In theory, running is one of the simplest sports in the world. Compared to other activities, it requires relatively little — just a pair of sneakers and some motivation. As much as we’d like running to always feel that simple, we know other factors shape every run — and one of the biggest is location. If you’ve ever trekked through a blizzard or hopped around an urban obstacle course on a run, you know not all running routes are created equal. Where you hit the pavement matters. That’s why we originally set out in 2023 to find the best cities for runners in America — and why we’re revisiting the list in 2026 with fresh data.
Our Best Cities for Runners Methodology
When we first published this article, we built our list on top of two big city rankings: ARRIS Composites’ 2023 best running cities report (which scored cities on pedestrian fatality rate, air quality index, percentage of residents within a 10-minute walk of a park, and average annual inches of rainfall) and Lawn Love’s best cities for running (which added access to running events, consumer trail ratings, and trail technical difficulty into the mix).
For this 2026 refresh, we went looking for updated versions of both reports. Neither has been republished — ARRIS Composites has not issued a new running-cities ranking since 2023 and has since refocused on consumer products like carbon-fiber plates in running shoes and its new direct-to-consumer brand Aurorra by ARRIS, while Lawn Love’s most recent runner ranking is also still the 2023 edition. The good news: their core criteria (safety, air, parks, weather, events, trails) are exactly the things that still make a city good or bad to run in, so the underlying framework holds up.
To bring the picture current, we cross-referenced their 2023 data against:
- 2025 pedestrian-safety data from the Governors Highway Safety Association, which shows pedestrian fatalities dropped roughly 11% in the first half of 2025 — the largest decline since GHSA began tracking 15 years ago — even as Memphis, Albuquerque, and several Texas and Arizona cities remained outliers on the dangerous end.
- Recent AQI and wildfire-smoke trends from AirNow and state DEQs, which matter more than they did three years ago for West Coast runners.
- A November 2025 global ranking from Compare the Market AU (covered by Men’s Journal) that placed New York City and Los Angeles in the worldwide top five — useful validation that our U.S. picks still hold up next to international peers.
- Our own Half Marathon Guide metric of half marathon quantity per resident, the same lens we applied in 2023.
In this article, we’ll share the top 10 running cities in the United States, the half marathon you won’t want to miss in each city, and some places you may want to avoid when planning your next running vacation.
The 10 Best American Cities for Runners
Weather, trail access, air quality, and safety factors all affect the quality of our running. Luckily, ten cities still rise to the top across all of those categories.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco topped the list for both ARRIS and Lawn Love in 2023, and three years later, it’s still our favorite U.S. running city. Between the abundance of parks and running trails, mild weather, and fresh air, this city is a runner’s paradise. With numerous running clubs spread around the city, runners of any level are welcomed into the community here. The one caveat we’d add since 2023: West Coast wildfire seasons can briefly spike AQI in late summer, so check AirNow before a long run between July and October.
- Where to run in San Francisco: Take a scenic Sunday route to Crissy Field for an unmatched view of the Golden Gate Bridge.
- Most popular half marathon: The San Francisco Half Marathon
San Diego, California
Keeping it in California, San Diego came in at number two on our list — and for good reasons. Home to roughly 170 races each year, San Diego is one of the most popular cities for running events in America because of the year-round pleasant training weather and views of the Pacific Ocean. Half marathoners have plenty of races to choose from in this SoCal city. With some of the most consistent weather in the U.S., locals enjoy dry, sunny runs almost year-round. Plus, countless parks and trails in San Diego provide runners with endless opportunities to get out and explore.
- Where to run in San Diego: Enjoy the views along Mission Bay’s 12-mile paved path.
- Most popular half marathon: America’s Finest City Half Marathon
Seattle, Washington
With a variety of running routes and parks scattered around Seattle, there are hundreds of miles of trails for every level of runner. Surrounded by nature, this Pacific Northwest city’s scenery will leave you in awe during every run. Despite stretches of cloudy weather and seasonal rainfall, Seattle’s temperate climate remains runnable year-round (as long as you invest in a proper running jacket). It’s no wonder Brooks Running chose this city for its headquarters — and in 2025 the company expanded that HQ to nearly 250,000 square feet in Fremont, doubling down on Seattle as the center of its running universe. As with the rest of the West Coast, wildfire smoke can occasionally affect summer air quality, so keep an eye on AQI between August and September.
- Where to run in Seattle: Head to the Burke-Gilman Trail and follow its 20-mile path on your next long run.
- Most popular half marathon: Seattle Half Marathon
Washington, D.C.
Not only is Washington, D.C. the nation’s capital, but it’s also a major running capital. Full of running clubs and races of all distances (the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile & 5K and the Marine Corps Marathon are both running institutions), D.C.’s vibrant running scene and strong community are truly top-tier. Whether you’re running by historical landmarks or along a wooded trail, a run in D.C. is sure to be a good one.
- Where to run in Washington, D.C.: Conquer a hilly run at the U.S. National Arboretum.
- Most popular half marathon: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Washington DC
Portland, Oregon
As one of the country’s most active cities, Portland is packed with running and biking enthusiasts. Nestled within nature, Portland has parks and running trails around every corner. With Nike’s headquarters just a short drive away in Beaverton, you can easily pick up some new running shoes and put them to use on Portland’s hundreds of miles of trails.
- Where to run in Portland: Get some fresh air on a trail run through Portland’s massive Forest Park.
- Most popular half marathon: Portland Half Marathon
New York City, New York
New York City is beloved by millions of runners, and we understand why — a sentiment echoed by the November 2025 Compare the Market AU study, which ranked NYC the #2 city for runners worldwide thanks largely to its 240+ annual race events. With abundant green spaces like Central Park and well-established running paths like the Hudson River Greenway, NYC and Brooklyn are the perfect settings for tons of high-quality running events. The city’s tight-knit running community will make you feel right at home in a city of millions.
- Where to run in New York City: Central Park and the Hudson River Greenway are two iconic running spots you shouldn’t miss the next time you’re in the Big Apple.
- Most popular half marathon: United Airlines NYC Half
Denver, Colorado
With more than 300 days of sunshine annually and barely any rain, there’s almost no excuse not to run in Denver. Running and biking are huge parts of Denver’s culture. Whether you’re a serious trail runner or more of an “I run for beer” kind of person, you’ll be content here — there are about as many running trails as there are breweries. The Mile High City’s altitude takes some getting used to, but once you’re acclimated, you’ll be logging miles like a local.
- Where to run in Denver: Enjoy a mix of urban and trail running along the 42-mile Cherry Creek Trail.
- Most popular half marathon: Denver Colfax Half Marathon
Boston, Massachusetts
Home to one of the most world-renowned marathons (ahem, the Boston Marathon), running is deeply ingrained in Boston’s culture. The accessibility to parks and clean air quality make Boston ideal for runners. Whether you’re training to cross the Boston Marathon finish line or just getting into running, you’ll find a variety of routes for all levels here. Plus, there are tons of popular race destinations nearby throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut.
- Where to run in Boston: No trip to Boston is complete without a run along the Charles River.
- Most popular half marathon: B.A.A. Half Marathon
Los Angeles, California
This health-conscious hotspot is the third Californian city to make our list, and the reasons are pretty simple. The frequent sunshine and gorgeous waterfront running paths in Los Angeles could inspire just about anyone to run. The 2025 Compare the Market AU global ranking also slotted LA into the worldwide top five for runners. Whether you’re gawking at the scenery or spotting celebrities along your run, you’ll definitely be entertained while running in L.A.
- Where to run in Los Angeles: Test your endurance along the hilly paths at Elysian Park.
- Most popular half marathon: LA Half Marathon
Chicago, Illinois
If you’re looking to sign up for a half marathon, don’t overlook Chicago. With a handful of half marathons and numerous other running events hosted here each year, this Midwest city has become a running mecca. Chicago’s brisk winters aren’t for the faint of heart, but dedicated runners still brave the rough weather to get in their winter miles. That should tell you how seriously runners in Chicago take the sport.
- Where to run in Chicago: Run alongside Lake Michigan on the Chicago Lakefront Trail.
- Most popular half marathon: Bank of America Chicago 13.1
Notable Mentions: Best Cities for Runners
The process for selecting the best cities for runners was challenging. Here are a few of the runners-up and the half marathons we like best near each:
- Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota — City of Lakes Half Marathon
- Flagstaff, Arizona — Mesa Half Marathon
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania — Philadelphia Marathon
- Madison, Wisconsin — Run Madtown
- Boulder, Colorado — Boulderthon (named one of USA TODAY’s 10 Best half marathons in 2024)
The Worst Places for Runners in America
Now that you know where to run, let’s talk about the places you might want to think twice about for your next half marathon trip. While we’re sure each of these is lovely to live in or visit in its own right, the combination of limited trail access, extreme weather, safety issues, and air-quality challenges makes them less runner-friendly than the rest.
Memphis, Tennessee
Three years after our original article, the data tells a clearer (and unfortunately worse) story about Memphis. A 2025 analysis found Memphis has the highest pedestrian fatality rate of any major U.S. city — roughly 46.6 deaths per 100,000 residents from 2019 to 2023, nearly three times the average across the 50 largest cities and more than 50 times that of New York. Combined with limited parks and rainy weather, it remains the city we’d most caution outdoor runners about. We recommend going to Memphis for the music and the BBQ — but maybe leave your running shoes at home.
Detroit, Michigan
In 2023, both ARRIS and Lawn Love agreed Detroit was one of the country’s least runner-friendly cities, and the underlying issues — limited parks and trails, pedestrian safety concerns, and brutal Michigan winters — haven’t meaningfully improved. Detroit is rich in history with prideful locals, and we still recommend visiting for the culture. It also boasts one truly world-renowned race, the Detroit Free Press Half Marathon, which famously takes runners across the U.S.–Canada border mid-race.
Texas
The saying “Everything’s bigger in Texas” still doesn’t apply to the state’s running scene. ARRIS originally ranked Houston and San Antonio among the worst running cities, and Lawn Love named Killeen the worst. Updated 2025 pedestrian-safety data backs that up — San Antonio and Fort Worth remain among the country’s most dangerous cities for pedestrians, and the state’s hot, dry western climate and hot, humid eastern climate continue to make most-of-the-year training a challenge.
That said, Texas hosts three of the highest-quality marathons and half marathons in the country, partly because they fall in January through March when the rest of the country is buried in snow: the Chevron Houston Marathon and Aramco Houston Half Marathon, the Dallas Marathon, and the 3M Half Marathon in Austin.
Arizona and New Mexico (New This Year)
One change worth flagging in this update: 2025 pedestrian-safety data has put the Southwest squarely on the “be careful” list. Albuquerque now has the highest fatal-pedestrian-accident rate in the country (4.68 per 100,000), and Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson all rank among the 10 most dangerous U.S. cities for pedestrians. Combined with extreme summer heat, we’d treat these as places to run only with serious planning — early mornings, well-trafficked routes, and a hydration plan.
Tennessee (Beyond Memphis)
Four Tennessee cities have historically topped the worst-cities-to-run lists. Memphis is the headline (see above), but Murfreesboro and Clarksville also appeared as places you might want to avoid on your next run.
Nashville is the bright spot — a great running city with the Nashville 1/2 Marathon and the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon both being big draws.
Florida
Another southern state on our list. Much like Texas and Tennessee, Florida’s heat, humidity, and rainfall make it a difficult place to run for much of the year. Limited access to parks, trail systems, and running communities contributes to its low ranking. Jacksonville, Cape Coral, and Port St. Lucie were all cited as some of the worst cities for runners in America.
FAQs
Where is the Running Capital of the World?
While San Francisco takes the cake as America’s running capital, Iten, Kenya is known as the running capital of the world because of its tendency to produce some of the highest-caliber record-holding distance runners.
How Can I Find Local Runners in My Area?
A few strategies: Google “running club + your city” to see what’s local, try Meetup.com for groups and events, or head to neighborhood parks and tracks at common run times — you’ll usually find clusters of runners. Strava local segments are another way to spot popular routes near you.
What Should I Pack With Me When I Run?
Before your run, put on comfortable athletic clothes and sunscreen. Your shoes are essential, so make sure you have a high-quality pair — we like HOKA. No matter where you run, you should always pack water. Depending on the length of your run, you might also need some fuel like gels or energy bars.
How Should I Stay Safe Running in a City?
Safety is a bigger conversation than it was three years ago. Stick to well-trafficked, well-lit routes; share your route or use a live-tracking feature on your watch or phone; charge your phone before heading out; and consider a wearable safety ID. On hot days, run early or late, hydrate before you head out, and check the AQI — especially on the West Coast during wildfire season.
To check out all our personal recommendations, we’ve compiled the best half marathon running and training gear.
Our Final Thoughts
Whether you live in one of the best cities for runners or not, we hope you can find a nice, safe place to run near you. The methodology that made certain cities runner-friendly in 2023 — parks, clean air, safe streets, race access, livable weather — still holds in 2026, even as the data underneath has shifted in some interesting ways. Running is one of life’s simplest pleasures, and we want to encourage everyone to get out there and get some miles in.
