Central Park Running Tour

Overview

“Nature first, second, and third -- architecture after a while,” was the motto of the Central Park architects. It’s hard to imagine that everything in Central Park was put there by design, but that’s exactly what you’ll experience on The Lower Central Park running tour. The lower portion of the park features the most ambitious landscape architecture ever implemented in the United States and magically escorts the viewer out of the city and into a peaceful park surrounding.

City: New York City

Mon 23 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $53.34

Make a reservation

Mon 23 Dec

Starting at $53.34

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Running Guide will carry a small backpack to carry smaller items

Social experience

Water

Photos

Local, Professional guide

Running Tour

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
This is a 4.5 mile (7 km) tour designed with exciting stops along the route to interest all runners and is paced to accommodate all running levels. The tour will approximately be 90 minutes in duration. There will not be a coat/bag check for this tour. Your running guide will be using a running backpack and will carry small items for you if necessary.
Please note this is not a race it is a running tour. The tour will be led at a casual, conversational pace suitable for all running abilities.

What To Expect

Columbus Circle

Columbus Circle, named for Christopher Columbus, is a major landmark and point of attraction in Manhattan. Completed in 1905 and renovated a century later, it is located at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Central Park South (59th Street), and Eighth Avenue, at the southwest corner of Central Park. The traffic circle was designed by William P. Eno, a businessman who pioneered many early innovations in road safety and traffic control, as part of Frederick Law Olmsted's vision for the park, which included a "Grand Circle" at Merchants' Gate, its most important Eighth Avenue entrance.

The Dakota

The Dakota, constructed from October 25, 1880 to October 27, 1884. The architectural firm of Henry Janeway Hardenbergh was commissioned to do the design for Edward Clark, head of the Singer Sewing Machine Company. The firm also designed the Plaza Hotel.

Strawberry Fields, John Lennon Memorial

Strawberry Fields is a 2.5 acre area of Central Park that pays tribute to the late Beatle, John Lennon, singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist. To commemorate his life, talents and memory, on March 26, 1981, City Council Member Henry J. Stern designated this area, the Lennon and Ono’s favorite in Central Park, as Strawberry Fields. Named after the title of the Beatles' song "Strawberry Fields Forever," the teardrop shaped region was re-landscaped by the Central Park Conservancy with the help of landscape architect Bruce Kelley and a generous $1 million donation from Yoko Ono.

Bethesda Terrace

Offering breathtaking views of both the Central Park Lake and woods, the Bethesda Terrace, located at 72nd Street Cross Drive, is an architectural marvel. The terrace was one of the very first structures to have been built in Central Park; its construction began in 1859, continued throughout the Civil War, and was completed in 1863.

Bow Bridge

This handsomely designed cast-iron bridge measures a total of 87 feet and spans across 60 feet of the Lake, linking the flowering landscape of Cherry Hill with the sprawling woodland of the Ramble.

The Ramble

The lush Central Park woodland, known as the Ramble, is composed of 38 acres of winding pathways between 73rd and 78th streets.

Belvedere Castle

Named for the Italian meaning "beautiful view," Central Park's Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. With its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park's most beautiful and famous landmarks: the Delacorte Theater, the Great Lawn, the Turtle Pond and the Ramble.

Seneca Village

During the first half of the 19th century, it was home to Seneca Village, a community of predominantly African-Americans, many of whom owned property. It ran from W 83rd Street to W 89th Street.

Cleopatra's Needle

Though often referred to by its nickname, Cleopatra's Needle, this ancient artifact was in fact commissioned by Pharaoh Thutmosis III around 1450 BC in celebration of his 3rd jubilee (or the 30th year of his reign).

Central Park Zoo

Since the 1860's, animals have been found at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street in Central Park. At first, the collection was simply a growing group of donated animals - from 72 "white swans" to a black bear cub.

Show 7 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (42)

Leanneylou

Sep 2018

This review has taken me longer than I would like to write, but that's no reflection on how much I enjoyed this tour. My guide, David, was friendly, extremely knowledgeable and happy to go at my pace (I was lucky enough to be on a tour all to myself!). I got to take in all of the famous sites of Central Park (and some hidden gems) with the bonus of every one being explained and put into context with a potted history; all this whilst fulfilling my desire to run in Central Park. I can highly recommend this to anyone of pretty much any running ability! Thanks David, one of the highlights of our 18 day trip in the US.

Response from Host

Sep 2018

We really appreciate you taking the time to leave the review. We are so happy you enjoyed your tour with David. He is one of our best!!

Crystalcat01

Aug 2018

I don't know why more people aren't doing this. Central Park is a place that I wanted to run in, but as a tourist, I wasn't prepared to a) go running there by myself or b) plan a route to hit the highlights and be able follow it without getting lost. This running tour took care of both concerns. Pre-tour communication with City Running Tours and my guide Sarah was great, and the meeting point was easy enough to get to by subway. There's no minimum number of participants so I had my own private tour. It was a little rainy when we started, but that didn't last very long. The park was beautiful and, in the early morning, was peaceful with mostly other runners, some cyclists and people with their dogs. I appreciated being able to chat with Sarah about the park, and the city, and not have to think about which path to take since the park has so many. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend it others

Response from Host

Aug 2018

Thank you for your fantastic description of your experience. We appreciate you helping us spread the word!! Glad you enjoyed the tour!!!

ewill14

Aug 2018

I had a great tour of Central Park with Angie on my first day in NYC. Info about my guide and meeting place was well communicated, so it was easy to meet up. We ran at a comfortable pace and as we passed different points, Angie gave me tons of information about landmarks in and around the park, and other information about the city along the way. She also took pictures along the way and shared them with me afterwards, along with some recommendations for things to do for the rest of our stay. Highly recommended!

Response from Host

Aug 2018

We really appreciate your great review! We are happy you enjoyed your experience. Thanks for helping spread the word!!