Any NYC/Manhattan MFPers?

Amanda_Runs

I have a possibly stupid question...

I will be in midtown for the weekend for work and I am staying two blocks away from Central Park.
I would love to get at least 1 run in/possibly two in CP.

How safe is it for me to run alone?
Any areas to avoid?

Excuse my ignorance on this but I come from a part of the country where we can leave our doors unlocked 24 hours a day without fear. And my boyfriend is very worried about me running in CP alone.
Thanks!

beccala18

Central Park is pretty safe. There are usually people around, especially if it's a nice day. I'd stay on paths/roads that have other people on them and don't run at night. Then you'll feel more comfortable.

catcher_in_the_pie

It is very safe to run alone in CP. What time were you thinking of going? Obviously, if you're worried about safety, I would go during daylight. Since the weather's been so nice, CP has been packed with people. You won't have to worry about running alone.

I love running on the Bridle Path. Check it out if you can.

Happy running!

ShaeDetermined

Don't go when it's dark, otherwise CP is fantastic for running. (lots of little hills)

Have Fun!

mjp202

Central Park is extremely safe during the day. Highly recommend the running path around the "Reservoir," which from the North side will offer some of the best views of the city you'll find anywhere.

fitfunk

Short answer: Super safe!

I've lived here over 12 years now and live about 5 blocks from Central Park. Even when I've run w/my bf at night, there are police patrolling the routes. (I wouldn't recommend running at night only because it took me about 8 years to learn the routes without ending up lost.) On the weekends Park Drive is closed to traffic and is great for running or biking. The Reservoir is also a delight on a nice day. The path is dirt, so easy on the joints, and at about 1.6 miles, is great for a short run or a couple loops. Especially during nicer weather, the weekends bring lots of people to the Park.

Amanda_Runs

Fantastic. Thank you everyone for your help with this!