Plan Your Racing Calendar Based on Your Goals

We’re thrilled that registration is now open for our remaining 2022 races, and we can’t wait to welcome you to starting lines all over NYC and beyond.

Check out our 2022 race calendar.

With all the choices, what’s the best way to plan your racing schedule? Find helpful guidelines below from our Coaching team.

To help you train for races—or meet any running goals—check out our training resources, offered virtually anywhere in the world and in-person in NYC.

What Are Your Racing Goals?

To plan your calendar, consider your racing goal. You may have more than one goal, and goals may change over time. That’s fine; it’s why we offer so many different races.

For each goal below, we’ve suggested several possible upcoming races—but don’t feel limited by these suggestions. Check out our full race calendar for all the options. 

If Your Goal Is: Run Your First Race 

You Should Sign Up For: NYRR Newport 5K, NYRR Brooklyn R-U-N, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, Race to Deliver 4M, NYRR Frosty 5K

Because: Whether you're starting to race for the first time or getting back into it after a break, these races are on the shorter side and have manageable courses (not too many hills!) and a fun, relaxed atmosphere.

If Your Goal Is: Run for Fun—Either Solo or with Friends

Races: NYRR Newport 5K, Mastercard New York Mini 10K, Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 4M, Italy Run by Ferrero 4M, NYRR Brooklyn R-U-N, Harlem Run 5K, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, Frosty 5K, NYRR Midnight Run

Because: Racing can be fun and social, centered on enjoying time with friends and meeting new ones. You'll be in the company of many other runners looking for a fun experience at these events.

If Your Goal Is: Try Something New

You Should Sign Up For: NYRR Newport 5K, Mastercard New York Mini 10K, NYRR Queens 10K, Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, NYRR Van Cortlandt Cross Country #1 (October 2) and #2 (November 20), NYRR Frosty 5K, NYRR Midnight Run

Because: Whether you travel to another borough or state, zip down Fifth Avenue, or try cross country, racing can be a great way to spice up your running—so check out these races and indulge your sense of adventure!

If Your Goal Is: Tune Up for a Big Event

You Should Sign Up For: NYRR Queens 10K, Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 4M, NYRR Team Championships 5M, TCS New York City Marathon Training Series 12M, NYRR Grete’s Great Gallop 10K, New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, TCS New York City Marathon Training Series 18M, NYRR Staten Island Half, NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K

Because: If you have a big goal race on the calendar, like the TCS New York City Marathon, you can race at a shorter distance as a tune-up. At these races you'll find many other runners tuning up alongside you. 

If Your Goal Is: Run with Purpose

You Should Sign Up For: Mastercard New York Mini 10K, Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run, Achilles Hope & Possibility 4M, Race to Deliver 4M, NYRR Frosty 5K

Because: Racing can be a great way to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusivity in running and throughout society and to raise funding and awareness for causes that matter to you. All NYRR races support our mission to help and inspire people through running.

If Your Goal Is: Race Competitively

You Should Sign Up For: NYRR Newport 5K, Mastercard New York Mini 10K, NYRR Queens 10K, Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run 4M, NYRR Team Championships 5M, New Balance 5th Avenue Mile, New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, NYRR Staten Island Half, NYRR Van Cortlandt Cross Country #1 (October 2) and #2 (November 20), NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K

Because: To run a fast time—even a PR—pick races on flat, fast courses, such as Newport 5K, Queens 10K, or 5th Avenue Mile. For a serious race atmosphere, look to the NYRR Club Points 5M. Of course, you can race as seriously as you wish at any NYRR race!

If Your Goal Is: Run a Virtual Race

You Should Sign Up For: Virtual RBC Brooklyn Half, NYRR Global Running Day 5K, and other virtual races coming soon

Because: NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava lets runners join in our events anywhere in the world on the date and time they choose within the race window. Even when we run alone, we run together and all end on the same leaderboard.

Happy racing, and we'll see you at the finish line!