Best Running Routes NYC: Hudson Yards Loop

The most interesting run in New York City isn't on the ground at all. It's straight up.  

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Vessel Run

Vessel Run is a high-intensity interval training class engineered by Equinox's Precision Run, built entirely around Vessel's interconnected staircases. Over 45 minutes, you'll climb close to a vertical mile and more than 2,500 steps, stopping at the landings along the way for bodyweight conditioning.

It combines cardio, agility, and strength into one workout, with the city and the Hudson River as the view at every stop.  

Classes run weekly on Thursday mornings through September, at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, weather permitting. Tickets start at $55 and include admission to Vessel itself. Guests in the 7:00 AM class get time to explore and photograph Vessel before class, and guests in the 8:00 AM class get that same time afterward.  

Tickets will be released weekly on Fridays at 9:00 AM (ET) for classes taking place in 30 days.  

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The Loop Around It  

If you want to keep moving after Vessel Run, or just want a regular run instead, Hudson Yards sits right where two of the city's best running paths meet. The High Line runs about 1.5 miles between Gansevoort Street and West 34th Street, best run early before it fills with walkers. From there, drop down to the Hudson River Greenway, a flat, car-free path along the water. Head north toward Riverside Park or south toward Battery Park City, then loop back to Hudson Yards. A short loop combining both stays under 4 miles, while continuing further south and back can stretch past 9 miles.  

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What Makes These Options Great for Runners  

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1. Vessel Run: A vertical, staircase-based workout you can't do anywhere else in the city
2. High Line and Hudson River Greenway: Flat, mostly car-free paths with water views for most of the Greenway portion, the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline on one side, and easy to shorten or extend the loop depending on where you turn back
3. Both: Start and end at Hudson Yards, with The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards right there for a post-run coffee, juice, or breakfast.

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Frequently Asked Questions  

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What is Vessel Run?
Vessel Run is a 45-minute high-intensity fitness class held on Vessel's staircases, engineered by Equinox's Precision Run. It covers more than 2,500 steps with conditioning stops along the way and runs weekly on Thursdays with classes at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM.  

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What days can I do Vessel Run?  

Vessel Run classes are available every Thursday from April to September, weather permitting.  

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How long is the Hudson Yards running loop?  

Combining the High Line and the Hudson River Greenway, a short loop from Hudson Yards stays under 4 miles. Continuing further along the Greenway can extend the route past 9 miles.  

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Can I run on the High Line?  

Yes, though it's best done early in the morning before it gets crowded with walkers, since running isn't the primary use of the path.