An article on the best running cities in the U.S. must inevitably tax the superlative, since there are several qualities to consider. Cities that make the grade should preferably have the best of whatever runners require and love: A healthy local racing and running scene, with clubs and regular marathons to boot, great routes, trails and tracks (and plenty of them), and — most important — a temperate climate.
The following five cities have these qualities in spades, according to native runners, visitors and several top runners.
- San Francisco
Good old San Fran tops the Runner’s World list of the best U.S. cities for running, as of 2016. San Francisco also scores top honors on lists by Women’s Running, Active.com and the Forbes Travel Guide blog. San Francisco trounces competition in many categories, thanks to its 16 running clubs and nearly 250 annual races.
Cool summers and inviting terrain continuously coax runners out of doors. The icing and sprinkles on the runner’s cake are this city’s iconic trails, such as the Land’s End Coastal trail, more trails at Crissy Field to Ocean Beach and innumerable routes to consider. Golden Gate Park and the Presidio each present their own array of scenery and levels of difficulty.
- Seattle
Seattle reappears on lists of the best U.S. cities for running. Despite its rep for rain, Seattle scores its fair share of sunny and mild weather. Even when Seattle is rainy, it’s still runnable year round. Its healthy rain percentages keep the city’s landscapes lush and vibrant, which makes for breathtaking trail locations and scenery.
Seattle is home to the Brooks and Oiselle running brands. It’s also home to the Brooks Beasts, whose membership boasts some running world elites, such as Nick Symmonds, who trains in Seattle. Celebrity cred aside, Seattle offers runners 100 miles of diverse trails, over 100 races annually and four specialty running stores.
- New York City
The Big Apple hosts the world’s largest annual marathon, which crosses the legendary Verrazano Bridge and spans all five boroughs. New York City spoils runners with more than 50 local running clubs, roughly 20 different tracks and 10 runnable parks encompassing close to 544 acres.
The New York Road Runners, a local nonprofit, organizes running events throughout the year, including the city’s famous marathon. Check local crime before visiting just to be well informed.
- Washington, DC
The Nation’s Capitol tops many lists in this category. The allure of manicured trails wending between historical landmarks is just too fantastic to ignore or surpass. The famous five-mile loop takes runners around the National Mall and monuments, and has offshoots for exploring nearby sites. Rock Creek Park beckons with its stone causeways and trails meandering through tight clusters of old trees.
Runners who visit or relocate to DC enjoy their pick of a lively community of teams, such as the DC Capital Striders and the DC Road Runners. The Marine Corps Marathon is a major annual draw. So is the Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run, which on some years perfectly coincides with the appearance of the actual blossoms.
- Minneapolis/St. Paul
The Twin Cities present local runners with a rare gem in the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. A series of linked park areas span more than 50 miles, encompassing woodlands, wetlands, city parks and gardens, so runners never have to run the same trail twice.
In addition, a host of trails circumnavigates the Chain of Lakes, which includes Lake of the Isles and Cedar Lake. Indoor facilities number in the dozens, so locals never have to worry about where to train during brutal winters. Minneapolis hosts the Twin Cities Marathon and is home to the elite group Team USA Minnesota.
Run For Freedom
Lists of the best U.S. cities for running vary by year. However, the qualities of a great city for runners never changes. These five cities consistently astonish, delight and inspire.