Best of Boston

Every runner has his or her own personal preference for, say, the simplicity of a small loop around Jamaica Pond, or the solitude of the Somerville bike path. But only the Esplanade trail along the Charles has it all: spectacular views of the Boston skyline from the Cambridge side, Harvard and MIT from the Boston side, and the sailboats and rowing shells from either bank. Not to mention silhouettes of the many bridges. Marathoners-in-training opt for the entire 17-mile loop, but most popular is the three-mile circle between the Mass. Ave. and Longfellow bridges. Sure, it can get crowded, but look at it this way: The camaraderie—and competition—just may push you that much harder.