New York Road Runners Presents Running Week

We have something to celebrate at New York Road Runners!

NYRR Presents Running Week, June 1-8, kicks it all off with events and happenings that frame the 50th anniversary of our founding on June 4, 1958. The celebratory mood will continue through the 40th running of the ING New York City Marathon on November 1, 2009.

Make plans now to join us for Running Week. The schedule features three races (including our NYRR 50th Anniversary Run—with no entry fee!), runner education programs with NYRR staff in Central Park, and a brand-new initiative for all New Yorkers to build a greener future by running or walking to work. Jump in, take part, and celebrate with us. See below for the schedule of Running Week events, and check back often for updates.

Sunday - Sunday, June 1-8 - Runner Station (East Drive at 90th St., Central Park)

NYRR is committed to educating the local community on running as a sport and lifelong fitness activity, and we offer races, classes, and other learning events throughout the year. During Running Week, we set up shop in Central Park—the training ground for thousands of NYC runners—with our expert coaches and staff to offer free tips and tools, including gait analysis and training programs. [Schedule and Details]

Sunday, June 1 - Japan Run

Running Week kicks off with the Japan Run, a road race that highlights our ties to runners around the world. In its second year, the 4-mile Japan Run and accompanying kids races are part of Japan Day @ Central Park, a festival that celebrates traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with activities, music, children’s games, and more. Please note that the run has a limit of 3,000 participants and is sold out. [Race Info]

Monday, June 2 - Kids Aim for 50

Nine-time New York City Marathon winner Grete Waitz, chairwoman of the New York Road Runners Foundation, will join more than 200 NYRRF kids from five Harlem elementary schools for a morning of running-themed events and activities on Monday, June 2 from 9:15 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at PS 192, 500 West 138th Street (near Amsterdam Avenue). The event will feature the Mighty Milers Fun Run, with 50 kids running a mile each in honor of the New York Road Runners’s 50th anniversary. [Details]

Monday, June 2 - Honoring Our Legends

Some of the greatest runners of all time have made history in NYRR events. On this day we host a special media event to honor three of these extraordinary athletes: Bill Rodgers, Grete Waitz, and Frank Shorter. Check newspapers, broadcasts, and online media throughout the week to read more about how these and other running legends have played an integral part in shaping NYRR’s first 50 years and the ways in which they continue to run with us into the future.

Tuesday, June 3 - NASDAQ Closing Bell

Running legends and select industry leaders will join Bob Greifeld, the CEO of NASDAQ, for the Closing Bell on Wall Street.

Wednesday, June 4 - ING New York City Marathon Lottery Drawing

A longtime NYRR tradition, the ceremonial selection of the first lucky runners selected in the ING New York City Marathon lottery drawing kicks off the five-month build-up to the big race, taking place this year on Sunday, November 2. Please note that results of the lottery drawing will be available at 11:59 p.m. on June 4. [ING New York City Marathon]

Wednesday, June 4 - NYRR 50th Anniversary Run 5M (Central Park)

We began as a club for all runners, and in that spirit we’ve scheduled a 5-mile road race open to all—free of charge—to celebrate our founding on June 4, 1958. The race is capped at 5,000 participants; it will be scored and it counts toward the nine races that NYRR members as of January 2008 need as part of their eligibility requirements for guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon 2009. [Race Info]

Friday, June 6 - New York Runs to Work

Reduce your carbon footprint by using your feet as transportation to work, school—wherever you need to go! NYRR staff and volunteers plan to station themselves on or near bridges and other entry points into Manhattan to create a sense of camaraderie for our fellow running-commuters, and to offer tips and techniques for making your commute on the run a part of your daily routine. [Details] [Tips for Running to Work]

Maps: [Manhattan] [Brooklyn] [Bronx]

Saturday, June 7 - NYRR New York Mini 10K (Central Park)

The original women-only road race, the “Mini” continues the tradition of celebrating all that is good about women’s running. In the 37th running, a professional field of the world’s fleetest female distance stars will lead thousands of women on a 10K course through Central Park. The race started in 1972 with just 78 participants and has been on the NYRR calendar ever since. [Race Info]

Sunday, June 8 - Naples Park to Park (Naples, Italy)

Running Week ends with another event that highlights NYRR’s international reach. The Naples Park to Park race in Italy showcases our partnership with the Napoli Road Runners; on July 12 in Central Park, NYRR will stage the second annual Park to Park, a 10K race that includes Italian festivities and post-race admission to Lasker Pool. [Travel Info] [Race Info]