Manhattan is at its kindest before eight.

The river

The Hudson River Greenway runs most of the length of the island's west side: flat, car-free, with the light coming up over New Jersey. From Chelsea, head south toward the Battery for an easy out-and-back.

The park

For hills and company, the Central Park loop is the city's living room in running shoes. The full drive is about six miles; the lower loop is shorter, and the reservoir path is softer underfoot.

The rules of the road

  • Run with the traffic flow posted on the park drives.
  • Leave the headphones quiet enough to hear the cyclists.
  • Coffee afterward is not optional.

Our Manhattan guide has the studios, recovery spots and brunches to go with it.