Running Routes in Providence
Providence is being recognized as one of the nation's top "runcation" destinations. Yahoo recently featured our city alongside iconic running spots like New York City, Athens and Portland, highlighting Providence's unique blend of urban river views and scenic park trails that make it perfect for travelers who love to explore on foot. Read the full article here.
Are you heading for a run? Explore Providence on one of these running routes:
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Some hills, great views, 4.25 miles
I enjoy starting my running route at The Wheeler School on Providence's East Side. It's not far from Downtown and easy to change up if you're looking for a shorter or longer run. Hope Street is a great place to start before venturing through historic, charming neighborhoods along Angell and Wickenden streets. As you approach the India Point Park Pedestrian Bridge, you'll enjoy some stunning views of the Providence River. Running along the river always reminds me that I'm about halfway there. When you get to South Water Street, you'll turn back towards the city, enjoying Providence's skyline. Running through Memorial Park offers a welcome bit of greenery, and then you'll finish the route with a rewarding uphill challenge on College Hill, enjoying historic and cultural landmarks along the way.
- Start at The Wheeler School
- Head right (South) on Hope Street
- Turn left (East) onto Angell Street
- Turn right (South) onto Ives Street
- Turn right (West) onto Wickenden Street
- Turn left (South) onto East Street
- Cross the India Point Park Pedestrian Bridge
- Turn right (West) onto the India Point Park Pathway, follow the pathway
- Exit the pathway and continue onto India Street
- Turn right (East) onto South Main Street
- Continue (North) towards South Water Street
- Cross over to the RiverWalk and head towards the Michael S. Van Leesten Memorial Pedestrian Bridge
- Run over (West) the pedestrian bridge and continue along the RiverWalk
- Turn right (North) onto the Providence River Greenway Bridge
- Continue left into Memorial Park, follow the Greenway through the park
- Turn right (East) onto College Street
- Turn left (North) onto Benefit Street
- Turn right (East) onto Olney Street
- Turn right (South) onto Brown Street
- Turn left (West) onto Meeting Street
- Turn right (South) onto Hope Street
- Finish at The Wheeler School
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One hill, along the river, 2.5 miles
I began running to improve my cardiovascular endurance as at La Gondola, I will regularly row for 8 to 9 hours. More importantly I run because it makes me feel young at heart and births many friendships in a wonderful community.
- Start at 5 Exchange Street (Homewood Suites)
- Go north past the train station to Gaspee Street
- Follow Gaspee around the State House and turn left on Smith Street
- Turn left onto Francis Street
- Follow Francis Street south and turn left toward Waterplace Park
- Follow the Providence RiverWalk to South Water Street (passing RISD, the Courthouse and Memorial Park)
- Turn right on the Michael S. Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge
- Turn right and travel north on the RiverWalk back to the Homewood Suites (following parallel to Dyer/ Memorial Boulevard)
- Turn left on Exchange Street, back to the Homewood Suites
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A 7-miler with rolling hills, starting and ending at the Providence College track
Molly Huddle is a 2-time Olympian and 28-time USA Champion who has spent 17 years running in Rhode Island. She came here out of college to train with the Providence College coach Ray Treacy.
- Begin at the track at Providence College (62 Wardlaw Ave., Providence, RI)
- Turn left on River Ave.
- Turn right on Smith St.
- Run up Smith Hill
- Take right on High Service Ave.
- Take a sharp left onto Fruit Hill Ave.
- Follow Fruit Hill to College Road, make a left through Rhode Island College
- Follow College Road to Mt. Pleasant Ave., take a right
- Take a left onto Whitford Ave. after Mt. Pleasant High School
- Turn left onto Academy Ave.
- Turn right onto Eaton St.
- Turn left back onto River Ave. heading towards Providence College
Outdoor Activities & Sports
Despite being an urban capital city, Providence boasts an impressive array of green space and recreational opportunities.
