Where to Find the Best Parkrun Near You: Upper West Side's Top Spots for 5K Community Runs

Saturday mornings at 9:00 sharp, the west edge of Riverside Park buzzes as dozens of neighbors pin on bibs and hit the Hudson River path for a free, timed 5K run. The Riverside Park parkrun-drawing runners, joggers, and walkers from around West 96th Street and beyond-has become a weekly tradition for the Upper West Side's wellness-minded community.

The popularity of parkrun events is spiking citywide this summer, after a rainy spring that kept many cooped up indoors. As summer hits its peak and outdoor fitness habits surge, parkrun participation is seeing double-digit growth. Many residents are seeking structured ways to embrace the neighborhood’s green spaces while connecting with others. With recent concerns around youth safety and the mental health impacts of isolation, community-driven outdoor activities feel especially urgent and restorative.

Start Lines, Finish Lines, and Local Landmarks

Upper West Siders don’t have to travel far for a rigorous and social 5K. The best-known option is Riverside Park parkrun, whose route starts just north of the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument on Riverside Drive and winds south along the river, passing tennis courts and community gardens. Volunteers with Riverside Park Conservancy help marshal runners, and the vibe is laid-back-strollers, leashed dogs, and first-timers are all welcome.

For anyone seeking a more iconic course, Central Park’s Saturday parkrun, though technically starting just east of the Upper West Side at West 102nd Street’s entrance, draws heavy participation from local residents. It offers a scenic tour of the park’s West Side hills, traversing the North Woods and the Harlem Meer. Both events are free-registration through parkrun’s website is required only once for a personal barcode, which tracks every finish time.

While less formal, the "Run for Bagels" club, organized by local fitness group Upper West Runners, meets biweekly at Verdi Square (72nd and Broadway) and often incorporates a similar 5K loop, ending with breakfast at Zabar’s or Absolute Bagels. This informal spin on the parkrun model showcases the neighborhood’s thriving running subculture.

Numbers, Newcomers, and What to Expect

According to parkrun Global’s New York data, Riverside Park welcomed an average of 87 runners each week this past month, up from 61 in July 2025. More than 2,400 unique finishers have been logged since the event launched in May 2018. “Finisher” tokens and instant emailed results are free of charge, subsidized by a mix of donations and local partnership support.

Participants span every age and pace. Last weekend, organizers counted 17 finishers under age 14, a record since the pandemic. Walkers-some with trekking poles-are also increasingly present, encouraged by Riverside Park Conservancy’s outreach for more inclusive activity programming. No prior racing experience is necessary; volunteers are happy to offer route guidance, encouragement, and even loan a stopwatch for those tracking personal bests.

Rain or shine, parkruns happen every Saturday at 9am, except in cases of heavy snow or citywide events. Registration is online, quick, and free. Bring your scannable barcode and a water bottle (there’s a refill station outside the Hippo Playground at 91st Street). Earlybirds often congregate at Ellington in the Park for coffee post-run-just follow Riverside Drive to West 105th Street.

With growing turnout and summer in full swing, now is a smart time to claim your spot, meet neighbors, and discover a new weekend ritual. For anyone new to outdoor exercise-or looking to rediscover the Upper West Side’s classic green spaces-these community runs offer a welcome start line.