David Willey, editor in chief of Runner’s World magazine. Thanks to social media and running clubs, anyone can hit the streets  with confidence. “It’s a great way to get a sense of place and maybe meet a few locals.” Some hotel chains, like Westin, even have running concierges to help out.  Willey shares some favorite city running spots with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco

Image :  USAtoday

A decade ago, Willey’s magazine named San Francisco the country’s best running city. Since then, with the development of the Presidio area and the growth of running clubs, it has only gotten better, he says. “Crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic structures in the country..

Piedmont Park
Atlanta

Image: usatoday

The capital of the South has a large, enthusiastic running community, supporting the largest 10K in the world, the Peachtree Road Race. “It’s just part of the fabric of the city,” says Willey, who recommends visiting Piedmont Park. “It’s one of those urban gems. If you couldn’t see the skyline, you would think you were in the middle of the country.” 
Charles River…

Boston

Image: bostonmagazine

Boston is home to the November Project, a free, informal club which sponsors runs three mornings per week, and has expanded to many other cities.  It’s also easy heading out by yourself along the river. “These areas are just packed with runners in the morning, and it’s so beautiful,” Willey says. november-project.com
Fairmount Park
Philadelphia
The city’s municipal park system centers on Fairmount Park, offering access to running spots like the paved path by Boathouse Row along the Schuylkill River. It’s close to city landmarks, like the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where you can do an impression of Sylvester Stallone scaling the steps in the first Rocky movie. “Philly does a great job. You’re getting the best combination of a vibrant city with places that are accessible,” …

Lady Bird Lake
Austin

Image: usatoday

Willey loves running the main loop and offshoots along this downtown lake. “There are lots of bridges, lots of trails. It’s forested so you can get out of the sun.” On most days, running stores will put out water stops, and afterwards, it’s easy to find a place for a cup of coffee or a breakfast burrito…

National Mall
Washington

Image: usatoday

With a network of trails lacing the city, D.C. could be the nation’s running capital. “This is near the top of my personal list,” Willey says. “It’s about the architecture and layout of the city as much as anything. Running by the monuments, early in the morning is really inspiring — and it’s not hilly!” 

Lakefront parks
Chicago

Image: usatoday

 

The trails along Lake Michigan extend for miles, passing landmarks like Grant and Lincoln parks, Soldier Field and Navy Pier. “I lived in Chicago for years and it’s still amazing to me,” Willey says. “You just head out to the lake and turn right or left and you have a remarkable run on your hands.”…

 
New York

Image: usatoday

As a resident for 13 years, Willey never tired of running through Gotham’s main park.  “New York is so densely populated with taxis and Uber cars, it can get pretty dicey being a runner in the city. But you get into Central Park, you feel like: This is ours,”…

 
Portland, Ore.

Image: usatoday

Runners, cyclists and motorists seem to strike a happy coexistence here, Willey says. “It’s a really vibrant, grassroots-feeling kind of city.” He suggests heading out along the river for a morning run, cutting back and forth across a network of bridges…

Mission Bay
San Diego

Image: usatoday

Willey couldn’t get over San Diego’s splendor when he took his first run around this huge park centered on a saltwater lagoon north of downtown. “It isn’t a city, it’s a movie set. You go out the door and you have a beautiful run on your hands,” he says. “There’s a huge running culture there with easy access to clubs and groups to hook up with.”…

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