The Best Races - New York
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A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central
A Merry Christmas Run takes place in Central Park, New York, NY on December 26, 2026. The event offers timed and virtual participation options and a separate family fun run.
Distances
- 5K
- 10K
- Half-marathon (13.1)
- Virtual Run
- Family 1 Mile Fun Run
The run is organized as smaller, private group waves with a cap per wave; waves are filled on a first come, first served basis. Participants may run or walk, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian. Timing is optional: participants can track time with a personal app and submit results, or request on-course coordinator timing. No timing chips are used.
Swag is mailed to the US address provided at registration. Typical finish items include a running T-shirt, a finisher towel or giveaway, a finisher medal, a digital training pack, and an online certificate of completion. A technical running shirt upgrade is available for an additional fee. Race bibs are provided on race day; packet pickup is not required.
A virtual run option provides a digital training pack and a medal upon result submission. Fundraising is optional; the organizer notes a pledge to donate $1 for each mile logged after the race to partnered charities. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
