We like to joke that the weather in NYC this time of year is fit for penguins, but the truth is, it’s also fit for runners of all levels. Snag a new 5K PR to start the year! This race in Central Park is calling your name, Chilly Willy!
The course begins near 89th Street on West Drive, heads south before turning at 72nd Street, then north up East Drive before finishing on the 102nd Street Crossing. There will be a hydration station just before Mile 2. Medical assistance will be available throughout the course.
All NYCRUNS courses are USATF-certified.
We welcome Handcycle Division and Wheelchair Division athletes at this race as well as the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, the New Jersey Half Marathon at Newport, and all our 5K races in Prospect Park and Central Park. If your account reflects that you are in one of these divisions, you will automatically be entered into it when you register for this race. You can change your designation at any time in the Profile section of your NYCRUNS Dashboard. To ensure a safe race experience for all, Handcycle & Wheelchair Division athletes must be at the Start line ready to race at least 30 minutes before the race’s published start time.
NYCRUNS uses a pace-based corral system. Your start corral is indicated by the letter printed on your bib, AA-F. You should be in your start corral no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. Corrals are based on the pace indicated in the Profile section of your NYCRUNS Dashboard. You can update your pace at any time.
Bag Check (opens at 7:00 AM) - If you plan on checking your gear, you must use one single clear bag. If your bag isn't clear, NYCRUNS will provide you with a clear bag (18" x 24") when you check your gear. You may not put another full bag/backpack/briefcase filled with gear inside the clear bag that NYCRUNS provides. All items must fit inside one clear bag. NYCRUNS reserves the right to search the contents in your bag at any time.
Restrooms (open at 7:00AM) - Bathrooms are available on the 96th St. ramp to West Drive (between the Festival Area and the Start Corrals) and on the course at the hydration station just before Mile 2.
Hydration - Water will be available on the course prior to Mile 2 and water and electrolyte fluids will be available at the finish.
Post Race Refreshments - Fresh fruit and a bagel (with a schmear, of course) will be available to refresh and replenish you at the finish line.
Swag (distribution begins at 7:00 AM) - The giveaway for this race will be a super cool racing singlet (because Penguins don't need sleeves!). The singlets can be picked up on race day only. In order to cut down on waste, we try not to over order and sizes are not guaranteed. If you have your heart set on a size, we recommend picking up your singlet before the race.
Photos - Free finish line photos will be available within a week of the race. You will receive an email from MarathonFoto several days after the race to claim your photos.
You can pick up your bib in the Festival Area on race day beginning at 7:00 AM. We’ll provide pins for you to attach the bib to a visible, frontside location on your most outer layer of clothing. We suggest you arrive no later than 8:00 AM to pick up your bib. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Festival Area to the Start Corrals. The Bib Pick-Up Tent will close at 8:30 AM. Please allow yourself time to wait in line.
When picking up your bib, you’ll need to show your unique QR code which is located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard for this race. The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet. You can also show a photo of your QR code. To keep the lines moving, make sure you have your QR code ready.
If you are an NYCRUNS Member, your bib will be mailed to you at no additional cost if you registered more than 30 days before the race. You can become an NYCRUNS member at checkout and receive this free bib mailing benefit. If you are not an NYCRUNS Member, you can still have your bib mailed to you by adding this service at checkout for an additional $25.
Bibs can only be mailed to runners who register 30 days or more before the date of the event and can only be sent to a domestic mailing address (we cannot mail to an international address). If you are having your bib mailed to you, will not receive your race shirt in the mail with your bib. You will need to pick up your shirt on race day.
Please be aware that if you run without your bib properly placed on your body, you risk not being officially scored in our race results. For safety and security reasons and per NYCRUNS policy, you are the only person who can run with the race bib that’s assigned to you.
Results will be emailed and the full results will be posted on our results page after the race. If you do not see your result online or receive an email with your finish time, please fill out this form.
Awards will be given to the top three male, female and non-binary runners overall in each race. Age group awards in the 5K will be awarded to the top three in each the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over.
Additional information about awards can be found in our help section here.
See chart below. NYCRUNS members receive a 30% discount on this race, race withdrawal rights and other perks. You can become a member when you check out.
Race Credit (combined with the member discount) may be used to pay for up to 50% or $40 (whichever is greater) off the original race entry price.
Race day registration (if available) is online only.
| 5K | Members | Non-Members |
| Through 11/13 | $28 | $40 |
| Through 12/11 | $31.50 | $45 |
| Through 12/25 | $35 | $50 |
| Until Online Registration Ends | $42 | $60 |
Mass transit is always the best way to get to the race. Check MTA Trip Planner for up-to-date schedule information and google maps for detailed directions. Street parking is limited. Private lots are available (but might be filled) around the park.
Your first stop will be the Festival Area where you'll pick up your bib (if it wasn't mailed to you), your shirt, and bag check any personal items. The Festival Area is located near the 102nd Street Crossing, adjacent to the ballfields next to East Drive.
To enter from the west side of the park, take the B or C trains to 103rd St. or the M10 bus to 102nd St. Enter the park at 102nd St. and Central Park West.
To enter from the east side of the park, take the 6 train to 103rd St. or the M1, 2, 3, or 4 buses to 102nd St. Enter the park at 102nd St. and 5th Ave.
To go directly to the Start, take the B or C trains to 86th St. or the M10 bus to 90th St. Enter the park at 90th St. and Central Park West. The Start Corrals are on West Drive at 89th St.
Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
#NYCRUNS #FrozenPenguin #WinYourRace.
The standard no-refunds, no-transfers policy applies.
NYCRUNS members can withdraw for race credit. See details here.
Strollers and dogs are not allowed in NYCRUNS races.
You may be disqualified if earbuds or headphones hinder your awareness.
All NYCRUNS races have time limits. You must remain on pace to finish within the time limit to receive course support and an official finish time. If you fall behind pace and are directed off the course by a race marshal, please follow the instruction given for safety purposes.
Please familiarize yourself with our complete rules of competition.