Thinking of moving to a new city? Want to be where the runners are? We used a year's worth of ACTIVE.com race registration data to compile a list of places that are hotbeds for runners.
Whether it's the runner-friendly weather or many miles of running trails, runners are partial to certain parts of the country. If you're looking for a new running partner, head to one of these top 10 cities with the most runners per capita.
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The 10 U.S. Cities with the Most Runners Per Capita
Written by
Erica Schuckies
10) Chicago
Runners Per 100 People: 0.4
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The Chicago Marathon—the second largest marathon in the country—is a common bucket list item for many runners, and for good reason. The flat course is known for being extremely PR-friendly, and the city's entire landscape matches the course. Runners of all abilities flock to the city's Lakefront Trail, an 18-mile paved path that stretches the length of the city along beautiful Lake Michigan.
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Find a race near you9) Los Angeles
Runners Per 100: 0.6
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Runners in L.A. escape the notoriously bad traffic of the second most populated city in the U.S. and head to one of the many running trails in the area. From Runyon Canyon Park to Griffith Park, health-conscious locals can be seen indulging in the always-gorgeous weather.
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Find a race near you8) Austin, Texas
Runners Per 100: 1.73
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With Austin's many runner-friendly trails and race options, it's no surprise that this highly active city makes the list. The newly renovated Butler Trail takes runners along Town Lake in downtown Austin, providing breathtaking views of the city and waterfront. Home to the Austin Marathon, 3M Half Marathon, Capitol 10K and countless other 5Ks and 10Ks, this is certainly a place for those who love to run.
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Find a race near you7) San Antonio
Runners Per 100: 1.75
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San Antonio might fly under the radar, but it's a great town for runners of all abilities. With the Texas Hill Country just a stone's throw away, San Antonians have access to some of the best trail running in the South. And for those who prefer a more urban vibe, the Mission Trail through downtown is a favorite of both local runners and visitors alike.
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Find a race near you6) San Jose, California
Runners Per 100: 1.9
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Located about an hour south of San Francisco, San Jose is home to countless races that offer spectacular views of Northern California. The city's trail network offers more than 53 miles of recreational and commuting trails, including paths to the surrounding open spaces and foothills.
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Find a race near you5) Houston-The Woodlands, Texas
Runners Per 100: 2.0
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This coastal Texas city regularly lands on the country's fattest places list, so you might be surprised to see it here (we were, TBH). But remember, anyone can run, even if you don't have a so-called "runner's body." And with all that delicious Southern-fried food, Houstonites need a good way to work it off. Enter: Running.
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Find a race near you4) San Diego
Runners Per 100: 3.3
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San Diego is a hotbed of outdoor activity, and there's certainly no shortage of runners in this seaside city. With an average temperature swing of just 12 degrees and miles of running trails (paved, beach and trail), San Diego could be a runner's paradise.
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Find a race near you3) Las Vegas
Runners Per 100: 3.4
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If there's one thing Las Vegans can bet on, it's their health.
The high spot on this list could be due to the city's hosting of the largest Rock 'n' Roll race series. The Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is the only private event of the year where the strip closes down—and in 2015, over 23,000 runners took full advantage.
The high spot on this list could be due to the city's hosting of the largest Rock 'n' Roll race series. The Las Vegas Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K is the only private event of the year where the strip closes down—and in 2015, over 23,000 runners took full advantage.
Find and register for a
Find a race near you2) Cleveland
Runners Per 100: 3.5
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Cleveland's professional sports teams are teetering on the cusp of greatness, but their running population is booming. The city is home to the Rite Aid Marathon, an annual tradition since 1978, as well as the Rock Hall Half Marathon & 5K, which finishes at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in downtown Cleveland.
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Find a race near you1) Reno-Sparks, Nevada
Runners Per 100 People: 16.9
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Commonly known as "The Biggest Little City in the World," Reno is a city full of casinos, tourists and, well, runners. With the suburb of Sparks located just a few miles east of the city, this metropolitan area sits at the foot of the Sierra Mountains and offers miles of running trails.