The Whys and Hows of Racing
We’re thrilled to open registration for nearly two dozen races on our calendar taking place from April through November. You can sign up starting today at the Member Plus level; general registration will open on March 3.
Check out our 2022 race calendar.
Some races are returning for the first time since the start of the pandemic in 2020, some returned last year with limited capacity, and others are new this year.
For most of us, racing in person has looked a bit different over the past two years as the pandemic forced us to take a break, at least temporarily. Maybe you’ve come back to racing with enthusiasm, or maybe you’ve hesitated to race as much as you used to—or at all.
No matter where you are with your racing, we can’t wait to welcome you to our upcoming events! We asked NYRR's Director of Runner Training & Education, Roberto Mandje, about the benefits of racing and tips to build your racing calendar.
More 2022 races will be opening later this spring; check your email and social media for updates.
The Benefits of Racing
Racing gives you a goal. Having a race on the calendar—whether it’s the TCS New York City Marathon, the RBC Brooklyn Half, or a 5K—is motivating. “It holds you accountable,” said Mandje. “It gets you out the door to run.”
Your goal race can help you structure your training. “You can work on aspects of successful racing, such as pacing,” said Mandje.
Racing helps you train smart. “If you just train and train, week after week, you can get stale or even develop an injury,” said Mandje. With races in the mix, you can keep things varied and back off your training before and after each race so your legs stay fresh. “That little break keeps you from overtraining and maintains excitement about what you’re doing," he added.
You can also use a race as a workout or long run (or part of one). “A race of any distance can be part of a long run or take the place of a workout you might do during the week,” noted Mandje.
Racing gets you fit. Pinning on a number, lining up, and taking off when you hear the starting horn brings out the best in us. “No matter how well you train, training doesn’t push you the way you’ll be pushed in a race,” said Mandje. Over time, the improvement you see in races—faster times—can be rewarding and motivating.
Racing teaches you to cope. “No race is ever perfect," said Mandje. "Maybe you get a hot day or a hilly course or your socks cause blisters. You figure out how to get through it and as a result you learn you can handle whatever race day gives you. You gain confidence from that.”
Racing builds skills. “A race has elements that you can’t duplicate in a workout, like picking up a paper cup of water to drink, being in a group of thousands of people, getting up early and traveling, pinning on your number, checking in, checking a bag,” said Mandje. For these things to become routine, you need to practice them by racing.
Racing is social. Many of us train solo or with just a handful of others. Racing widens that circle significantly and can be a great way to connect with friends and make new ones.
Racing is exciting. “You’ll feel adrenaline, the buzz of being around others, all the challenges of the day,” said Mandje. Especially if you haven’t raced in a while, it’ll feel like an adventure!
How to Plan Your Race Calendar
With so many races ahead, here are factors to consider when signing up.
What’s your goal? You may have a big race on the calendar, like the TCS New York City Marathon. To plan other races, work back from your goal race and register for other races that help you get fit and stay healthy for that goal.
The TCS New York City Marathon Training Series can support your marathon preparation and serve as check-ins on your fitness. “The Training Series, along with races like the Staten Island Half and New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, are great ways to build your endurance for the marathon” said Mandje. Shorter races, like 5Ks and 4-milers, can serve as workouts.
What’s the big picture? The races you sign up for should fit into your life overall. “Think about what you can afford—not just financially but also in terms of your life balance,” said Mandje. “Consider your work, family responsibilities, everything going on in your life.”
You can build your racing schedule over time; NYRR races remain open for registration until they reach the registration cap. Keep an eye on the race calendar, which will note when a race is “near capacity."
What’s special? You may choose a race because it has particular meaning for you—maybe you’ve run it in the past and want to keep a tradition going, or maybe it’s associated with a cause you care about. “Running that race will give you an extra bounce of joy, and that can inspire you,” said Mandje.
Other races may draw you simply because they’re fun. “It’s OK to sign up for a race and just enjoy it, with zero expectation of a great performance,” said Mandje. You’ll likely still run faster than if you just went out and logged miles on your own, he added. “You will benefit from a ‘fun’ race and get stronger physically, mentally, and in terms of experience.”
What’s your pandemic been like? If you’re hesitant to race because of the upheavals of the past two years, remember that running meets you where you are. “Don’t let the reference point of where you used to be dictate where you ‘should’ be or how your race should feel,” said Mandje.
Think of your race like a first date, he suggested. “It’s an introduction, no pressure,” he said. “It’s just a date. You will learn and grow from it, and hopefully you’ll come back for a second one.”
Sign into your dashboard and check out our race calendar.