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10 Runs Every American Must Do
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There are countless sites across the United States that everybody needs to see—and if you're a runner, many of those landmarks double as an opportunity for an unforgettable workout. Every runner has a bucket list, and these 10 running routes need to be on it...if they're not already.
Golden Gate Bridge
San Francisco, California
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The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the United States' signature achievements, and it remains iconic 75 years after it opened. The bridge is 1.7 miles long and we recommend going to a scenic vista point on the north side of the bridge before turning around and heading back. In total, it's one of the best 4-mile routes you'll ever run.
Central Park
New York, New York
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You won't be alone, but it hardly matters. No runner can visit New York City without taking the loop around Central Park. It totals a little more than 6 miles and gives you a peaceful escape from the big city. Once you come across Tavern on the Green on the park's west side, know that you're at the New York City Marathon finish line.
Rim Trail
Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona
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This 13-mile path, mostly paved, is flat and runs along the rim of the majestic Grand Canyon, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The crowds might make a morning run more ideal, and brace for elevation—the trail is 6,820 feet above sea level. But rest assured, this is a run you will always remember.
The National Mall
Washington, D.C.
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Many of the United States' most famous landmarks are situated in and around the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The east-west endpoints of the park—the Lincoln Memorial and the Capitol—are only 2 miles apart, but there's enough paths to extend your route as long as you want. In one run, you can see the Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Reflecting Pool, the Vietnam Memorial, the Smithsonian and much more. You could even stretch it out, going south around the Tidal Basin and getting a peek at the Jefferson Memorial.
Rocky Steps
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Yes, the 72 steps to the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art have been immortalized in the classic film Rocky. But there's a reason Mr. Balboa finished his long run here—the museum offers a spectacular view of one of America's most historically important cities. So go ahead, work it into your route...and don't be afraid to jump around Rocky style at the top. Everybody does it.
Yosemite Valley
Yosemite National Park, California
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Arguably the most scenic wonder in the United States, Yosemite Valley is surrounded by granite monoliths towering some 3,000 feet over the valley floor. Advanced runners can head up to Half Dome, El Capitan or Glacier Point, but you don't have to. Plenty of less challenging paths explore the valley (the full loop is about 13 miles), and the views are unforgettable.
Lakefront Trail
Chicago, Illinois
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The Chicago Lakefront Trail spans 18 miles, sandwiched between Lake Michigan to the east and the awesome Chicago skyline to the west. No path is more runner-friendly while also showcasing all the charm of the Windy City.
Diamond Head Road
Honolulu, Hawaii
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The volcano cone dominates the Honolulu skyline, but it doubles as a great place to go for a run. Start at Kapiolani Park and take the circular Diamond Head Road all the way around the crater, about 5 miles, until you're back where you started. You can circle the perimeter of Kapiolani Park—Honolulu's headquarters for active people—and add another couple miles to your memorable run.
The Strand
Los Angeles County, California
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This 22-mile path stretches from Pacific Palisades to Torrance along the California coast in Los Angeles County. It's beautiful, passing the Santa Monica Pier, Muscle Beach in Venice, the Manhattan Beach Pier, the beach volleyball courts in Hermosa Beach, and the harbor in Redondo Beach. It's everything you expect the Southern California beach life to entail, without any of the region's infamous vehicle traffic.
Las Vegas Strip
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Don't look at this as a workout more than as a sightseeing run. The Strip is too crowded at night for good running, and has many escalators and steps to hinder getting a true workout in during the day. But the lights and the attractions...unreal. Perhaps running the Rock 'N Roll Las Vegas Marathon is the way to see the Strip with an elevated heart rate.