trevordayschool

A s a runner, I know how hard it is to find convenient and scenic places to run in the city. Some routes you might think would be nice can be boring or, worse, jammed at peak running hours. To keep current and prospective runners happily running (and safe), I thought I would let you know about my favorite routes in the city: THE RESERVOIR This popular Central Park destination, formally the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir, is no longer a source of drinking water but is still a great place to run! Where: It stretches nearly the width of Central Park between 84th and 96th street. Entrance: East 84th street, East 90th street, East 96th street, West 92nd street, and West 86th street Length: 1.58 miles Best Time to Go: Go in the early mornings or evenings to avoid foot traffic, and to catch some great sunrise and sunset Instagram photos. WEST SIDE HIGHWAY BIKE PATH The West Side Highway bike/pedestrian path, a favorite among tourists and natives alike, runs along the Hudson River from Inwood to Battery Park. Where: Down the Hudson River Entrance: Accessible from almost any street Length: 8.89 miles, or 3.2 (cut it short) How to Cut It Short (and still get the full experience): Start at 79th street (The Boat Basin) and run to 15th street (The High Line). Best Time to Go: It is safe pretty much anytime. You will hit the most foot traffic on weekday mornings and rush hour. CENTRAL PARK OUTER LOOP (THE 6 MILE LOOP) This wide, paved route is the most popular among the cross-country and track teams, mainly because of how hilly and high- traffic it is. Where: Around the perimeter of Central Park, from 60th street to 110th in Manhattan Entrance: Main entrances include 59th, 67th, 72nd, 84th, 90th, 102nd, and 110th streets on the east and west sides Length: 6 miles, or 4 to 5 miles (cut it short) How to Cut it Short (and still get the full experience): There are detours at 72nd and 102nd streets. Turn on one to make it a 5 mile loop, and both to make it 4. Best Time to Go: Some areas get dangerously quiet late at night, so stick to busy times like rush hour or mid-morning. VAN CORTLANDT CROSS COUNTRY COURSE This beautiful and easy-to-follow trail in the Bronx is accessible via the 1 train. The park doubles as a venue for major cross country invitational races and collegiate regional championships. Where: Van Cortlandt Park, entrance near 242nd street and Broadway Entrance: Anywhere between 242nd to 252nd street on Broadway Length: 3.1 miles, or 1.5 (cut it short) How to Cut it Short (and still get the full experience): Do not enter the set of back hills north of the Mosholu Parkway. Best Time to Go: Run on weekend mornings or weekdays after school and ensure you're not alone on the path. PROSPECT PARK— PARK DRIVE This paved path loops around Prospect Park; a popular Brooklyn destination for cyclists and runners because it is scenic and a good workout! Where: Grand Army Plaza, in Park Slope, Brooklyn Entrance: Main entrances include Lincoln Road, Machate Circle, Bartel-Pritchard Square, 7th street, Grand Army Plaza, and Empire Boulevard. Length: 3.35 miles, or 2.44 (cut it short) How to Cut it Short (and still get the full experience): Cut across Center Drive rather than going south of Prospect Park Lake. Best Time to Go: Pretty much any time works, but note that the park is closed 1am-6am. BROOKLYN BRIDGE Where: From the Two Bridges neighborhood of Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights Entrance: The Manhattan entrance is on Park Row near City Hall Park, and the entrance from Brooklyn is on Tillary/Front street and Old Fulton street. Length: 1.2 miles across, 2.5 miles out- and-back Best Time to Go: Avoid busy times during tourist season; this narrow path gets crowded with those more interested in a good photo than a good run. Opinion Page 8 February 20, 2015 The Best Running Routes in NYC By Michelle Flesaker CONTRIBUTORS Taylor Bachelis, Franny Condon, and Jason Strongin Co-Editors-in-Chief Maya Tenzer Trevor News Column Editor Michelle Flesaker World News Column Editor Patrice Scott Opinion Column Editor Jack Hendon and Matt Mandel Contributors Nina Rosenblatt and Jim Knable Faculty Advisors Trevor Words By Jim Knable and Nina Rosenblatt

• Cover