The debate around the best cities in the US for runners usually includes the same few places. Cities like San Francisco and Denver are commonly cited due to their varying terrain and incredible views. Others prefer towns like Boston or Washington D.C., which give runners a taste of the hustle and bustle common to the East Coast.
While these cities attract runners from around the world, there are far more cities that deserve to be considered. They offer favorable surfaces, warm temperatures, and safe routes, giving runners everything they need without paying exorbitant prices to visit the country’s more popular destinations.
Below, we’ll share the three cities we consider to be hidden gems for runners across the US.
Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix Valley is one of the most populated metro areas in the country, but it is often not considered when runners are searching for a new city. The combination of ever-expanding concrete and sweltering summer temperatures makes it an undesirable location during the summer months. However, you’ll also find warmer temperatures and plentiful sunshine during the other three seasons, making for perfect running conditions.
Arizona’s capital city has received a massive facelift over the last two decades. As a result, the options to run around the city have been vastly improved. With a combination of new-age and old Spanish architecture, the city offers beautiful and unique views for runners.
Not looking for a city run? No problem! Runners have the option to head to South Mountain for plenty of trails through the desert foothills. They can also head west to Mesa, where runners will find flat terrain and open desert.
While we don’t recommend visiting in July or August, we highly recommend considering Phoenix for your next running destination.
Milwaukee, WI
If you enjoy running in cities but are tired of the crowds, Milwaukee may be the spot for you. This midwestern city is just 90 miles north of Chicago, but is a fraction of the size. This means more open room for runners who want to get out of the non-stop action of a big city.
Milwaukee is located right on the shores of Lake Michigan. Over the decades, it has invested millions to build up the lakefront, creating plenty of parks, beaches, and other open spaces. This means visitors can enjoy the action of staying downtown, while also being just minutes away from jaw-dropping scenic trails.
If you aren’t impressed by Milwaukee’s lakefront parks, then you can find even more by heading west on I-94. This will take you to several large lakes, woods, and the gorgeous Lampham State Park.
One drawback for Milwaukee is its small airport, which can be hard to find direct flights into. Those struggling to find the right flights can also consider flying into Chicago’s far larger airports and taking a quick train ride through the woods and farmlands of Wisconsin.
Las Vegas, NV
We head back to the desert for our third city. While the summer months consistently see triple-digit temperatures, its higher altitude makes it slightly cooler than Phoenix. It also means you’ll have to work a little harder, leading to more calories being burned.
Some runners enjoy going up and down the famous Las Vegas Strip, but it features massive crowds containing angry and/or intoxicated visitors who can provide a challenge. Fortunately, Lake Mead is a quick drive from the Strip and offers stunning views of the massive desert lake. Runners can also head to the west end of the metro area to visit paths along beautiful red rock formations.
One primary reason for the love of Las Vegas is the city’s world-class gambling industry. There is no shortage of casinos and sports books, allowing visitors to try their luck after hitting the trails. If you’re visiting from the UK, we recommend taking time to familiarize yourself with how mobile and retail gambling works in Las Vegas. While the city has a long and well-respected reputation, you’ll find its gaming works differently compared to what you might be familiar with on online platforms, such as those reviewed on sites like Casino.com UK reviews.
One last benefit of choosing Las Vegas is its massive international airport. It offers plenty of fantastic flight options, both from domestic and overseas cities. The airport is located close to the main Strip, making it a quick trip for visitors to get to and from their hotels.
