Manhattan · Running route
Central Park Running Route
- Distance
- 6.1 mi
- Route
- Full park loop
- Area
- Manhattan
Run it, connect Strava or upload your run — your medal unlocks automatically. Free.
The full loop of Central Park is New York's classic run: 6.1 miles on the park drives, past the Harlem Hill, Bethesda Terrace and the lake, with the skyline rising over the trees.
The route
- Distance: about 6.1 miles for the full outer loop of the park drives.
- Terrain: paved, rolling — the Harlem Hill at the north end is the toughest climb.
- Shorter options: the lower loop (about 1.7 mi) or the middle loop (about 4 mi) if you are building up.
Tips
- Run counter-clockwise with the traffic of other runners, and stay in the runners lane.
- Early mornings are busy with run clubs — a great time to go.
- Water fountains are spread around the loop in the warm months.
How to unlock the Central Park medal
- Run the route above — any pace counts, walk breaks included.
- Copy your Strava activity link (or a link to a screenshot of your watch or phone).
- Submit it on the Park Mile Passport page. Once approved, the Central Park medal unlocks in your passport. It's free.
Running with a crew? Join the Park Mile club on Strava and share your park runs.
Looking for your next park?
All New York park running routes →