Many of the guests on our NYC running tours want to know about running races. The truth is that NYC running races are almost a daily event. There are races of every length, style, theme, competitiveness, and premium type. The major race organizers are New York Road Runners, NYCRUNS, Trimara and others. On occasion, Rock N Roll will organize a New York race and Tough Mudder is based in Brooklyn.
Main NYC Running Races
TCS NYC Marathon
Date: 5 November 2023
Start Time: 8.30 AM E.T
The mother of all NYC running races is, of course, the TCS New York City Marathon. This “major” takes place on the first Sunday of November every year. It begins in Staten Island on the Verrazano Bridge, hits all five boroughs (Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, the Bronx) before ending in iconic Central Park. In 2018 there were over 53k finishers and the average finish time was four hours and thirty-eight minutes. It can be difficult to get entry to run the race, as there is no open registration. A limited number of runners can qualify with either Full or Half Marathon times. Runners can also run with a charity, or enter a lottery. Many locals complete something called “9+1” or “9+$1k”, which means in the previous calendar year they run nine qualifying races and either volunteer for an event or make a $1000 donation.
Even if you don’t run the marathon, the expo is definitely worth going to to find great deals on run products and other race entries, as well as hear some great speakers from the running world and racing strategies and techniques. Also, pick a place along the route and do some cheering – First Avenue in Manhattan is notorious for being the loudest stretch of the race (which is great because it’s about miles 16-18). Even better, stick around the southeast corner of Central Park in the later hours and cheer for the slower runners who are most determined to finish.
Five Borough Series
Date:
20 May 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half
19 March 2023 United Airlines NYC Half
17 June 2023 NYRR Queens 10K
New Balance Bronx 10 Mile (TBC)
NYRR Staten Island Half (TBAC)
The NYRR Five-Borough Series showcases New York Road Runners’ commitment to the individuals and communities in each borough. Due to health and safety concerns related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Visit our FAQ page for additional details.
Empire State Building Run-Up
Date: October 2023 (TBD)
The Empire State Building Run-Up (ESBRU)—the world’s first and most famous tower race—challenges runners from near and far to race up its famed 86 flights—1,576 stairs. While visitors can reach the building’s Observatory via elevator in under one minute, the fastest runners have covered the 86 floors by foot in about 10 minutes. Leaders in the sport of professional tower-running converge at the Empire State Building in what some consider the ultimate test of endurance.
Smaller and Club Races
Aside from the standard NYC running races, New York has some pretty spectacular novelty races;
Cupcake Run
Date: 21 October 2023
Start Time: TBA
Like sweets? Check out the Cupcake Run. This takes place in a beautiful residential part of Astoria, Queens, and benefits New York Cares.
Central Park 5k
Date: Various
The run that the locals love – explore NYC like a native New Yorker with the Central Park Run – a guided route through the best in-the-know spots.
Runyon 5k
Date: September 2023 (TBC)
Start Time: 9:30 AM
The Runyon 5k is your opportunity to run in and around Yankee Stadium. This run benefits cancer research and puts you in just about every part of the stadium (including two laps around the warning track!) Notably, this race is really a run/walk and is appropriate for everyone.
Spartan Stadion Citi Field
Date: November 2023 (TBC)
Start Time: TBC
If you’re looking for an obstacle race, check out Spartan Stadion Citi Field. It takes place at the home of the Mets in Flushing Meadows Queens and they recommend not bringing a “negative attitude.” With a few keystrokes, you can also find NYC running races which include; pizza runs, beer runs, and hot dog runs, if that’s more your style.
There is a huge selection of NYC running races, so hopefully, there is something that suits your taste. Otherwise, you could check out our New York City running tours, where we can tailor to your individual needs.
Happy Running
Kate
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IBIZA RUNNING RACES 2023