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 09 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $53.34

Make a reservation

Mon 09 Sep

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)

Steve H

Apr 2018

As a runner it is always good to run somewhere different but today I have discovered runing tours and will certainly do another one when I go on holiday again - they are a great way to both discover new routes and learn about new locations. Beth had great local knowledge of central park and gave me a culture lesson as we ran. The run itself was good and I got the feel of what a great place Central Park is to run in.

Response from Host

Apr 2018

Thank you for the great review! We appreciate you taking time to write it and excited you discovered the running tour concept.

Nicole R

Mar 2018

Elizabeth Pietrangelo was my guide and she was AMAZING!! Okay-I am a new runner and have begun training for a half marathon back in December. I felt bad skipping running with my group and going on vacation, so I decided to be adventurous and book a running tour. I was so nervous, as I have never done anything like this. I have a slow pace and was afraid I would not be able to keep up. It was WONDERFUL!! We started slow and since it was just Beth and I... she actually pushed me and it wasn’t bad at all!! I was able have a conversation and laugh (Hannibal Lecter dog- was hilarious). There were hills and steps, it was perfect for training. Beth was very knowledgeable about the history of the park and landmarks. She stopped at various points to take photos and she does carry water and Gels (if you are worried about mid run fueling) and was so encouraging!! If you are an experienced runner or a novice- you can’t go wrong with this tour!! I was able to do the 4 miles and continue on and get my 8 miles in. Thanks Beth!! You’re the best!!

Response from Host

Mar 2018

Thank you for your fantastic review! We are so glad you enjoyed your City Running Tour experience!! And we agree with you we think Elizabeth is amazing too!!!

Liz R

Feb 2018

I am a long time runner and have run in New York before, including the marathon. I am an avid explorer and history buff. With these interests, I can't believe it took me so long to find these running tours! My husband and I registered online for a four mile tour of Central Park. We met our guide, Alex, at an easy to locate landmark, the USS Maine statue. He arrived on time, carrying water just in case, and found us via cellphone. We had an easy paced (maybe 11 to 12mm---our choice) run into the park, stopping at key landmarks, sometimes on the big, main trail, sometimes on smaller cut through trails. Alex gave good explanations and background and was happy to stop at other sites on the way as we requested. He offered some restaurant tips at the end. We finished with a feeling of accomplishment. I am eager to take another running tour, maybe to the Brooklyn Bridge. My husband and I both feel braver about running in Central Park by ourselves next time, too, now that we have seen the major landmarks.

Response from Host

Feb 2018

Thank you for the great review! We are so happy you enjoyed your experience. We look forward to the next time we get to run with you!