Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in Times Square
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners in Times Square
1. Times Square Pedestrian Plazas
String together the car-free blocks of Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets for a neon-lit shakeout. At dawn, the plazas feel like your private track, perfect for easy loops, strides, or a photo finish atop the TKTS Red Steps.
✓ Why Go:
Iconic scenery, flat pavement, and high visibility make it a safe, motivating spot to get miles in right where you’re staying.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings (5:30–7:00 am) year-round; winter sunrises and late-night jogs showcase the lights with fewer crowds.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Red Steps for dynamic warmups and jog five minutes to Bryant Park for pristine restrooms post-run.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the surreal calm before the city wakes; later in the day it’s busy and better for a victory lap than a workout.
2. Bryant Park Loop
Circle the park’s perimeter for repeatable, traffic-light-free laps (~0.4 miles each). Smooth pavers, shade, and a lively backdrop make it perfect for recovery runs or short intervals.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a compact, controlled loop with nearby amenities—ideal for squeezing in quality when time is tight.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings and early evenings in spring and fall (April–June, September–October).
✓ Insider Tip:
Bryant Park’s attended restrooms on the 42nd Street side are famously clean; refill bottles at nearby kiosks when open.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for safety, cleanliness, and vibe—like a runner’s courtyard steps from Times Square.
3. Hudson River Park – Pier 84 to Pier 96 Run
Drop down 12th Avenue to the Hudson River Greenway and cruise the waterfront from Pier 84 to Pier 96. Enjoy breeze, skyline views, and a separated bike/ped path for a steady out-and-back.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the closest long, uninterrupted running path to Times Square, with room to settle into pace.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise and sunset in late spring through early fall for cooler temps and great light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Fountains and restrooms near Pier 84 are typically seasonal—plan hydration accordingly, especially on hot days.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Beloved by locals for stress-free miles and postcard sunsets over the Hudson.
4. Intrepid Pier 86 Steps and Promenade
Use the wide pier ramps and steps by the Intrepid for short hill repeats, stair sets, and form drills, then cool down along the river.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient strength work without a gym—stairs, inclines, and open space in a scenic setting.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings before museum crowds, especially May–October.
✓ Insider Tip:
On sunny days, the ship casts welcome shade—stash a light layer for breezy waterfront conditions.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Considered a fun, photogenic add-on to a Greenway run; occasional event days can add foot traffic.
5. DeWitt Clinton Park Laps
A neighborhood green space with a soft-surface path around ballfields—gentle on joints and quiet compared to the avenues.
✓ Why Go:
Softer footing and shade offer a welcome recovery-day option near Times Square.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings year-round; evenings after league games wrap in summer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a handheld—fountain access varies; use benches for step-ups and calf raises.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Underrated and local—runners value the calm and community feel.
6. Theater District Marquee Run
Jog a marquee-to-marquee loop on W 44th–W 51st Streets, threading Broadway’s famous theaters for an easy-paced tour of lights and legends.
✓ Why Go:
It blends culture with cardio—motivating sights without straying far from your hotel.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Pre-7:00 am for clear sidewalks, or post-curtain late night for glowing marquees.
✓ Insider Tip:
Start at the George M. Cohan statue and keep right on narrow blocks; steer clear near stage doors at showtime.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Inspiring and quintessentially New York; crowds build quickly around matinees and evening shows.
7. 42nd Street Cross-Town Tempo
Run a straight shot from Times Square along 42nd Street past Bryant Park to Grand Central and back—flat, fast, and landmark-studded.
✓ Why Go:
A reliable tempo or progression run with minimal turns and big-city energy.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday dawn year-round to beat commuter waves; cooler months (October–April) feel crisp and fast.
✓ Insider Tip:
Sync efforts to long blocks—use recoveries at lights and push steady between avenues.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A favorite for goal-pace practice; thrilling but can feel busy outside early hours.
8. Hell’s Kitchen Park Jog and Stretch
A compact park northwest of Times Square for warmups, mobility work, and easy laps before heading to the river path.
✓ Why Go:
Quieter than the plazas and close to the Hudson—great for building a routine during your stay.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning and early evening in spring and fall; arrive early on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use low walls for hip mobility drills and gentle plyometrics; share space with families.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Friendly and laid-back; appreciated for greenery amid Midtown.
9. Central Park via Columbus Circle Out-and-Back
From Times Square, jog up Broadway to Columbus Circle and enter Central Park for a lower-loop sampler—rolling terrain and iconic scenery within a mile of your hotel.
✓ Why Go:
Access the world’s most famous running park without a subway ride; tailor distance from 3–6 miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round; peak beauty in April–May and late September–November.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter at Merchants’ Gate and keep to the right on park drives; seasonal fountains dot West Drive.
✓ What Visitors Say:
A bucket-list outing that feels surprisingly close to Times Square.
10. High Line Northern Spur Run
Jog the elevated High Line from its 34th Street entrance for sunrise views over the rail yards and Hudson; go easy and yield to walkers.
✓ Why Go:
Unique, car-free elevation with art and gardens—an atmospheric cooldown or recovery run.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Opening hour, especially on weekdays; spring blooms and fall colors shine.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter at the 34th Street spur to start closest to Times Square; keep speeds mellow on narrow sections.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Memorable and photogenic—runners agree it’s best early before crowds build.
