Best running cities in the US
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Leah enjoying the Boston Marathon.
Back in 2004 Runner’s World conducted a survey to find the best running cities in the US using several factors: the number of running clubs, the number of annual races, air quality, weather data, and even crime statistics. The results are a bit surprising and perhaps that’s why Runner’s World hasn’t released a similar survey since 😉
The #1 city, San Francisco, actually seems like a good pick. The weather is nice, there are cool races like Bay to Breakers, and the terrain is challenging and interesting. #2, San Diego, seems less obvious to me. Sure, the weather is good but isn’t the air quality a big issue there?
The survey chose New York for #3 and the biggest factor helping NYC to the top of the list seems to be the number of running clubs and races. Sure, NYC has the most clubs and races but that’s because it’s the largest city in the US! Perhaps a better measure would have been the number of running clubs per capita… I suspect the same factors are at play in Chicago taking 4th and DC 5th in the survey.
Boulder, CO cracked the top 10 and that seems right to me. Again, great places to run, good air quality, and plenty of active folks living in the area. Boston and Denver also made the top 10 but once again it seems a large overall population skews the rankings a bit. If anything a densely populated city like Boston or New York makes running more difficult as my friend who recently moved to NYC can attest. You can only run Central Park so many times before you get completely bored.
I’ve lived in Atlanta, Colorado Springs, and Durham, NC in the past 10 years and if you asked me I would rank Durham #1, CO Springs #2, and Atlanta #3 for running. For me a mid-sized town with access to quiet streets and extensive trail networks is the best place for running. Where’s your favorite running town?