A Runner's Guide To New York City's Bridges

New York City is a runner’s dream fit with endless routes and views–and of course, the New York City Marathon. From Central Park to paths along the Hudson River or East River, runners can experience it all. Even the Big Apple’s plethora of bridges can be utilized for one’s own playground.

Brooklyn Bridge (1.13 miles)

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New York City’s most iconic bridge and also its busiest. The Brooklyn Bridge is 1.13 miles across has a minor incline, but the hardest part of running it is the traffic. The pedestrian pathway is elevated above the roadway, but shares space with the bicycle lane. If you can tolerate weaving in and out of congestion in order to soak in some of the best views of the city then this route is for you.

Williamsburg Bridge (1.38 miles)

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The Williamsburg Bridge is 1.38 miles spanning the East River connecting the Lower East Side and Brooklyn. Opened in 1903 as the longest suspension bridge in the world at the time, the bridge currently transports approximately 140,000 motorists, 92,000 transit riders, 600 bikers, and 500 pedestrians each day. Enjoy scenic views of the river, the Brooklyn Bridge downtown, and Midtown in a less-crowded experience.

Manhattan Bridge (1.30 miles)

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The Manhattan Bridge is a less sexier option than the Williamsburg or Brooklyn bridges. The pedestrian and running path is narrow, so be careful when crossing the 1.30 miles that comprise the Manhattan Bridge. The walkway is below the traffic, so expect to hear a lot of rumbling and commotion overhead. Views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and Brooklyn Bridge can be seen from crossing on the south side.

Queensboro Bridge (0.71 miles)

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Long Island City, the East River, and the Upper East Side in Manhattan can be viewed when crossing the 0.71 miles that comprise the Queensboro Bridge, officially known as the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. The bridge, completed in 1909, also passes over Roosevelt Island as runners venture from 59th St. in Manhattan to Queens or vice versa.

Pulaski Bridge (0.53 miles)

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Enjoy the 0.53 miles between Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Long Island City in Queens on the Pulaski Bridge, which opened in 1954. The bridge boasts a new two-way, protected bike lane (opened in 2016), which keeps motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists all safe.

About the author

Michael LoRé

Sports Editor

Michael has been obsessed with sports since he started playing recreationally when he was 5 years old. Realizing he couldn't make it as a professional athlete and was a decent enough writer, the lightbulb went off: sports journalist. After honing his craft at the University of Delaware, Michael has covered anything and everything from scholastic field hockey to the World Series. Born and raised in New Jersey, Michael now lives in New York City, having worked most recently for New York City FC and the NHL. His favorite sport is soccer.