Running Races in New York City
New York City hosts over 100 organized races every year, from legendary World Marathon Majors to neighborhood 5Ks through Central Park. The running scene here is massive, competitive, and welcoming all at once. Whether you are chasing a BQ at the NYC Marathon or just want a fun Turkey Trot in Brooklyn, there is a race for you in every borough, every month of the year.
Best Months
March to May, September to November
State
New York
Top Race
TCS New York City Marathon
Total Races
6+ featured
Major Races in New York City
TCS New York City Marathon
MarathonWorld Major. 50,000+ runners through all five boroughs. Life-changing crowd support.
United NYC Half
Half MarathonSpring classic from Brooklyn to Central Park with stunning skyline views.
Brooklyn Half Marathon
Half MarathonLargest half in the US. Finish on the Coney Island boardwalk.
NYRR 5th Avenue Mile
1 MileOne mile down 5th Avenue. Fast, loud, iconic.
NYC Runs Brooklyn Marathon
MarathonSmaller, local alternative if you miss the big one.
Central Park 10K
10KNYRR hosts several 10Ks through Central Park year round.
Course Preview Video
Course Terrain
Mostly flat with rolling hills in Central Park and bridge climbs. Road surfaces are excellent. Expect some cobblestone in older neighborhoods.
Getting to the Start on Staten Island
The only way to reach the start at Fort Wadsworth is the official NYRR bus system from staging areas in Manhattan and Brooklyn, or the Staten Island Ferry followed by a shuttle. There is no public parking near the start, and every runner is assigned to one of three color coded starting villages that determine which lane of the Verrazzano Narrows Bridge they cross first.
The race releases the field in waves rather than all at once, and while the overall course profile is close to flat, the real test comes at the Queensboro Bridge climb into Manhattan around mile sixteen. Runners who go out too fast through the flatter Brooklyn miles often pay for it there.
A Weekend Built Around the Marathon
Marathon week includes the NYRR Dash to the Finish 5K, which finishes on the actual marathon finish line the day before the main event, plus a multi day expo at the Javits Center where the full field picks up bibs. The race is one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, so a meaningful share of the field is also chasing the six star medal that comes with finishing all of them.
Central Park hosts NYRR races most weekends of the year outside of marathon week, which means the same finish line stretch a marathoner crosses in November gets used for club time trials and open 5Ks the rest of the calendar. Few cities give their runners this many reps at race day nerves before the big one.
Race Day Tips for New York City
Take the subway to the start line. Driving to any NYC race is a mistake you will only make once.
Arrive at least 90 minutes early for major NYRR events. Bag check lines can be long.
The crowd support in NYC is unmatched, but do not go out too fast on the bridges.
Layer up for fall races. Morning starts can be 20 degrees colder than afternoon.
This page covers the 6 races in New York City we track closely, but there is always more happening on any given weekend. If none of these fit your schedule, search for a race anywhere in the country using registration platforms, club calendars, and local resources.
Sharpening your speed before race day matters as much as picking the right course. If your training block calls for measured intervals, find a running track near you in New York City for accurate splits away from traffic and stoplights.
Running Clubs in New York City
New York Road Runners
The biggest running club in the US. Organizes 50+ races a year.
November Project NYC
Free outdoor workouts every Wednesday at the Williamsburg steps.
Orchard Street Runners
Community crew from the Lower East Side. Social runs and race teams.
The clubs above are a starting point, not the full picture. For more ways to connect with training partners in New York City or anywhere else, see our guide to finding a running club.
Turn Your New York City Runs Into a Game
With five boroughs to explore, NYC is the ultimate territory capture playground. Open Motera and start claiming blocks from SoHo to the Bronx.
MoteraExplore New York City Running Routes
Looking for where to train between races? Check out our full running guide for New York City with top routes, terrain info, and local tips.
Running in New York City GuideFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the NYC Marathon?
You can enter the NYC Marathon lottery (drawing in February), qualify with a guaranteed entry time, join a charity team, or run as an international entrant through a tour operator. The lottery acceptance rate is about 18%.
What is the best race for beginners in NYC?
NYRR hosts several beginner friendly 5Ks and 4 milers in Central Park throughout the year. The Popular Brooklyn Half is also great for first time half marathon runners, though it fills up fast.
How many races does NYRR organize per year?
New York Road Runners organizes over 50 races per year, ranging from fun runs and 5Ks to the NYC Marathon. Most take place in Central Park or Prospect Park.
What is the best month to race in NYC?
October and November are the best months for racing in NYC. Temperatures are cool (45 to 60F), humidity drops, and the fall race calendar is packed with options.
Are there any free races in New York City?
Yes. NYRR offers several free race entries per year for members. November Project also organizes free timed workouts. Many local running clubs host free fun runs and time trials.
