Top Scoring Cities for Running Enthusiasts in the United States
Running is a great way to stay active and explore the landscape, whether you're in a bustling city or a remote countryside. In the United States, you'll find a variety of terrains that cater to different running styles.
Here are some key factors that make a city desirable for runners:
- Climate: Mild temperatures are ideal, as extreme heat or cold can be a challenge.
- Air Quality: Cities with cleaner air are a runner's dream.
- Water Quality: While not directly related to running, clean water indicates a healthier environment.
- Traffic Congestion: minimizing traffic ensures safer, more enjoyable runs.
- Elevation: Lower elevations are better for speed training, while higher elevations can help build endurance.
- Running Clubs: A strong running community with numerous clubs can make your running journey more enjoyable and supportive.
Based on these criteria, Puma Europe's independent data collection partner analyzed data from cities across the United States to reveal the top U.S. cities for runners in 2022:
- Portland, Oregon -Portland has clean air, excellent water quality, a mild climate, relatively low traffic congestion, and is situated at sea level, perfect for speed training. It boasts numerous running clubs, making it a haven for runners.
- Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Colorado Springs offers good air quality, clean water, has a moderate climate, and lower traffic congestion than many cities. It also has less elevation compared to other popular running cities.
- Tulsa, Oklahoma -Tulsa boasts good air quality, clean water, a mild climate, lower traffic congestion, and less elevation, making it an attractive destination for runners.
Also making the top ten:
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Denver, Colorado
- Columbus, Ohio
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Omaha, Nebraska
Regardless of where you live, you can reap the health benefits of running, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, weight management, joint strengthening, and reduced stress. Even if you live in a climate where it's cold, rainy, or humid, you can still hit the treadmill to get similar benefits as running outdoors. So lace up those shoes and hit the pavement!
If you feel the need to make your running routine more exciting, consider listening to podcasts or audiobooks, switching up your running locations, setting goals, finding a running buddy, or adding cross-training like strength training and yoga to your routine. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll find that running can also deliver mental health benefits, helping you clear your mind and improve your overall well-being.
- Runners in Portland, Oregon, can enjoy excellent fitness benefits due to the city's clean air, excellent water quality, mild climate, and lower traffic congestion, all contributing to enjoyable and safer runs.
- In Colorado Springs, Colorado, runners can appreciate good air quality, clean water, lower traffic congestion, and less elevation compared to other popular running cities, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to manage their weight and improve their cardiovascular fitness.
- Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers runners similar benefits to those in Portland and Colorado Springs, with good air quality, clean water, a mild climate, lower traffic congestion, and less elevation, making it a compelling choice when considering factors for weight management and joint strengthening.