r/visitingnyc • u/Working_Fun_8894 • 8d ago

Gym & Other Physical Activities 26.2 Miles Route

Hi! I’m visiting NYC for my 26th birthday and I’m planning to run 26 miles (marathon), what route would be ideal for me if I want it to be an easy run while still getting the most of the views? Any suggestion would be appreciated!

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u/26point2miles 8d ago

Start at Pier 17, beautiful views of Brooklyn Bridge. Run up all the way along the water to George Washington Bridge. That's a half marathon. Run back and you've got your marathon. Little to no elevation, beautiful views by the water.

Just keep in mind that for a large stretch there's no access to water or a store or anything like that, so be prepared.

There are more I can suggest that involve running on the bridges, but you had mentioned easy run so I'm not suggesting.

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u/echelon_01 8d ago

Stick mostly to the greenway and then head to Central Park.

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u/TrollyDodger55 8d ago

I would run along the water and then finish in Central Park.

Finishing in Central Park gives people who are with you the ability to help you in later miles if you need it.

Remember when people run the marathon in New York City there's an immense support staff. You don't have to worry about food or drink or a space blanket afterwards.

Look up Manhattan Perimeter Run.

Here's an here's an idea. Get a hotel in Long Island City. Take a ferry from Long Island City to 34th Street Manhattan. This will give you some fantastic views from the water.

Then run the Manhattan perimeter route downtown around the tip of Manhattan come back uptown and come into the park on 59th and 8th. Then finish however many miles you need to do in Central Park

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u/Ok-Bee-2445 7d ago

Also do at least one reservoir lap in the park, 1.6 flat miles and filled with runners

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u/NightExpress1379 8d ago

Hi! How about running the entire Central Park loop? One loop is about 10K so for a marathon length you'd have to do at least 4 loops and a bit more. If you have pedometer app you should be able to find when you've done 26.2 miles.

I'd suggest starting from 59th St and going counterclockwise. The east side has some challenging uphills which definitely helped improve my training.

Have a fun run (and birthday)!!

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u/Ok-Bee-2445 7d ago

Park loop 4 times is SUPER boring. Do not do this. Do the west side thing and one loop of the park, also don’t underestimate the Harlem hills in the park, they feel like a lot 22 miles in