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Best running destinations in North America

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New York City
Five boroughs of skyline, food and museums
9.5
Fast, crowded and full of energy, this city lets runners circle Central Park on a loop of about six miles. The New York City Marathon is held in November and crosses all five boroughs. The East River and Hudson River paths give long skyline views.
Highlights:
  • 🌃 Visit Times Square at night for unforgettable neon views
  • 🎭 Watch a Broadway musical in the Theater District
  • 🏙️ Admire skyline views from the Top of a skyscraper
Flagstaff
High desert charm meets mountain serenity
8.5
Higher than Denver at about 2,100 metres, this mountain city draws professional runners for altitude training. Trails start at Buffalo Park and climb through pine forest towards the San Francisco Peaks. The Arizona Trail passes nearby. Summers are cooler here than in Phoenix, which is a short drive south.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Hike up Humphreys Peak for sunrise views
  • 🏜️ Explore Walnut Canyon National Monument's cliff dwellings
  • 🔭 Visit Lowell Observatory's star‑watching platform
Boston
Historic charm meets modern innovation
8.3
As the home of the Boston Marathon, run since 1897, this city treats running as a tradition. The race takes place on Patriots' Day in April. Most runners need a qualifying time. The Charles River Esplanade has flat paths with water views and is busy with runners all year.
Highlights:
  • 🌳 Explore the Boston Common and Public Garden
  • 🎓 Tour Harvard University’s famous campus in Cambridge
  • 🚶‍♂️ Walk the historic Freedom Trail through downtown Boston
Whistler
Alpine Adventure, Epic Views, Year-Round Fun
8.8
This mountain town has trails that are usually free of snow from July to September. The Valley Trail links lakes, parks and villages on about 40 kilometres of mostly paved paths. Mountain trails climb to high viewpoints. Black bears are common near the trails, so stay alert.
Highlights:
  • 🥾 Hike to Garibaldi Lake’s turquoise waters
  • 🚠 Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for alpine views
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the legendary Whistler Blackcomb slopes
Bend
Mountain town that's got it all
8.0
Bend grew around lumber mills in the early 1900s and is now a hub for outdoor sports. Paths along the Deschutes River run through pine forest and past waterfalls. Pilot Butte is a short steep climb with city views. Many trail networks start near downtown.
Highlights:
  • 🎿 Ski or snowboard the slopes of Mount Bachelor
  • 🛶 Float down the Deschutes River on a sunny afternoon
  • 🌋 Hike the trails and lava fields at Newberry National Volcanic Monument
San Francisco
Iconic bridges, rolling hills and vibrant culture
8.5
Bay to Breakers, a 12 kilometre race held each May, is known for runners in costumes. Routes cross the Golden Gate Bridge and climb hills in the Presidio. Along the waterfront the Embarcadero is flat. Locals bring layers, since mornings are often foggy and cool.
Highlights:
  • 🏝️ Explore Alcatraz Island and tour the former prison
  • 🚋 Ride a classic cable car through steep hills
  • 🌉 Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge
Chicago
Skyline, Deep-Dish and Jazz Nights
8.2
Winters are cold and windy in this city, so most runners head for the Lakefront Trail in spring and autumn. This paved path follows Lake Michigan for about 30 kilometres. The Chicago Marathon is held in October on a flat course that is popular for fast times.
Highlights:
  • ⛴️ Take an architecture boat tour on the river
  • 🚶‍♀️ Stroll along the scenic Chicago Riverwalk
  • 🏙️ Admire the skyline from the Willis Tower Skydeck
Vancouver
Where mountains, ocean and city life meet
8.5
As a compact coastal city, this place has running routes between the mountains and the sea. The Stanley Park Seawall is nearly nine kilometres around the park. Trails on the North Shore climb steeply into forest. Rain is common in winter, so pack a light jacket.
Highlights:
  • 🛍️ Explore Granville Island’s public market and artisan shops
  • 🚡 Take a gondola up Grouse Mountain for city views
  • 🚴‍♀️ Walk or cycle around scenic Stanley Park’s seawall
Banff National Park
Majestic Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
9.2
Located in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, this park has trails from the town of Banff to lakes and viewpoints. The Bow River path is gentle and flat. The Banff Marathon is held in June. Wildlife such as elk and bears is common, so carry bear spray.
Highlights:
  • 🌊 Explore the scenic Johnston Canyon waterfalls trail
  • 🏞️ Hike to Lake Louise and admire turquoise waters
  • 🚡 Ride the Banff Gondola for spectacular mountain views
Moab
Red rock canyons echo adventure seekers' dreams
9.1
Moab was a uranium mining town in the 1950s and is now surrounded by red rock canyons. Trails in Arches and Canyonlands national parks cross slickrock and sand. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons for long runs, since summer highs often pass 35 degrees Celsius.
Highlights:
  • 🚴‍♂️ Bike the Slickrock Trail through rugged desert terrain
  • 🗿 Explore Arches National Park's iconic rock formations
  • 🏜️ Climb Delicate Arch at sunrise for breathtaking views
Colorado
Rocky mountains and red rocks
9.2
Many elite runners train in Boulder, which sits about 1,650 metres above sea level. Trails climb into the Rocky Mountains from many towns across this state. Races include the Pikes Peak Ascent and the Leadville Trail 100 in summer. Visitors should allow a few days to adjust to the altitude.
Highlights:
  • 🚗 Drive along the scenic Trail Ridge Road
  • 🎿 Ski the world-class slopes of Aspen or Vail
  • 🏞️ Hike through Rocky Mountain National Park’s alpine trails
Honolulu
Aloha Vibes and Ocean Adventures
8.1
Located on the south shore of Oahu, this city has runs along Waikiki and around Diamond Head. The Honolulu Marathon is held each December and has no time limit. Kapiolani Park offers shaded loops. Early starts give cooler air and fewer crowds on the Waikiki streets.
Highlights:
  • 🏖️ Relax on the iconic Waikiki Beach and watch surfers
  • ⚓ Explore the historic Pearl Harbor National Memorial
  • 🌄 Hike to Diamond Head crater for stunning sunrise views
Big Sur
Coastal cliffs and luminous sunsets
9.0
Wild and rugged, this coast has cliffs, redwoods and ocean views along Highway 1. The Big Sur International Marathon runs from Big Sur to Carmel each April. State parks such as Pfeiffer Big Sur have shaded forest trails. Landslides sometimes close the highway, so check road status.
Highlights:
  • 🌅 Sunset at Ragged Point overlook
  • 🌊 Hike to McWay Falls, witness cascading waterfall
  • 🛣️ Cruise Highway 1, pause at Bixby Creek Bridge
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