Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners on the Upper East Side
Top Things to Do in New York City for Runners on the Upper East Side
1. Central Park Reservoir Loop
The 1.58-mile cinder path encircling the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir delivers skyline views, soft footing, and a dedicated runners-only flow that feels miles from Midtown.
✓ Why Go:
It’s flat, scenic, and kind to joints—perfect for tempo laps, shakeouts, or adding measured mileage with minimal street crossings.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise or just before dusk for golden light and fewer pedestrians; winter weekdays are the quietest.
✓ Insider Tip:
Enter from Engineers’ Gate at East 90th Street to start counterclockwise—the route’s standard direction—and use the lamp posts to pace splits.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners praise the combo of smooth rhythm, big-sky views, and that classic New York feeling of gliding above the city buzz.
2. Cat Hill
This famed climb on East Drive under the bronze ‘Still Hunt’ cat near East 76th Street is the UES’s go-to for strength-building hill repeats.
✓ Why Go:
Short, steady grade builds power and form without needing a track; easy to loop into reservoir or full-park miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings year-round; in summer, aim before 8am to beat heat and cyclist traffic.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the Drive’s painted distance markers for repeat sets (e.g., 200–400m efforts) and jog easy back down to recover.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for being tough-but-fair—locals swear by Cat Hill sessions before fall race season.
3. Asphalt Green
A full-service athletic complex in Yorkville with an Olympic pool, strength floor, and classes—ideal for runner-specific cross-training and recovery.
✓ Why Go:
Mix in low-impact cardio, mobility, and strength so you can handle the park’s rollers and stay injury-resistant.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekday mid-mornings or early afternoons; book lanes/classes in advance during peak training seasons.
✓ Insider Tip:
Target a swim or mobility session after a Cat Hill workout—hot showers and a quick refuel nearby make commuting easy.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Members highlight spotless facilities and expert programming that complements serious running blocks.
4. Carl Schurz Park
A leafy riverfront promenade tucked above the FDR with breezes, benches, and open views—perfect for easy miles or cooldown strolls.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a calm alternative to Central Park: flat pathways, sunrise light over the East River, and seamless links to the Esplanade.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunrise to mid-morning for soft light and lighter foot traffic; spring and fall shine here.
✓ Insider Tip:
Loop past Gracie Mansion and extend south or north onto the East River Esplanade for longer, interruption-free mileage.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Neighbors call it a hidden gem—peaceful, pretty, and reliably less crowded than the park drives.
5. East River Esplanade
A linear waterfront greenway running the length of the UES—great for steady-state efforts without stoplights.
✓ Why Go:
Flat, continuous stretches are ideal for tempos or recovery jogs with bridge-and-skyline views as your metronome.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Mornings before commuter peaks; windy days feel cooler along the water in summer.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use John Jay Park for restrooms and seasonal fountains; watch for occasional construction pinch points.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Appreciated for being practical and pretty—miles feel faster when the river’s in view.
6. Roosevelt Island Tramway
Start at the UES terminal and float over the East River—an iconic cooldown or rest-day treat with big-bridge vistas.
✓ Why Go:
A quick, affordable aerial view that pairs perfectly with a light shakeout to or from the station.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Sunset for golden-hour cityscapes; weekday mid-mornings are the least crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring OMNY or a MetroCard. Jog over for an easy out-and-back, then ride the tram for a rewardingly scenic finish.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it a tiny adventure—memorable views with minimal time and cost.
7. Museum Mile
The Fifth Avenue stretch from 82nd to 96th hugs Central Park and offers wide, even sidewalks—ideal for pre-run drills or gentle strides.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a smooth launchpad into the park with cultural scenery—galleries on one side, trees on the other.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Early mornings before museum openings for open pavement and serene park-edge air.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use building facades as visual stride markers; pop into the park at 90th Street to reach the Reservoir quickly.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Runners love the civilized vibe—elegant, quiet, and made for easy movement.
8. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Steps
Those grand steps double as a functional gym—perfect for dynamic warm-ups, stair repeats, and core work before a park loop.
✓ Why Go:
Convenient, iconic, and effective—short bouts of uphill power prime legs for stronger miles.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Before 8am to avoid crowds and event setups; in winter, check for ice after storms.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a small towel or mat for planks and stretches; cap your session with a loop around the nearby Model Boat Pond.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Locals say training here makes NYC feel like your personal stadium.
9. John Jay Park
A compact waterfront park with courts, playgrounds, and an outdoor pool—the kind of neighborhood spot that supports recovery days.
✓ Why Go:
Access restrooms, seasonal water, and space for mobility work; in summer, swap a run for laps to give your legs a break.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Late mornings on weekdays are relaxed; summer evenings are lively but manageable.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the pedestrian bridge to connect directly with the East River Esplanade for a seamless run-to-swim transition.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Families and runners alike commend its convenience and easy river access.
10. Orwashers Bakery
A century-old neighborhood bakery where runners refuel on fresh bagels, breads, and coffee after big miles.
✓ Why Go:
Quality carbs and quick service make it a beloved finish-line treat—perfect for long-run glycogen top-ups.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weekend mornings right after your run; lines move quickly but earlier is better.
✓ Insider Tip:
Try a seeded bagel or a slice of rustic sourdough with butter and jam—simple, satisfying recovery fuel.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests gush about the warm welcome and consistent, old-school deliciousness.
