among the largest marathons in the world. In 2024, it had 55,646 finishers.
Below are a few lesser known events to sign up for if you want to get a taste of New York City races.
BKLYN MILE
This annual road race runs along Kent Avenue under the Williamsburg Bridge and then through the heart of North Brooklyn. So we ask: How fast can you run a mile? The mile-long race brings in the most competitive runners while also appealing to those of all abilities and experience levels. According to the race’s website, “Running the BKLYN MILE is like getting shot out of a cannon and falling into a mosh pit. But in an exhilarating way.”
Front Runners Pride Run
Since 1982, the FRNY LGBT Pride Run has grown to become the largest LGBTQIA+ sporting event in New York City and one of the largest in the world. The race is four miles long and the course goes through Central Park, starting on East Drive. A portion of the proceeds from the event goes toward donations to New York-based LGBTQIA+ organizations.
Where to Find Your Next Pair of HOKA Shoes
If you’re ready to lace up in a fresh pair of HOKA running shoes to lay down some miles in New York City, head over to the HOKA brand store on 579 5th Ave or the Flat Iron store at 172 5th Ave.
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by HOKA. Thank you to HOKA for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
