New York East River Run to Randall's Island and an Asphalt Green Pass
Updated October 3, 2026
Run north from Asphalt Green on the East River Esplanade, cross the 103rd Street footbridge, loop Randall's Island along the Harlem River and past the Hell Gate, then swim in a 50 meter pool.
The East River Esplanade traces the edge of Yorkville and the Upper East Side, with tugboats pushing barges against the tide and a parade of bridges for company. Head north and a slim footbridge at 103rd Street lifts you over the river to Randall's Island, with ballfields, salt marsh and quiet shoreline paths. Asphalt Green, the nonprofit sports center built around a 1944 asphalt plant whose parabolic concrete arch is now a landmark, sells a day rate that includes its Olympic pool. Your gear can stay in the locker room during the run if staff confirm the day rate lets you come and go. As of October 2026, Bounce charges from $2.90 a day if you'd rather drop off a suitcase.
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The run: East River Esplanade and Randall's Island loop
Tidal currents, tugboats and bridges keep the scenery moving, the footbridge leads to an island most visitors never see, and the ground stays flat.
- Distance
- 8.9 km (5.5 mi)
- Start
- Asphalt Green Upper East Side
Leave Asphalt Green, join the East River Esplanade and run north beside the water, with tiny Mill Rock island offshore. At 103rd Street, climb the ramp onto the pedestrian bridge and cross to the Wards Island end of Randall's Island. Follow the shoreline path north along the Harlem River, with East Harlem across the water, to the turnaround in the northern half of the island. Head back south down the island's east side past the ballfields, under the RFK Bridge and the arches of the Hell Gate railroad viaduct, to the Hell Gate shore facing Astoria. Round the southern tip, follow the water back to the footbridge and recross. Run south on the esplanade past the gym into Carl Schurz Park for a look at Gracie Mansion, the Federal style house from 1799 that has been the official home of the mayor since 1942. Finish with an easy jog back to Asphalt Green.
Open the route mapThe day rate covers the 50 meter Olympic pool, the smaller pools and the fitness center, with locker rooms and showers to wash up after.
- Price
- As of October 2026, $35 day rate at the front desk
- Showers
- Yes
- Hours
- Monday to Friday 5:30 am to 10 pm, weekends 6 am to 8 pm
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