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

Tue 24 Dec

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $53.34

Make a reservation

Tue 24 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)

Andrew R

Apr 2019

Beth was absolutely fantastic. Got an absolutely top quality tour (even though I was the only one there) that covered the history of the park, as well as NYC more generally. Would highly recommend. Thank you Beth!

Response from Host

Apr 2019

We are so glad you enjoyed your City Running Tour experience! Beth is the best!!

T9595BTjillb

Mar 2019

My husband, myself and our two children (ages 8 & 10) had the best time with Jillian on a 4 mile Times Square/Central Park Running Tour. Jillian met us at our hotel in Times Square and we started from there. She had a course planned out with some route options for us to pick along the way. The kids loved running through the Central Park Zoo. We kept a nice pace and were able to stop for a bunch of pictures. We chose to start our run at 7:00am on a Sunday morning and were so glad we did. We got to see the streets and the Park without the crowds. Most of the people out there were other runners. My husband and I are avid runners and our kids run often as well. City Running Tours is the best way for a runner to see the city and see what it’s like to be a runner in NYC.

Response from Host

Apr 2019

Thank you for fantastic review! Jill raved about running with you and your family!!! We look forward to your next visit to NYC!!!

ianmX2582PJ

Feb 2019

We had a total blast running Central Park with David despite doing it in a winter storm. He was a wealth of knowledge about the area and kept us entertained on the run. Would definitely recommend running with these guys as you get so much more from your run around the park. Do it!

Response from Host

Feb 2019

Thanks for the great review! David is the best!!!