Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners near Hudson Yards
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners near Hudson Yards
1. Hudson River Greenway
NYC’s signature waterfront path hugs the Hudson with wide pavement, skyline views, and miles of car‑free running. From Hudson Yards you can be on the path in minutes and head north toward Hell’s Kitchen or south through Chelsea.
✓ Why Go:
Uninterrupted miles, soft river breezes, and plenty of room to settle into pace without stoplights.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning for empty paths and sunrise light; golden hour for cooling breezes and dramatic views.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use Pier 84 for bathrooms, water, and a clear landmark to start tempos; head north to add gentle rollers toward 57th Street.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners rave about the freedom to cruise and the safety of a well‑lit, well‑patrolled path with constant scenery.
2. High Line
An elevated, car‑free walkway lined with plantings and art, perfect for an easy shakeout with city views. Enter near 30th Street to loop south through Chelsea and back via street level or the river.
✓ Why Go:
Gentle grades, photo‑worthy overlooks, and a unique above‑street vibe that keeps recovery runs engaging.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mornings before tourists arrive; winter afternoons for low crowds and warm light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mix strides on nearby 11th Avenue sidewalks after exiting to keep faster work off the busy deck.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for ambiance and design—runners love the mellow pacing and constant visual interest.
3. Bella Abzug Park
The linear park threading through Hudson Yards offers flat lawns, benches, and wide walkways for dynamic warmups and cooldown laps. It’s a calm pocket steps from the subway and the Shops at Hudson Yards.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient home base to stretch, mobilize, or finish with yoga without leaving the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early morning or late evening when the plaza is quiet and shaded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the long, straight promenades for A‑skips and drills before hitting the river path.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it clean, modern, and surprisingly peaceful given the skyscraper backdrop.
4. Vessel
The sculptural centerpiece of Hudson Yards anchors broad steps and terraces around the Public Square & Gardens—ideal for light stair repeats and post‑run photos.
✓ Why Go:
Add short bursts of climbing to complement flat river miles and snag an iconic backdrop.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings for open space and softer light; avoid midday when the plaza runs hot.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use short, controlled repeats on the exterior steps and reset on the plaza to keep effort even.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners appreciate the dramatic setting and convenient terrain variety right off the route.
5. Chelsea Park
A neighborhood athletic park with a compact oval encircling the fields—great for controlled intervals without traffic. Quick jog from Hudson Yards via 10th Avenue.
✓ Why Go:
Measured repeats and form work in a low‑key setting close to the river path.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings on weekdays for open lanes; evenings offer lively community energy.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a watch or foot‑pod for distance since the oval is shorter than a full 400m track.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals like the convenience and steady surface for workouts without the crowds.
6. Pier 57 Rooftop Park
A sprawling rooftop lawn above the Hudson with skyline and river panoramas—perfect for cooldown laps, barefoot strides, or a recovery picnic after long runs.
✓ Why Go:
Soft turf underfoot and inspiring views make recovery feel special.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden light and breezes; mornings for quiet space to stretch.
✓ Insider Tip:
Refill bottles inside the market hall before heading up—restrooms are convenient, too.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a hidden‑in‑plain‑sight oasis that’s worth the short detour south.
7. DeWitt Clinton Park
Tree‑lined paths and sloped blocks nearby offer options for gentle hill strides and shaded loops in Hell’s Kitchen. It’s a classic West Side green space.
✓ Why Go:
Mix in elevation without trekking to Central Park; easy to tack onto a river run.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late afternoon for shade; crisp fall mornings for snappy hill reps.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the gradual incline along 11th Avenue for repeatable 30–60 second efforts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Neighborhood runners appreciate the calm, dog‑friendly vibe and reliable shade.
8. Manhattan West Plaza
A spacious plaza linked to the High Line via the Moynihan Connector, ideal for mobility circuits, strides, or a mid‑run reset away from traffic.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, open pavers and seating make it a practical training pit stop steps from Penn and Hudson Yards.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Morning and early evening when shade covers the plaza and foot traffic is light.
✓ Insider Tip:
Create a drill loop using the perimeter benches for step‑ups between easy laps.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for being clean, modern, and convenient as a meet‑up point or cooldown zone.
9. Pier
A massive open pier at Hudson River Park with wide, smooth surfaces—great for strides, fartleks, and sunset cooldowns with unobstructed river views.
✓ Why Go:
Room to move fast safely, plus quick access back to Hudson Yards via 34th–38th Streets.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Evenings for breezes and sunsets; winter midday for maximum sun and warmth.
✓ Insider Tip:
Mark 100m segments with light poles for easy, repeatable stride sets.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the space, views, and low bike traffic compared to the main path.
10. NYRR RUNCENTER
New York Road Runners’ hub offers a runner‑centric store, community events, and a convenient place to pick up gear or advice before exploring the West Side routes.
✓ Why Go:
Tap into local knowledge, find fuel and apparel, and connect with the city’s running scene.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Daytime hours before your workout or after a morning run for quick refueling.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask staff for current race calendars and group run options that start near the river.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors describe it as friendly, knowledgeable, and a motivating stop for all paces.
