The Best Races - New York
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Event Overview
The Oktoberfest Run is a themed running event held in New York's Central Park. It takes place on Saturday, September 26, 2026. Participants can choose from several race distances: a 5K, a 10K, or a Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). There is also a Family 1 Mile Fun Run and a Virtual Run option.
Event Format
This is described as a smaller, private group run with a participant cap per wave. There is no official timing equipment like chips; participants may track their own time using apps like Strava or ask event coordinators for assistance. All paces and ages are welcome, and participants under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Participant Information
Registration fees vary by distance. The event is organized by The Best Races, and sponsors include Gatorade. The race provides a swag bag that includes a running t-shirt (shipped to US addresses), a finisher's medal, a finisher's towel or giveaway, and a digital training pack. Race bibs are distributed on the day of the event.
Wave start times are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with Wave A at 7:30 AM. Late runners are permitted to start upon arrival, as coordinators remain on site for three hours after the first wave. A final update with course details is typically emailed to participants the Wednesday before the race. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
