Running in Central Park - Question (Read 1025 times)

I'm going to NYC for the weekend and I've never been there, so I'm pretty excited. While I'm there I'm planning on getting in a run through/around Central Park. The hotel I'm staying at is just a few blocks from there, and me and a friend are bringing our gear. I'm curious about the different routes through the park...what's a good 5-6 mile run? I'd be coming into the park from the SW corner near Trump Plaza. How safe is the park? I imagine we'll be running it during the daytime, prolly Thursday around 7-8ish. I don't know anything about NYC, other than hating the Yankees that is, so any advice about the city would be welcome as well... Pick 'em up. Put 'em down. Repeat.

The big loop around the park is 6M almost exactly. If you take the transverse at 102nd st (I believe it's closer to 100th on the west side) instead of continuing up north, that's a 5M loop. If you look at www.nyrr.org and look for a 5 or 6M race course (nearly all the races are in Central Park), you'll find a nice map for yourself, but it's really pretty obvious and you can ask almost anyone. And for reference, the lower loop is 3M and the middle loop is 4M. Also, the etiquette is to run counter-clockwise and keep to the left-hand recreational lane so that you don't get hit by a biker. In some parts, you can bounce off onto the bridal path for a while. It's packed dirt and easier on the knees. You can get a map at any of the tourist stands, possibly your hotel or definitely from the Central Park Medical Unit ambulances - they cruise around the park all weekend and don't mind being pulled over for maps or directions (or for folks being hit by bikes). They carry a TON of maps for exactly that reason.

One of my favorite things to do there is head down to the South Street Seaport area. While there, you can visit the WTC memorial site. Or you can go see "The Bodies" exhibition, which is really cool, especially as seen from a runner's perspective. http://www.bodiestheexhibition.com/ Have a great run and a great time!

For starters, don't say you hate the Yankees while you're there. I heard some tourist was quartered, and his limbs hung from the bridges and tunnels leading into New York for voicing his feelings towards that team.

WHAT?!?!?! People in NY actually root FOR THE YANKEES?!?!?! Maybe I should just stay home! Someone asked me if I planned on wearing any Tiger apparel when I went to the game and I will be...though methinks the facepainting and foam finger will be staying home...Honestly, I'll be a little dissapointed if I don't get a little ribbing for being a Tigers fan while we're there, I just don't want to get into any confrontations w/people. I love baseball but I love my own teeth much more!

I stayed near where you're staying, last time I was there and ran a 6-ish mile loop. Here you go, yo.

Thanks for the route!!! Much obliged!