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Boston takes the bronze among runner-friendly cities

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Runners crossed the Boston Marathon Finish Line during the 2016 B.A.A. 5k on April 16, 2016.Maddie Meyer

Congratulations, Boston. Sure, the city's public transit system may be a financial mess, and its streets can become clogged with traffic.

But for those who like to hoof it, Runner's World magazine says Boston is among the best cities in the country.

The magazine recently offered up its 50 best "running cities" list, with Boston taking the bronze, following San Francisco and Seattle. (In case you're wondering, New York City came in eighth.)

Charles River stands out as a great place to jog, but Boston has more to offer runners, the magazine reports: through Copley Square, over the Boston Marathon finish line, or maybe along the Emerald Necklace.

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"Each mile could bring you to a different historic destination, and runners who've traversed the city for years say their routes feel like scavenger hunts," Runner's World reports.

Historic sightseeing aside, the magazine claims that "99.6 percent" of the city's population has access to locations for physical activity, and most can walk to a park.

The magazine's list was based on a review of 250 American cities with populations of more than 160,000 that also showed a high participation in running, according to a 2014 survey. It also took into account safety, climate, and other factors, according to the article.

It's not the most unusual list Boston has found itself on: the city's ability to survive a zombie attack, its legions of . . . creative drivers, and die-hard sports fan culture have all placed Boston on top-something lists.

Lifestyle issues appear to be why San Francisco took first place: the city is home to 16 running clubs and nearly 250 races in 2016, the magazine reported. Plus, runners' routes can take them past views of the Golden Gate Bridge and other local landmarks.

Although, if we're being honest, it's not quite clear how Boston came in behind Seattle. Sure, Seattle has views of the natural rugged beauty of the Cascade Range and the Olympic Mountains — but there's no denying the city gets drizzly.

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And while Boston has the occasional snowpocalypse, area runners should get bonus points for getting through that.


John Hilliard can be reached at john.hilliard@globe.com