Back Bay · Running route
Charles River Esplanade Running Route
- Distance
- 3.1 mi
- Route
- Mass Ave–Longfellow bridges loop
- Area
- Back Bay
Run it, connect Strava or upload your run — your medal unlocks automatically. Free.
The Charles River is Boston's running highway. The Park Mile route is the classic 3.1-mile loop: out along the Esplanade, across the Longfellow Bridge, back on the Cambridge side and over the Mass Ave (Harvard) Bridge.
The route
- Distance: about 3.1 miles — a perfect 5K.
- Terrain: flat paved paths on both sides of the river.
- Extend it: keep going upriver to the next bridges for 5, 8 or more miles.
Tips
- Run it at sunset for the skyline over the water.
- Watch for the sailboats and rowing crews.
- The paths are busy — keep right and pass with care.
How to unlock the Charles River Esplanade 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 Charles River Esplanade 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?
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