10 Best Running Cities in the U.S.

Written by
Sabrina Grotewold
What makes a city great for runners? Aside from ample places to train and races to run, spirited running communities add color and support the local traditions that make certain cities ideal for runners. Here's a countdown of your running editor's picks for the 10 best running cities in America.
#10
Washington D.C.
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•Vibrant community of teams, such as DC Road Runners and DC Capital Striders •The area's most popular races, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Army Ten Miler, salute the military Places to run: •Five-mile loop around the National Mall and monuments •Rock Creek Park •C&O Canal Trail
Where to Race
#9
Flagstaff, Arizona
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•7,000 feet above sea level •50+ miles of trails in the city •Arizona Running & McMillan Running camps •Home to McMillian Elite, group coached by Greg McMillan Places to run: •Schultz Creek Trail •Connect to the San Francisco Peaks through Buffalo Park •Old Caves Crater Trail
Where to Race
#8
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
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•Twin Cities Marathon, called the most beautiful urban marathon in U.S. •50-mile city trail system •Home of Team USA Minnesota, elite group coached by Dennis Barker Places to run: •Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway •West River Parkway •Chain of Lakes •Metrodome indoor track during the winter
Where to Race
#7
San Francisco, California
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•Competitive racing is alive here, from packed Tuesday night workouts at Kezar Stadium to numerous local teams •Dipsea Race: steep, rocky trails, stairs, handicaps, staggered starts •Bay to Breakers: 12K feels like Mardi Gras Places to run: •Golden Gate Park •The Presidio •Crissy Field to Ocean Beach
Where to Race
#6
Portland, Oregon
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•220+ miles of trails •Parks & Rec organizes $5 for 5K, a series of five races in five city parks •10,763 green acres •Nike Oregon Project, the elite group coached by Alberto Salazar •Shoe manufacturers headquartered here: Nike, adidas, KEEN Places to run: •Forest Park •Banks-Veronica State Trail
Where to Race
#5
Chicago, Illinois
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•Chicago Marathon: This flat course can be a great place to run a PR, if the weather cooperates •Chicago Area Runners Association: numerous training and racing opportunities Places to run: •The 18-mile lakefront affords spectacular views •Forest preserves in the surrounding suburbs •Des Plaines River Trail
Where to Race
#4
Boulder, Colorado
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•Bolder Boulder 10K is a Memorial Day tradition •University of Colorado at Boulder is a hotbed of NCAA champions •Newton Running, Hoka One One and other endurance companies based here Places to run: •Boulder Mountain Park •This trail mecca has a plethora of options •Boulder Creek Path
Where to Race
#3
Boston, Massachusetts
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•Home of the world's oldest and most prestigious marathon •Distance running is a tradition here Places to run: •The path along the Charles River affords beautiful views of the city •The Emerald Necklace: 1,100-acre chain of parks linked by parkways •Numerous paths and trails in the suburbs
Where to Race
#2
Eugene, Oregon
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•Track Town, U.S.A. •Home of University of Oregon & Hayward Field •Oregon Track Club Elite, coached by Mark Rowland •The late coach and co-founder of Nike Bill Bowerman crafted shoes for his runners, including Steve Prefontaine, using his wife's waffle iron. ? Places to run: •Pre's Trail •Amazon Trail
Where to Race
#1
New York, New York
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•New York City Marathon, the world's largest marathon •10 parks with 544 acres or more •21+ tracks •50+ local running clubs •New York Road Runners: nonprofit that organizes the marathon and over 50 other events Places to run: •Central Park •Van Cortlandt Park •Prospect Park
Where to Race
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