Plugging Into the New York City Running Scene

The running scene in New York City matches the vibrant and diverse pulse of the area, offering myriad route opportunities, from riverfront runs to city park loops. Tack on the literally hundreds of running clubs and a number of iconic races, and you’ve got a community that matches the hustle of the city. 

One such running club is Mile Style Run Club, a Bronx-based club that started with humble roots in 2016 and has grown into a group that hosts upward of 90 runners. The club’s founder, Miguel Hernandez, saw the health challenges the Bronx faced — ranking as the most unhealthy county in New York state — and felt the pull to do something about it.

Running started out as a personal love affair for Miguel and turned into a deeper mission to grow a community of runners in his home borough. Watch Miguel’s story below, sponsored by HOKA. Then read on for trail recommendations, run clubs to check out, the best running events in the city, and where to find a fresh pair of HOKA road shoes in the city.

Where to Run in New York City

The best thing about running in the city? You can lace up, step out your door, and take off. But if you’re looking for something more specific, check out our AllTrails picks below or head over to AllTrails to see more recommendations.

Central Park Trail

This route starts at the southern end of Central Park and goes through iconic highlights of the area, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, East Meadow, and Harlem Meer before ending at the northern boundary of the park. This trail is a respite from the city where you can run in the trees and through sprawling lawns.

Hudson River Greenway: Battery Park to Riverside Park

Following the Hudson River, the route goes by Little Island, the iconic floating park. Enjoy riverside views the entire length of the trail or head over to Little Island and check out the views.

Prospect Park Loop

If you’re looking for a run that feels social-adjacent, head out on this loop. This route goes around Prospect Park, which hosts concerts and dance performances in the summer. 

In the summer, the park is usually filled with people enjoying the sunshine and the trail goes through a ravine of the city’s last remaining forest.

Miguel Recommends: Van Cortlandt Park Trail

This trail gives you a good route through most of this secluded park in the city. Located in the Bronx, the pathway is mostly paved though some sections aren’t. You can trim and adjust this trail based on your mileage needs or pickup different offshoots as you run.

New York City Run Clubs to Check Out

The city hosts around 200 running clubs, so there’s no shortage of groups to join up with and get immersed in the community. If you’re looking for a bank of running clubs to check out, head over to the New York Road Runners site, which has club info.

Below are a couple of run club suggestions.

Mile Style Run Club

Every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m., join Miguel Hernandez at 940 Garrison Ave. in the Bronx for an open community run and walk. There’s no membership fee; the Mile Style Run Club is a social-based group with a mission to improve the overall health and wellbeing of Bronx residents. Find them on Instagram for up-to-date info.

World’s Fair Run Crew

The World’s Fair Run Crew is a HOKA-sponsored club based in Queens. Every Wednesday at 6:45 p.m., they meet at Pong Arena Sports Bar for a 3- to 4-mile, all pace community run. There’s no membership fee to join.

Running Events in New York City

When you think of races in New York City, the first thing you might think of is the TCS New York City Marathon, which became the world’s biggest marathon in 2024 with 55,646 total finishers.

Below are a few lesser-known events to sign up for if you want to get a taste for New York City races.

BKLYN MILE

This annual road race runs along Kent Avenue under the Williamsburg Bridge and then through the heart of North Brooklyn. So we ask: how fast can you run a mile? 

The mile-long race brings in the most competitive runner while also appealing to those of all ability and experience levels. According to the site, “Running the BKLYN MILE is like getting shot out of a cannon and falling into a mosh pit. But in an exhilarating way.”

Front Runners Pride Run

Since 1982 the FRNY LGBT Pride Run has grown to become the largest LGBTQIA+ sporting event in New York City and one of the largest in the world. The race is 4 miles, and the course goes through Central Park starting on East Drive. A portion of the proceeds for the event go toward donations to New York based LGBTQIA+ organizations.

Where to Find Your Next Pair of HOKAs

If you’re ready to lace up in a new pair of HOKA shoes to lay down some miles in New York City, head over to the HOKA Flagship Store at 579 5th Ave. or the HOKA Flatiron store at 172 5th Ave.

This post is sponsored by HOKA.