20 Great American Cities for Runners
Check out The All-Season Co’s list of great American cities for runners — and plan your next vacation accordingly.
Filled with dense urban spaces and wide open places, the diversity and regionality of the United States makes it perfect for continued exploration. For a runner, getting on your gear and heading out for a run is an excellent way to explore a new city — to take in the sights and discover the “feel” of a place, and to get your bearings for later, leisurely wanderings. A hot tip off the top: when arriving in a new place and you’re ready for a run, hit up the staff at a hotel (even if you’re staying at an Airbnb). A concierge can be a great resource for where to go running (and where not to go!). And if they don’t know, they’ll find a runner that works there — there’s usually always one on staff.
There are many cities across the U.S. that take running very seriously. The level of care and attention that are given to a city’s trails is a huge indicator as to how important the running community is within a city’s priorities. Restrooms, water fountains, paved and natural trails and other facilities are common investments that help signal how much of a priority a city can make for outdoor activity.
In this ebook, we have prepared a list that highlight just a handful of the best U.S. cities for runners. For our purposes, we focus mainly on bigger cities, places that have a developed running culture, plenty of sights to see, urban or nearby natural trails. And we also consider places with unique and varying weather, offering climates that can provide a challenge an All-Season Runner.
Wait, what’s an All-Season Runner, you ask? That’s what we call runners who get outside through all types of weather (while remain safe, of course!). Check out our Instagram for examples of runners all over the world for inspiring examples from our community.
An important note here: It’s not lost on us that many runners have safety concerns, so we always suggest that you bring someone with you on your run. That can be a bit harder when in a new place, so please exercise caution and common sense when exploring a new place, and in general when you’re out running alone.
Onwards then, to the list. A note: this isn’t meant to be comprehensive, rather a curated selection of just some of the many great running cities in the country. Indeed, every city offers it’s own charms, and can be a great place to run if you have the right gear, a great attitude and remain safety-minded. However, we do hope this list is a useful tool for you to discover some of the best features that America’s great running cities have to offer, and inspire you to get outside and explore — any weather, All-Season.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Running in the District can be an incredible way to see the nation’s capital city. If you’re running through the National Mall, you’ll spot all of the well-known monuments to democracy and the buildings that help administer them — from the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, to the Capitol and White House. You’ll also have to navigate the many tourists who crowd these spaces, so considering it as sightseeing run rather than a training run is probably best.
If you want to get outside the core, and hit your pace a bit more openly, another true gem of D.C. is the access to excellent trail systems. The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18-mile paved route that runs alongside the Potomac River. The Anacostia Riverwalk Trail is 20 miles of urban trail that can get far enough out of the city to feel like you’re out in nature. Another run within the city is to start out on the C&O canal, running the miles of path that go alongside the city’s canal system, or take in a hilly workout at the U.S. National Arboretum.
Outside the city limits, the surrounding areas of D.C. provide more rustic trail running opportunities. The Seneca Creek State Park is one example, with an 11-mile trail system around a beautiful lake. Other such gems are available if you’re willing to drive out a little further.
If you’re looking for a proper trail race in the Washington area, the Fountainhead Half Marathon and 10k trail run are held in May. The courses for both distances are tough, with lots of elevation gain. And the views are said to be well worth it.
There are some well-developed running groups in the city, including District Running Collective and Black Girls Run! Washington. Check them out on social for some more insights on great places to run.
New York City, New York
The Big Apple. The City That Never Sleeps. It’s surely no surprise that America’s largest city has an amazing run culture.
Running through the crowds and traffic of New York City can be challenging, and New York has an absolute gem of a solution for runners: Central Park. Constructed in 1858, Central Park is a can’t-miss for any runner. The most optimal places to run in Central Park is the reservoir track, 6.1 miles of stunning views and manicured trails, with options to run a dirt surfaced bridle path, where you may see a horse or two. For cold-weather runners, the Park gets top marks as it’s generally cleared of snow at the same pace as the city streets. The Central Park Conservatory has maps of all the routes.
Outside of the park, every borough of the city has its own unique sights to see, routes to run, and running clubs to reach out to, including North Brooklyn Runners, the Dashing Whippets and Harlem Run. Self-guided runs are generally easy to figure out: run bridges, run beside the water, run to Absolute Bagels on Broadway. Popping into one of the many local running shops is a great way to support local, and get excellent advice on where to run in various neighbourhoods.
If you’re keen on taking a more structured tour, a local company called Runstreet offers something pretty unique: The Art Run Tour. Led by a guide, you’ll run paths designed to bring you around the city’s top public art. Tours include Dumbo, Williamburg, and Manhattan, checking out statues, architecture and street murals along the way.
Burlington, Vermont
A bit of a hidden gem in terms of running cities, and the smallest city on this list, the must-do run in Burlington is the Island Line Rail Trail. It is a 13-mile stretch that goes directly along the shore of Lake Champlain. The convenient distance of 13 miles means that an out-and-back route can be close to a marathon distance, earning it the nickname of the Marathon Trail.
The city has a very relaxed, and friendly atmosphere, and plenty of amazing, picturesque places to run — from the University of Vermont to Shelburne Farms, a National Historic site, and a sustainable working farm.
The Green Mountain Athletic Association is a useful group to reach out to for more recommendations. They host several races throughout the year including the Green Mountain Marathon which is held in October. Speaking of October, if you’re a runner that loves a cool, crisp chill and lots of beautiful fall foliage, then the autumn is a great time to head to Burlington.
Boston, Massachusetts
Running didn’t build Boston, but it certainly has made a home in this beautiful city. With the ability to run through some of the most iconic landmarks from American history, through charming neighbourhoods, picturesque parks and Ivy League campuses — running through Boston can definitely be a great experience.
Boston is of course famous as a running city due to the Boston Marathon that takes place there. With its eligibility requirements, the Boston Marathon is hyped as the end goal for most amateur runners. Training for it and qualifying for it is every marathoner’s dream.The marathon happens in March, which in Boston is still very much part of winter. The race has seen freezing temperatures and snowy conditions over the years, but that hasn’t stopped the legendary race from moving forward.
You don’t have to be a sub 3:15 marathoner to run in Boston the rest of the year. The trails that run alongside the Charles River offer some excellent views, and of course you can also plan your own route through the historical areas of the city, including the Freedom Trail and through the windy and historic streets of North End, Boston’s oldest residential neighbourhood.
And if you have a sweet tooth, pop over to Mike’s Pastry for a cannoli for a true taste experience.
The running culture in Boston is rich, and running clubs are many. A non-profit called Boston Road Runners is a great organization to check out before your trip. Their goal is to create and foster an encouraging community in the Boston area, and they host several races, as well as fun runs on a regular basis.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is well-known for its Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile trail that runs along the shore of Lake Michigan. If you’re looking for a tour of Chicago, this trail will take you past several of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
If you start south of downtown, you can check out the University of Chicago’s beautiful campus as well as the Museum of Science and Industry. A few miles north and you’ll be going through a section of tall grass and a wooded area that will feel like a forest in the middle of the country’s third largest city.
When you come up towards the museum campus, the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum and Soldier Field (home of the Chicago Bears) will come into view. You will also see Navy Pier and the Ferris Wheel quickly approaching.
At that point you will be right in the center of the city. If you look west, you’ll see one of the most impressive skylines in the country. Landmarks like the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) as well as the Hancock building rise above you as you run.
Chicago has great sightseeing, and a run like this can’t be beat. The question is: will you ever want to stop? Aside from the Chicago Marathon, the city also holds an annual Solder Field 10 Mile race over Memorial Day weekend. This race follows a large part of the Lakefront Trail, and then finishes on the 50-yard line of Soldier Field. You get to see yourself on the jumbotron as you cross the finish line.
And after all that running, there are plenty of option to enjoy some great food. Deep dish pizza, for starters.
Nashville, Tennessee
The capital city of Tennessee is a great place to take in the history of country music, and some really beautiful scenery. Built on the banks of the Cumberland River, the city offers several great runs for a visitor looking to explore. Ge your shoes on (leave your boots for evening), and get running into the core. Head downtown, explore Music Row, and glide through the rolling campus of Vanderbilt University. Heading outside the core will open up several of Nashville’s series of Greenways, which give you well-manicured paths through more natural environments.
If you have access to vehicle on your visit, and a bit of time on your hands, you can make a trip through the state to the region of Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. Known for their tourist attractions and dinner shows, the area is also a great place for runners to go on vacation. The cities are located beside the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which means the potential running routes, as well as beautiful sightseeing opportunities, are endless. Within the park there are miles of trails available. Most of them are meant for hiking, so if you’re headed out for a trail run try to go early to avoid the crowds, and it will be important to practice good trail etiquette if hikers do start filling up the trails. Then, once you’ve spent the day out in nature, you can run right over and see one of the town’s famed dinner shows afterward, or just hit up Dollywood, for a jolt of Dolly Parton goodness.
Nashville is pretty middle of the ground in terms of weather, so you won’t run into extremes, but plenty of variety throughout the year.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh is a great city for sightseeing while running. In fact, a local company, Pittsburgh Running Tours, can guide you through the city — three miles at a time. Sign up, and you and your group will meet up with a local runner who will take you for a run through the city, point out the best attractions and historical spots, and also add plenty of stops for taking pictures.
One route that stands out in Pittsburgh when it comes to sightseeing is the Mount Washington, or the “Top of the World” run. About four miles long, this route starts in the middle of the downtown area and take you up a hilly course to get to an observation deck where you’ll have 360 views of the entire city.
Because the city is famous for their location on the converging point of three rivers, there are miles and miles of trails that go alongside a river. These trails are always great in an urban environment because the river will create a natural path that doesn’t get stopped by traffic lights. Oh, and if you love running on bridges, you might just move to Pittsburgh.
There are, of course, plenty of great places to check out in the city after your run — catch a ballgame at the beautiful PNC Park, or if you’re an art lover, there’s some unique spots such as Randyland and the Andy Warhol Museum. Oh, and you can also swing by The Athlete’s Foot, the oldest running specialty shop in the U.S., founded in 1971.
Minneapolis/St.Paul, Minnesota
Runners in the Twin Cities know about weather. If you find yourself in that part of the country, and need advice on how to run in a cold and snowy climate, just ask any runner. They’ll give you a lengthy list of all the gear you a to buy, which may include everything from high visibility vests to Yaktrax or similar traction systems for your shoes. As far as the best runs in the area, the Chain of Lakes trail has it all. Minnesota is known for being the land of 10,000 lakes. This trail only takes you past three of them, but they’ll be nice enough on their own. You have the option of running a trail around any one of the lakes individually for a 3-to-3.5-mile run, or you can do all three to get closer to 11 miles in.
It’s always running season in Minnesota. Minnesotans don’t let the weather stop them from putting on races, and there are plenty of races throughout the year in the Twin Cities area. One of them is called the Polar Dash, held in early January. This race features courses of 5k, 10k, or half marathon distances. You’ll see plenty of the participants join in on the costume challenge the race encourages. If you want to get outside the Twin Cities, try discovering the trails in Red Wing, situated along the Mississippi. If you can get there in October, you can sign up for the Bluff Color Fest, a run across the unique Barn Bluffs, at a time of year where the changing leaves will be a thing to behold.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is a city for serious trail runners. Perched almost 8,000 feet above sea level, Santa Fe has some really technical trails with a lot of elevation, and you need to be an advanced trail runner to enjoy some of what the city offers.
That doesn’t mean that there isn’t something for all runners in New Mexico’s capital. There are plenty of roads to run on or walking paths to follow if you look for them. The Santa Fe Rail Trail follows a railway line into the city. The Arroyo de los Chamisos trail on the southwest side of the city is another good spot for anyone who is not a trail expert.
Endurance Santa Fe is a running club that hosts monthly trail runs for the group. They also host the Endurance Santa Fe Mountain Races are a series of races that will challenge top flight trail runners, especially the fifty-miler.
Austin, Texas
Austin enjoys consistent weather throughout most of the year. While it is still in hot and muggy Texas, it is often not quite as hot and muggy as the rest of the state. The comfortable climate and relatively dry conditions are well suited to runners who enjoy a hot weather run.
There are extensive trail and path options throughout the city and surrounding areas. There are ample running groups to choose from as well. The Austin Runners Club is one example, where members of all paces and running levels are welcome to participate in their events. They host races and fun runs, and offer discounts for their members at several local vendors as well as discounted race entries.
The Austin Marathon happens in February. This race draws a crowd because it takes place during a time of year where most other running cities are only holding 5k’s while they wait for the weather to break.
Austin also has a great nightlife. That means that a vacation to a running destination, for a race or for whatever runs you decide to do, can always be topped off with a fun night out.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is an outdoorsperson’s dream. Situated beside impressive mountains, there is no shortage of outdoor activity available in the area.
Running in the city is convenient and easy. There are several trails available that give a mountain country feel within the city limits. A popular one is the Jordan River Parkway. It is an 8-mile trail that follows beside the Jordan River. It offers peaceful views and wooded areas, while always staying near the urban zone.
Getting outside of the city a bit, there is some amazing trail running to be had at the Great Salt Lake. You can’t visit Salt Lake City without seeing the lake itself! And what better way to see it than to go for a run alongside it? Once you get there, there are plenty of trails available offering great views. You’ll probably spot some interesting wildlife as well, maybe even some bison.
Orlando, Florida
Orlando does not mess around when it comes to heat. With summer temperatures often in the 90°s, and humidity that can feel like you’re swimming through the air, Orlando takes the lead on being conducive for runners that have to plow through a hot climate.
A key selling point for runners heading to Orlando is the unique experience of running in a theme park. Disney, Universal, and several other parks offer organized races throughout the year. From Princess Runs, to races themed to the Star Wars and Marvel universes, the swag and medals at Disney are top notch, given the tie-ins to famous characters. Because of the climate, as well as the need to open the theme parks to the general public, these races are often very early in the morning so they’re a great way to beat the heat.
If you’re not big on theme parks, the Orlando Runners Club is popular with the year-round residents. The club hosts weekly fun runs and is open to runners of all experience levels.
Phoenix, Arizona
If you love running in the heat, it’s tough to beat the desert. Dry heat with significantly less humidity will have a huge impact on your ability to keep going. In Phoenix, temperatures regularly get higher than 100°F, with hardly any tree cover. Hydrate a lot, don’t forget sunscreen, and then hydrate some more.
Papago Park is a great location for running in the city. A desert park within the city limits that offers paved and natural paths, there are dozens of trails to choose from or combinations of trails that make the possibility of your run endless.
If you want a more urban experience, then check out the canal trails. This system of trails follows the Arizona Canal that runs through the greater Phoenix area. These are paved trails that are generally well kept and offer straight-line efforts for those heavy mileage days.
For more trails, and unique desert runs, Sedona is a day trip away from Phoenix. Just south of downtown you can find the Bell Rock Pathway, an easy and flat trail that offers great views of the mountains. For a bigger challenge look for the Hangover Loop, with more hills and even more views. The impressive red mountains and rock formations are striking at any time of day, but if you really want to see a sight, head out at sunrise or sunset. The light hitting the redness of the rocks is truly magical.
Las Vegas, Nevada
If you’ve ever been to Vegas, you’re probably wondering how on earth anyone could go for a run there. Not only is it swelteringly hot in the summer, but it is also nearly impossible to walk down the streets, let alone run, due to the crowds.
As a running city, Vegas is actually pretty great. Once you’re out of the touristy area, the rest of the city has a much calmer feel to it. There are plenty of parks in the area and lots of routes to go through.
It is still the desert though. It is still very hot during the day. That’s why some races are held at night, like the Rock n’Roll marathon. The Rock n’ Roll series is well known throughout the country as being a party just as much as a race. They have live music, big crowds, and lots of celebrating. In Vegas this is all taken to the next level by having the race at night, and on the strip. You can run past all of the huge casinos and hotels, and see them in a way you’ve never seen them before.
Denver, Colorado
Situated at the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Denver is a truly unique city. If you aren’t in the loop, you might be surprised to know that the city boasts a sunny and dry climate with average temperatures that can hover between 45–60°F during the winter months.
Trail running in Denver is easy. Natural, even. While you can obviously head towards the mountains and find endless options for proper trails, within the city limits there are plenty of trails worthy of exploring as well. The most important one of these is the Cherry Creek Path. It is 24 miles long and follows a creek through the heart of downtown. There are dozens of entry/exit points along the trail, so feel free to get creative in planning your route.
With the proximity to the mountains, trail running is hugely popular in Denver, and there are many running clubs dedicated to trails, including the Golden Trail Runners and Denver Trail Runners. Just remember that the altitude is no joke and if you’re visiting the area be sure to give yourself some time to acclimate. Be especially careful if you’re taking on any trails that have significant elevation gains.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is all about the vibe. There were over 200 organized races held in Portland in 2020. This high number or events shows that running is more than just a way to get exercise in Portland. It is also a big part of the identity of the community.
Portland has a huge number of running clubs. The precedence of running clubs tells us that the running community likes to hang out together. Plenty of runners think of running as a solo activity so it’s nice to see a city where joining a running club is the norm.
Sure, there are running groups in most cities, but to have so many different options available really sets Portland apart. There are groups dedicated to specific neighborhoods, different levels of experience, as well as groups that are more focused on the social aspect rather than the training.
This is all because Portland is a great city for running. They may be on our list for best running culture, but the truth is Portland could be a leader in many of the other categories as well. The city has hundreds of miles of running trails, and it seems everyone takes part in the active lifestyle.
One of the prettiest and most challenging races they have in Portland is called the Timberline Mountain Run. This is a half marathon race, or a full marathon, or a full marathon if you do two loops of the course. But you may not want to after the first loop, the course is pretty steep.
In Portland, rather than recommending specific trails to follow, consider just going for an unplanned route in the city. You’ll find that everything seems to have been built with runners in mind. From the wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly bridges, Portland is a city built for runners.
Los Angeles, California
The country’s second largest city has everything to offer the hot-weather runner. There are endless routes you can take through the city area with its sprawling miles of buildings. Be aware that LA is primarily a driving city, so the sidewalks are not always in the best shape.
The gems that LA offers to the running community are the trails that are accessible from right within the city. This includes Runyon Canyon and Griffith Park. Only in LA can you be in a wildly busy downtown area and then off for a hike up a canyon on the same day.
As for being a city that is great for hot weather runs, LA is in sunny California but still just north enough to not have to deal with scorching heat. You’ll definitely need sunscreen wherever you’re going, and also make sure you wear the right gear so as to not overheat while running in the direct sunlight.
The Los Angeles marathon is usually held in the spring. The course brings a lot of participants due to the route going past many of the biggest attractions in the city. You’ll start at Dodger Stadium, go past Sunset Boulevard, run through Hollywood, and end in Century City.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle is famous for its rain. Non-runners might think it odd that a city with a lot of rain is on the list of cities with the best running vibes. But experienced runners know that a place with regular cloud cover and light drizzle can actually be a great running city.
Similar to Portland, the Pacific Northwest is an area where having an active lifestyle is just part of the deal. Because of its location on an isthmus, Seattle is mostly surrounded by water, and therefore has endless options for beautiful running trails. The primary trail that runners recommend is the Elliot Bay Trail. It runs along the Puget Sound for over 7 miles.
There are also parks and smaller lakes around the city, all of which have shorter trail systems to take advantage of.
Where Seattle wins for being a city with a great running culture is in the running infrastructure that the community enjoys. The various trail systems from waterfront trails, through parks, and urban routes interconnect all over the city. This sets up a network of trails that can keep you off the streets for as long as you want.
In addition, they have a huge number of running clubs and organized races for all experience levels. One of those races is the Earth Day run. Held in April, the race has distances of 5k, 10k, or a half marathon. For every runner that finished, the race organizers will plant a tree in that runner’s name. They’ll also gift each runner a tree to take home.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Another city with abundant and highly challenging trail running options is Honolulu. Located on the island of Oahu, Honolulu is the largest city in Hawaii. There are plenty of options for running on roads throughout the city and surrounding areas, but if you’re in Honolulu, it’s worth considering checking out the surrounding trail systems. The Hawaiian Islands are volcanic in origin, and Oahu’s volcanoes are all dormant. The scenery that has been created from this combination is outstanding.
The trails near Honolulu are tough! Many have hefty elevation gains as well as rough footing and navigation. But if you take them slow and steady, you’ll be treated to some excellent views.
Mount Tantalus is right next to the city, but has an intricate trail system that lets you escape the city and get a great view it from the top. For a great view of the city as well as Diamond Head, give the Manoa Cliff trail a try.
Anchorage, Alaska
If you love nature in all its beauty, then Anchorage needs to be on your running list. Located on the southern part of Alaska, it is the largest city in the state, but with a population less than 300,000 it doesn’t feel crowded.
You can’t hit a trails in Anchorage without running through beautiful scenery. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is 12 miles of paved trail along the shoreline. The trail starts in the downtown area but quickly turns into an outdoor adventure. You can catch a view of the mountains, and you may even spot a moose (but, as always, it’s important to keep your distance from wildlife).
Inland from the coastal trail, there is an expansive network of running trails. The Chester Creek Trail intersects with the Campbell Creek Trail, as well as many others. Both follow creeks and offer peaceful rural runs but still easily accessible from the city.
In true Anchorage fashion, the long summer days are cause for celebration. That’s why they host the Mayor’s Marathon and Half-Marathon every year on the summer solstice. The longest day of the year is especially long in Alaska, so why not run a marathon to mark the event.
This list goes through just a few of the most important and famous running cities in the country. There are plenty of great cities to run through that weren’t mentioned here. And there are probably runners out there that disagree with the choices that did make it on the list!
Any city can be a running city if running is seen as a priority by civic leaders, and if runners do our part as well. Participating in running clubs is a huge part of that effort. So is adding to trail descriptions on the online forums, so that when future visitors to a city want to know where to run, their google searches will come back with accurate information and good tips. We can pitch in to help make our cities great to run in… no matter the weather.
