New York City provides incredible running events throughout the year, catering to all levels and distances. These races are amazing ways of building community and seeing the city’s landmarks, beautiful parks, and scenic byways. The NYC Marathon is the largest marathon in the world! But even if you’re not here for the annual race in November, there are plenty of runs to participate in throughout the year. Here are the ones runners deemed the best.
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Frozen Penguin 5K (January)
Usher in the New Year with a 5K through the gentle rolling hills of Central Park. January temperatures in NYC average between 27 and 38 degrees, but don't let the winter weather stop you from getting outside and enjoying this fun and challenging run through possible snow, slush, and ice. The Frozen Penguin begins on West Drive near 90th Street and finishes on the 102nd Street transverse.
New York Road Runners’ 13.1-mile race begins in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park before heading south down Ocean Parkway to Coney Island. The Brooklyn Half Marathon is a wonderful way to usher in the summer season, as runners finish at the Coney Island boardwalk amid the historic amusement park and the beach. NYCRuns also hosts its own Brooklyn Half Marathon every April. The newer race differs from the May race in that it tours the north side of the borough along the waterfront and the Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Williamsburg bridges. For more half marathons, check out the Central Park Half Marathon & 5K (February), Women’s Half Marathon (April), and the Big Apple Half Marathon & 5K (December).
The popular race celebrated its 41st year in 2022 with another sprint down the 20-block stretch of Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue (Laura Muir beat the women’s record in 2022 at 4:14.8, Sydney Maree has held the men’s record since 1981 at 3:47.52). Lace up and run the short, fast race past iconic landmarks of the Upper East Side’s Museum Mile.
Haunted Island 5K & 10K (October)
Halloween brings the 5K and 10K to Governors Island, where runners are encouraged to wear costumes as they pass the island’s abandoned buildings and old cemeteries with a haunted history of military executions, accidents, tragedies, and more. Registration for the NYC Halloween run includes a ferry ticket to the island, as well as Halloween-themed, post-race eats and candy.
With over 50,000 competitors and 3 million spectators, the NYC Marathon is the largest marathon in the world. The 26.2-mile race takes runners competing for the 1st place prize of $100,000 through all five boroughs of the city, starting on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge on Staten Island before passing through Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, and finishing in Central Park, just blocks from The Manhattan Club. The marathon’s Opening Ceremony sets up at the finish line a few days prior to race day for an epic party featuring the Parade of Nations (a showcase for runners from all over the world) and fireworks.
Although NYC has more than one Turkey Trot (see also the 5-mile Prospect Park Turkey Trot in Brooklyn), this Thanksgiving Day 5K takes place on Governors Island. The small island in the heart of New York harbor is exceptionally beautiful in the fall, and offers some of the best vantage points in the city. Your entry to the Turkey Trot also includes your ferry ticket, the official race t-shirt, and post-race eats.
Join other like-minded runners looking to end the year on the right (and left) foot. The Midnight Run begins with the countdown to the New Year followed by a fireworks display that kicks off the start of the 4-mile race in Central Park. For more holiday-themed runs with a fun twist, see the Brooklyn Santa Suit 5K, Rockaway Santa Suit 5K, Jingle Bell Jog, and The Ugly Sweater Run.
If you’re traveling to NYC for a run, you’ll need a place to stay. The Manhattan Club is located in Midtown, only blocks from the finish lines of races like the Frozen Penguin, 5th Avenue Mile, New York City Marathon, and New Year’s Eve Midnight Run. See which of our special offers works for you.
Now for a limited time, book to receive 20% off your nightly rate, plus a box of Leonidas chocolates and an Uber gift card. Read more.
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