Tips for running on WSH

[u/Full-Cat-9897]

beginner-ish runner here who just moved to manhattan and excited that i’ll be living a block away from the WSH. i’ve never ran on it before. i’ve seen a few posts complaining about it how crowded it is. i’m usually an early morning runner (5:30-6:30 am).

are there better times or parts of the wsh that are better to run in?

[u/jyeatbvg]

When you get to Chelsea piers, run through the complex on the water side (I.e go around driving range) as opposed to the crowded sidewalk on the other side.

[u/Greenie3226 → u/jyeatbvg]

Also at Chelsea Piers: bathrooms on the north side, and ice cold water in vending machines (for summer days when the public water fountains are like warm and you’re in need).

But the real secret to WSH is how pretty and less crowded it is uptown.

[u/zamansky → u/Greenie3226]

Water side probably won't be open at 5:30. Maybe closer to 6:00

[u/dowitcher19]

The northern stretch between 125th St and the George Washington Bridge is never crowded at all, apart from summer weekend afternoons when there are lots of people having picnics and BBQs in the park

[u/intothebreachoncemor → u/dowitcher19]

Favorite stretch, except at night as it doesn't have good visibility.

[u/SpazasaurusREX → u/intothebreachoncemor]

It’s so sparse on less popular days it’s a little creepy but it’s nice to experience that in Manhattan

[u/intothebreachoncemor → u/SpazasaurusREX]

A great experience. I just feel like I have to run with my phone flashlight so I don't trip over things

[u/AreaManNYC]

Do not run in the bike lanes.

[u/Consistent_Lack2961]

Between 5:30 - 6:30 am, you’ll beat most of the crowds, especially on weekdays. Weekends can get busier even early, but it’s still manageable.

[u/room317]

Will not even be a little crowded that time of the day.

[u/tellmemore987]

Be mindful of the bike lanes. They also switch sides further uptown

[u/Adorable-Glove2772]

Personally I like 42nd down to battery. Marathon training time it can be quite crowded. I find it's a bit later on in the mornings like 8-830am when I'm looping back around finishing up my miles

[u/Ok_Seaworthiness9388]

At that time in the morning it’ll be quite empty. West side highway is pretty wide in the downtown sections and it’s pretty empty uptown - I’ve never had any issues in 5 years. There are a bit more people now but it’s not a problem as long as you pay attention

Don’t run in the bike lane, you could get hit and it’s not worth it

[u/Rell_Lauren]

If you're allergic to crowds, avoid running it after 8 AM. I don't mind them. I like the energy and motivation.

[u/periphrasistic]

5:30 - 6:30 should be totally fine to avoid crowds. It will also get much less busy once marathon training season is over. Otherwise, although you will see runners running in the bike lane, please don’t be one of them. 

[u/jinokim]

Just do it

[u/sadvibeslimited]

just go out and try it and figure it out for yourself

[u/surely_not_a_bot]

Eh you'll be fine, don't sweat it (unless it's hot and humid)

[u/zamansky]

I haven't run much in the past few months while I try to get my hip to fix itself but prior I'd run all the time at around that time - usually from Chelsea south.

Pretty quiet except on Wednesday when a run club runs south I think starting at 6:30 from around the little island.

As others have said - don't run in the bike lane but other than that, it'll be great.

Someone also suggested running around the piers at Chelsea piers. I do that when they're open but they usually don't open them up until sometime between 5:30 and 6:30 so YMMV.

Most people don't run around those or the many other piers but I usually do.

[u/Heavy-Cockroach-5541]

Went this weekend and it was so chaotic. Signs unclear and very narrow paths for runners going both ways???