Great Runs in Boston

The Iconic Runs

The ‘Iconic Runs’ of Boston are:

1. The Charles River Paths (Museum of Science to Harvard Sq.)
2. The Emerald Necklace — Fenway to Jamaica Pond
3. The Emerald Necklace — Statehouse, Comm. Ave Mall
4. The Boston waterfront: Charlestown to Seaport
5. The Boston Waterfront: South Boston from Pleasure Bay to JFK

The Charles River Paths
The Charles River Path is one of the greatest runs in the United States. The river divides Boston and Cambridge, with paths on both the Boston and Cambridge sides. The best way to experience the river run is to plot a “loop”, using one of the many bridge options to cross back over.

Charles River Path Map

Charles River Loop Options

The Emerald Necklace.
The Emerald Necklace is a greenway originally conceived by Frederick Law Olmsted. It runs all the way from the State House to Franklin Park. There are countless options for loops. A few options:

• Five-miler from Fenway area to Jamaica Pond
• State House to Mass Ave. on Comm. Ave and River route back.
• Jamaica Pond to Arnold Arboretum.

Boston Waterfront
As a result of the Big Dig project, development of the Seaport district, and continued public access improvements, it it now possible to run about 16 miles from Charlestown to Quincy, about 80% of it really pleasant along the water. There are good “HarborWalk” signs along most of the way. Below is a map of the entire waterfront section.

In my view, there are two particularly spectacular sections of the Boston waterfront. For each of these, you’ll have to zoom in for greater detail.

• Downtown, from Charlestown to the Seaport District. Starts near the USS Constitution in Charlestown, then along the water most of the way to the Aquarium, the Boston Harbor Hotel, Fan Pier/Innovation District, and the Institute of Contemporary Art. Fantastic waterfront and skyline views most of the way.
• South Boston. There are fantastic options here and you might have to do this ‘in sections’. The most spectacular sections around Pleasure Bay and Castle Island. Then you can run all along the water to the JFK Library and UMASS Boston. From Castle Island it is 5.1 miles one-way to the JFK Library.

Southwest Corridor Path
In the 1980s, the old orange line trolley was put underground and is now a subway. The result is a beautiful running path that starts in the heart of Back Bay and continues all the way to Forest Hills, connecting with the Arboretum and Franklin Park. One fun option is to run the 3.9 miles one way and hop on the Orange Line for the return.

Where to Stay

If you want to be within a mile of the Charles River paths, the best place to stay is in Back Bay or on the Cambridge side of the path. If you want to be near the waterfront paths, you can stay in the Financial District, near North Station and Charlestown (which also place you near the river paths) or some of the newer hotels in the Seaport area.

Running Stores

Here is a guide to independent running stores in the Boston area, within proximity to the iconic routes. The ‘gran daddy’ of Boston running stores is Marathon Sports, which has a location right near the finish line of the Boston Marathon, plus seven other stores in the area.

• Marathon Sports. The best running stores in Boston. Location in Back Bay, which is also has an Adidas Marathon runBase co-located. Also in Cambridge, Brookline, and suburbs.
• New Balance Store. Good selection, located in Back Bay.
• Finish Line. Running and apparel store in Cambridge near river, and inside Macy’s in the financial district.
• South End Athletic Company. Small store, knowledgeable staff, a little off the beaten track.

Community

If you’d like to connect with some group runs in Boston, here are some good options.

• Marathon Sports has a free group run Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. that leaves from their Boylston St. store
• Nike Boston has various group runs throughout the week. Details here.
• South End Athletic Company has group runs at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays and longer ones Saturday at 10:00 am.
• City Running Tours Boston has a huge number of group runs, with various touristy and fun themes, for a fee. They can also be booked for customized individual and small group runs.