These US Cities Are a Runner's Paradise

Next Wednesday is Global Running Day, and some cities are more amenable than others if you're in training to be the next Jackie Joyner-Kersee or Usain Bolt—or even if you just like hitting the pavement to burn off some stress and stay fit. Lawn Love scouted the 200 largest US cities, looking at more than two dozen metrics in seven main categories: climate, safety, affordability, community (ie, number of running clubs, races, and other events), foot care, running quality, and running access, including the number of running trails, parks, and fitness centers. San Francisco tops Lawn Love's list. Read on to see the site's top 10 picks, as well as 10 cities that could use a jogging jolt:

Best cities for running

1. San Francisco (No. 1 in "Running Quality" category)
2. New York (No. 1 in "Community" category)
3. San Diego
4. Portland, Oregon (No. 1 in "Running Access" category)
5. Oakland, California
6. Los Angeles
7. Seattle
8. Boston
9. Salt Lake City
10. San Jose, California

Worst cities for running

191. Amarillo, Texas
192. West Valley City, Utah
193. Ontario, California
194. Montgomery, Alabama
195. Kansas City, Kansas
196. Pasadena, Texas
197. Surprise, Arizona (last in "Running Quality," "Climate" categories)
198. Killeen, Texas (last in "Running Access" category)
199. Jackson, Mississippi
200. Macon, Georgia (last in "Safety" category)

See where else you'll want to pull on your running shoes here. (Check out America's most active city.)