Central Park Running Heads-Up: Week of May 3–9

Hey runners,

A few things on the Central Park calendar this week are going to get in your way. Here’s what to know so you can plan your routes.

Today (Sun May 3) — the big one

The TD Five Boro Bike Tour finish takes over Center Drive and East Drive from 7 AM to noon. Most of the lower and east loop is a no-go until early afternoon. Your options:

• Run the Bridle Path or the Reservoir loop instead
• Push your run to after 1 PM, when things should be reopening
• Heads up: Bandshell Plaza has the Arise New York event noon–6 PM, so expect West Drive crowds in the afternoon too

Mon–Fri (May 4–8) — mornings at Engineers’ Gate

The Frederick Law Olmsted Luncheon is set up at the 5th Ave sidewalk at 97th / Duke Ellington Circle from midnight to noon every day this week. If you usually enter the Reservoir at Engineers’ Gate (90th & 5th), you’ll hit congestion. Enter at 86th or 96th instead and you won’t notice it.

Wed May 6 afternoon — Reservoir north side

There’s an event setup at North Reservoir Landscape A from 2–5 PM, right next to the track. Probably fine, but expect some foot traffic on the north end during that window.

Sat May 9 afternoon — West Drive at 72nd

Central Park Skate Circle rolls in at Dead Road North from 2–7 PM. The crowd spills toward West Drive near 72nd. Run earlier in the day or stick to the upper park.

Quick recap

Sun 5/3, 7 AM–noon — Center & East Drive Run the Bridle Path or Reservoir, or wait until 1 PM.

Mon–Fri mornings — Engineers’ Gate (90th & 5th) Enter the Reservoir at 86th or 96th instead.

Wed 5/6, 2–5 PM — Reservoir north side Run earlier in the day, or pick a different loop.

Sat 5/9, 2–7 PM — West Drive at 72nd Run in the morning, or stay in the upper park.

The calmest windows this week look like weekday early mornings (after the Bike Tour) and Sat morning before noon. Have a good week out there.

See you on the loop, The Central Park Guide