The Least You Need To Know For The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K

Here’s the least you need to know for the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K in Central Park this Sunday, January 4.

Getting to the Race

Mass transit is the best way to get to the race. Check MTA.info for schedule information, details on any planned service changes, and the latest updates on train or bus service. Parking around the park is limited.

The Festival Area is located by the 102nd Street Transverse, adjacent to the North Meadow ballfields next to East Drive. The Start Area is located on West Drive at 89th St.

The Festival Area Opens at 7:00 AM

This is the hub of race activity where you’ll pick up your bib and race shirt, check a bag, use the bathroom, and get any questions answered before the race. It’s also where you’ll end up when you finish the race.

Pick Up Your Race Bib First

If you haven’t received your bib in the mail, you’ll pick it up at the Bib Pick-Up Tent in the Festival Area. Bib pick up closes at 8:30 AM, so please arrive no later than 8:00 AM to give yourself enough time. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Start Corrals from the Festival Area.

• When picking up your bib, have your personal QR code ready. It’s located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard. Add it to your Apple Wallet. Screen shots are fine too. If you’re also picking up a bib for other runners, make sure you have a screen shot of their QR code(s) too.
• For safety and security reasons and per NYCRUNS policy, only you can run with the bib that’s assigned to you.

Get Your Swag

Pick up your official race singlet (yes, a singlet, because Penguins don’t need sleeves) in the Festival Area after picking up your bib. The Shirt Pick-Up Tent is a short walk away along the path next to the ballfields on your way to the Start Area. Be ready to show your QR code again. You can pick up your shirt after the race too. Sizes are not guaranteed.

Check a Bag 

If you’ve got gear to check, go to the Bag Check Area (which is across from the Shirt Pick-Up Tent) and drop your things off. For security reasons, all items must be in a clear bag. NYCRUNS can provide an 18” x 24” clear bag if you don’t have one.

Be in Your Start Corral by 8:45 AM 

The Start Corrals will be lined up by letter (AA – F). Your corral assignment will be noted on your bib and is determined by the pace you selected in the Profile section of your NYCRUNS Dashboard. For your safety, be aware of bike and official vehicle traffic on West Drive as you walk to the Start.

• Please enter the Corrals using the entrance lane near West Drive near 90th St.
• Bathrooms and water will be available on the 96th St. ramp off West Drive.
• If you’re shedding layers of clothing when you start, please drop the items in the clothing donation bins adjacent to your start corral. NYCRUNS will collect and donate all clothing to charity.

The Course

Check out the USATF-certified 5K course starting on West Drive at 89th St. and finishing on the 102nd St. Transverse just off East Drive. There will be a hydration station with bathrooms just prior to Mile 2. Please familiarize yourself with our Rules of Competition.

At The Finish

We’ll be there at the Finish with your medal and refueling options including water, Gatorade, a bagel, and an apple. Please help us keep Central Park clean by refraining from using Confetti cannons, which are extremely difficult to clean up.

Track Your Run & Check Out Your Results

You and your supporters can get real-time runner tracking during the race with the NYCRUNS Events App. Download the app now at the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Soon after the race you’ll receive an email when the preliminary results are posted on our website. If you’re an overall or group award winner, you’ll receive an email 10-14 days after the race once the results are official.

Share Your Run on Social

Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook #NYCRUNS #FrozenPenguin5K #WinYourRace

Recharge

Elevate your wellness routine at BATHHOUSE. Optimize recovery with saunas, cold plunges, steam rooms, thermal pools, and elite massages. Recharge in Manhattan or Williamsburg – book your visit today.

Check here for more race details.