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It’s an uncontroversial opinion that autumn is the perfect time to be a runner in New York. The temperature ranges from warm enough to skip the layers to a brisk coolness that is perfect for going miles without breaking a sweat. Meanwhile, the city’s public green spaces look even better in orange and red. No wonder the New York Marathon takes place every November.
But what if you’re not looking to race for 26 miles? What if your endurance just isn’t there? Or maybe your body is demanding you take it easy? You might also just be like me and want to get that heart rate up just long enough to meet health guidelines and not a second longer. For those of us who love running for a good time, not a long time, there’s no shortage of themed and scenic 5Ks coming up this fall. Whether you want to jog in a Halloween costume, pair your exercise with scenic views, or go straight from the finish line to a rave, there’s the perfect fun run for you. While you don’t have to race fast, you better sign up quick: The popular NYC Pizza Run in Brooklyn has already sold out for this year, and you don’t want to miss out on the rest of the season.
NYBG 5K Fun Run
The biggest problem with visiting the New York Botanical Garden is its sheer size. How can you take in the wonders of a lush 250-acre landscape in one visit? You won’t be able to clock all million-plus plants contained in the historic landmark in this run, but you will be able to appreciate over three miles of picturesque views, past meticulously maintained gardens and through the natural beauty of the Thain Family Forest. Also, go ahead and stop to smell the roses—this race isn’t timed. There’s also a post-run celebration on Daffodil Hill where you can talk to some of the Botanical Garden’s experts about plants, refuel with food and drink, and enjoy music from Uptown Vinyl Supreme, a Bronx-based DJ collective.
Race starts at 8am on September 27 at the Main Entrance of New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Boulevard, The Bronx. Tickets are $65 and include an All-Garden pass for the day. Purchase tickets at nybg.org.
The Classic Apple Pie HM & 5K
We’ve already established that running is autumn’s best athletic activity, which happens to pair nicely with the season’s most delicious dessert, the apple pie. This flat run on the paved boardwalk along Brooklyn’s shoreline starts at Veterans Memorial Pier in Bay Ridge and includes great views of the Verrazano Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. While some participants are putting their bodies to the test with a half marathon, even those casually walking the 5K course get a personal pie at the finish line.
Race starts at 9am on October 10 at Veterans Memorial Pier, Shore Rd and Bay Ridge Ave, Brooklyn. Tickets start at $44.15 and are available at elitefeats.com.
Diplo’s Run Club
Boasting nearly 900 acres and some of Queens’s most iconic sites, Flushing Meadows Corona Park is already a favorite running location for plenty of locals. But when Diplo comes to town, you’re rewarded for your efforts with a daytime rave. The DJ returns to New York for a low-pressure, mostly flat 5K race past the Unisphere and New York State Pavilion that culminates in a massive concert, so pace yourself and save some energy for the dance floor.
Race starts at 9 am on October 24 near the corner of Meridian Road and Rodman Walk in Queens. Tickets start at $140 and are available at diplosrunclub.com/new-york.
NYCRUNS Haunted Island
Competitive racing can be scary, but this Halloween-themed run is all treat, no tricks. Back for its 15th year, the Haunted Island 5K takes participants on a loop around Governors Island, past historic (possibly haunted!) military buildings and spooky holiday decorations to a finish line where plenty of candy and other tasty delights await. Many people like to dress up for the occasion—there’s even a costume contest—but choose your outfit wisely; it seems unlikely that you’ll outrun your competitors and earn a place on the podium if you’re wearing a full-length Gilded Age gown.
Race starts at 9 am on October 25 at Colonels Row on Governors Island; participants should take the 7 or 7:30am ferry leaving from Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street. Tickets start at $49.50 for NYCRUNS members, $55 for non-members, and are available at nycruns.com.
NYCRUNS Great Gobble 5K
While many traditional Turkey Trots take place on Thanksgiving, this holiday run moves the festivities to the Saturday before, leaving your Thursday wide open for parade-watching and feasting from the comfort of your couch. The Great Gobble takes place in Prospect Park, one of the most naturally beautiful spaces in the city. Even with the late-November date, there are usually still plenty of colorful leaves dotting the trees, which look even more breathtaking reflected in the morning light off the lake. There’s no turkey dinner waiting for you at the finish line, but after your workout, you will be feeling thankful for the complimentary bagels.
Race starts at 9am on November 21 at The Nethermead in Prospect Park, Brooklyn. Tickets start at $45 for NYCRUNS members, $50 for non-members, and are available at nycruns.com.