Many guests on our NYC running tours often ask about running races. The truth is, NYC hosts running races nearly every day, offering various lengths, styles, themes, and levels of competitiveness. Major race organizers include New York Road Runners, NYCRUNS, and Trimara, among others. Occasionally, Rock ‘n’ Roll races and Tough Mudder events also take place in New York.
Main NYC Running Races
TCS NYC Marathon
Date: 2 November 2025
Start Time: 8:00 AM E.T
The pinnacle of NYC running races is undoubtedly the TCS New York City Marathon, a “major” that takes place every first Sunday in November. Starting on the Verrazano Bridge in Staten Island, this iconic race weaves through all five boroughs—Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx—before finishing in Central Park. With over 53,000 finishers in 2018, the average finish time was four hours and thirty-eight minutes. Due to its popularity, entry can be challenging, with options to qualify based on marathon or half-marathon times, run for a charity, or enter a lottery. Locals often complete the “9+1” challenge, running nine qualifying races and volunteering at one event in the previous year to secure a spot.
Even if you’re not running, the marathon expo is worth visiting for great deals on running products, insights from speakers in the running world, and tips on racing strategies. Be sure to cheer on the runners, especially along First Avenue in Manhattan, known as the loudest stretch of the race. For an even more rewarding experience, stick around the southeast corner of Central Park in the later hours to cheer for the determined finishers.
Five Borough Series
Dates:
- United Airlines NYC Half: 17 March 2024
- RBC Brooklyn Half: 18 May 2024
- NYRR Queens 10K: 15 June 2024
- New Balance Bronx 10 Mile: 22 September 2024
- NYRR Staten Island Half: 13 October 2024
The NYRR Five-Borough Series highlights the unique character and communities of each New York City borough. This series is a true celebration of the city’s diversity and offers a fantastic way to experience the different neighborhoods through running.
Empire State Building Run-Up
Date: TBD
The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU) is the world’s most famous tower race, challenging participants to race up 86 flights—1,576 stairs—of this iconic building. The fastest runners cover the distance in about 10 minutes, making it an ultimate test of endurance. This exclusive race is by invitation only, attracting the best in the sport of tower-running.
Smaller and Club Races
Aside from the standard NYC running races, New York has some pretty spectacular novelty races;
NYC Runs Frozen Penguin 5K
Date: 5 January 2025
Start Time: 9 AM
Brave the cold with the Frozen Penguin Half Marathon and 5K in Central Park. This USATF-certified race is perfect for those who don’t mind a chilly start to their year. Bundle up and enjoy this winter challenge!
NYC Runs Brooklyn Half Marathon
Date: 27 April 2025
Start Time: 7 AM
This race offers an iconic route through Brooklyn, starting in North Brooklyn and winding along the waterfront beneath the Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges, with breathtaking views of Manhattan. The route continues through Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue, passes Grand Army Plaza, explores brownstone Brooklyn, and concludes in Prospect Park.
NYC Runs Haunted Island 10k
Date: 26 October 2024
Start Time: Event – 7:30 AM; 10K – 9:00 AM
Get ready for a spooky good time with the NYCRUNS Haunted Island 10K on Governors Island. Your entry includes a ferry ride, race entry, a tech shirt, post-race refreshments, and plenty of Halloween vibes.
NYRR Midnight Run
Date: December 31, 2024
Start Time: 11:59 PM
Ring in the New Year with the NYRR Midnight Run, a unique 4-mile race that kicks off at the stroke of midnight in Central Park. Celebrate the arrival of 2025 with a spectacular fireworks display. This race marks the final event of the 2024 9+1 program, offering participants a chance to earn guaranteed entry to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Start your New Year with an exhilarating run!
Central Park 5K Run
Central Park is one of the most popular places to run in New York City, and this guided running tour shows you why through the eyes of a native. Explore sights such as the Literary Walk, Alice in Wonderland, Hans Christian Andersen, and Shakespeare’s Garden. We’ll wave as we pass the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Central Park Zoo, and the iconic Bethesda Fountain. Pay respects to John Lennon in Strawberry Fields before crossing the finish line for the NYC Marathon. This tour offers ample opportunities for gorgeous shots and is a must for anyone wanting to experience the New Yorkers’ oasis.
For those who prefer exploring the city at a different pace, our New York City Running Tours showcase the diverse sides and personalities of the city through various guided experiences.
There is a vast selection of NYC running races, so you’re sure to find one that suits your taste.
For more options, visit New York Road Runners and NYCRUNS to explore upcoming races.
Happy Running!
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