A growing number of runners in New York City are taking on the challenge of running the perimeter of Manhattan, a roughly 32-mile route tracing the island’s edges. The route, equivalent in distance to many ultramarathons, has become an increasingly popular alternative to the crowded and costly New York City Marathon.
On a recent Saturday morning, nearly 200 participants gathered at Brookfield Place on Manhattan’s Hudson River waterfront to begin the fourth annual perimeter run organized by the Central Park Run Club. The group set off shortly after 7 a.m., running north along the East River Greenway. Coaches from the club provided guidance on group etiquette and encouraged participants to enjoy hidden parts of the city not seen on typical routes.
The tradition of running the Manhattan perimeter dates back decades to Ted Corbitt, an Olympic marathoner and founding president of New York Road Runners, who sometimes ran the route twice as part of his ultramarathon training. More recently, the challenge has attracted a growing community of runners seeking a free and accessible long-distance goal. Data from the fitness app Strava show a 30 percent increase in runs tracing the Manhattan perimeter during 2025 compared to the previous year.
For many participants, the perimeter run offers an appealing alternative to the New York City Marathon. The marathon’s lottery system admits less than 1 percent of applicants from a pool that topped 240,000 this year, and entry fees for nonmembers exceed $300. By contrast, the perimeter run is free and open to all, making it an enticing goal for those who find the marathon out of reach. Some runners view it as the “next crazy thing” beyond completing the more traditional city marathon.
During the run, participants navigated a variety of neighborhoods, crossing landmarks such as the Queensboro Bridge and Inwood Hill Park. Some runners relied on city water fountains and local bodegas for refreshments, while others came prepared with their own supplies. The challenge proved physically demanding, with some experiencing fatigue and muscle soreness as the miles accumulated.
By early afternoon, groups of runners returned to the starting point, having completed the loop in roughly six hours at a pace around 10 minutes per mile. There was no formal finish line or awards, but runners gathered to celebrate their accomplishment and forge connections. Approximately 75 participants completed the full route, while others opted to finish earlier.
Among the runners were Joe Longo and Sarah Shields, both 26, who embarked on the challenge with limited prior experience running beyond traditional marathon distances. Despite walking breaks late in the course, both expressed intentions to attempt the perimeter again. Shields also plans to take part in an upcoming marathon, indicating the perimeter run’s role as both a standalone challenge and a stepping stone for longer races.
As the perimeter run continues to grow in popularity, it exemplifies how urban runners are adapting traditional endurance challenges to fit the unique landscape and demands of city life, providing a sense of community and achievement without the barriers of entry typical of major marathon events.