When the website 6sqft pegged Roosevelt Island among 10 of the best running spots in New York City, it was no surprise to me. Before a bad knee reduced me to walking, I spent 15 years circling the promenades.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Best Running Spot: Roosevelt Island
Sure, the article sported a ridiculously out-of-date photograph – dig those old rusty railings. But it got the basics right:
“Located between Manhattan and Queens and accessible via the F train or the tram, Roosevelt Island provides a flat, scenic run along the island’s 3.5-mile perimeter. Enjoy the views of Midtown Manhattan and the Queensboro Bridge while relishing in the relative peace and quiet of the island.”
What makes a running spot great?
To me, three things:
– Safety: I don’t want to worry about getting hit by a car or mugged.
– Scenery: Who wants to run in a concrete jungle? Give me a river or at least some trees.
– Peace and quiet: I don’t want to share my running space with too many others.
The mileage is actually a bit more than 3.5 miles, but why quibble? When citing Roosevelt Island as a natural attraction, it takes us back to where we once were – an inclusive community, from top to bottom, filled with great things to do.
Not the branding and marketing trophy site a misguided campaign the state tried inventing.
What’s so great about Roosevelt Island?
If you’re looking for a great running spot in New York City, look no further than Roosevelt Island. This small island in the East River offers scenic views of Manhattan, Queens, and the Brooklyn Bridge, as well as a relatively quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The island’s 3.5-mile perimeter makes for a perfect running route, and you’re sure to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
What else can you do on Roosevelt Island?
Besides running, there are plenty of other things to do on Roosevelt Island. The island is home to a variety of restaurants and cafes, as well as parks and recreation areas. Whether you’re looking for a place to walk the dog, catch some sun, or go for a leisurely jog, Roosevelt Island has it all.
Restaurant choices include…
- Granny Annie’s in Riverwalk Commons directly behind the subway station.
- The Café @ Cornell Tech, innovation matching the school’s mission.
- Nisi, long regarded as the community meeting place in the Main Street canyon.
What about historic sites?
Roosevelt Island is also home to several historic sites, such as the Octagon, Blackwell House, and Four Freedoms Park. These landmarks offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s fascinating history.
The Roosevelt Island Historical Society’s Welcome Center is a good place to start. Find them inside the restored trolley line kiosk in the Tram Plaza. Arriving by subway? It’s only a short block south.
So head on over to Roosevelt Island and see for yourself why it’s one of the best running spots in NYC and a lot more.
more from the roosevelt island daily
- A Full Week Across the River: How Roosevelt Island and Queens Lives IntersectA full week across the river shows how life on Roosevelt Island connects with Queens—covering public safety, legal updates, G train disruptions, and neighborhood events.
- Roosevelt Island Weekly Recap: Community Life, Local News, and Everyday ConnectionsOur Roosevelt Island weekly recap covers local news, community events, and the threads of daily life connecting neighbors on and off the island.
- Queens News Highlights and Roosevelt Island Community ConnectionsExplore the week’s Queens news highlights and Roosevelt Island community connections, from public safety to housing, historic places, and local events.
- How Queens News Shapes Life on Roosevelt Island This WeekExplore how Queens news shapes life on Roosevelt Island, from major fire responses to local court cases and housing initiatives, reflecting the rhythms and routines of our shared city life.
- Queens Community Updates: Transit Projects, Public Safety, and Neighborhood EffortsQueens community updates including transit projects, public safety developments, and neighborhood efforts, with special relevance for Roosevelt Island residents.
On naming, neglect, and the quiet work that keeps things standing
About twenty years ago, there was Harbor Police activity near the water, just south of the subway entrance. At the time, no one really thought of it as a pier, though technically there was a small boardwalk there. Of course it wasn’t a pier. A pier implies intention.
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