The fifth annual Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run/NYC Family Health Walk on August 25 is a great opportunity to run or walk through one of NYC’s most beautiful and historic neighborhoods. Here are our top 10 reasons for why you should register now to run or walk in this iconic event with NYRR and the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

10. 5K is an awesome running distance. Never run a race before? This distance—just over 3 miles—is perfect for beginning runners, as well as a fun and thrilling racing distance for seasoned competitors. That’s why it’s by far the country’s most popular road racing distance, according to Running USA.　
 

9. You’ll get out of Central Park. We all love the 843-acre jewel in the center of Manhattan, but racing in a new locale can be exciting and fun—so try something new and different. The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K course circles St. Nicholas Park and Jackie Robinson Park on Harlem city streets. Both parks are beautiful enclaves in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most historic neighborhoods.
 

8. Harlem is closer than you think! The B and C trains stop at 135th Street, just minutes north of the Upper West Side and one block from the start of the race; the 2/3 station is just two blocks away. The M10 bus runs along Frederick Douglass Boulevard. Plan your trip using MTA Trip Planner.
 

7. You can sleep in for an extra half-hour. Most NYRR summer races start at 8:00 a.m., but the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K starts at 8:30. Hit that snooze button!
 

6. You can make it a workout. A 5K is a good chance to get in a quick workout without spending all day at it. Warm up, race, cool down, and you’re ready for breakfast or brunch with friends—and even some more fun outdoor activity later in the day!
 

5. It’s a nice break from marathon training. If you’ve been slogging through long marathon training runs every weekend, running a 5K is a perfect chance to get back in touch with your speed. “Go out and test yourself in a 5K and have fun,” says NYRR running coach John Honerkamp. “Because you’re strong from the mileage, you’ll probably be encouraged by your result, and that’ll make you more motivated to get out there to tackle your next workout or long run.”
 

4. You can do it for Percy Sutton. The late, great Manhattan borough president (he served from 1966 to 1977 and passed away in 2009 at age 89) was a lifelong supporter of running and worked tirelessly with NYRR to make the New York City Marathon a world-class five-borough event. Harlem was Sutton’s home, and his spirit lives on there.
 

3. Your team will love you. The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K is an NYRR team-points race, so there’ll be lots of competition for individual and team honors, and plenty of excitement for spectators. Don’t miss this opportunity to support your running team in one of the shortest races on the yearly schedule.
 

2. You can run for a reason. The event has been a fundraiser for Japanese hurricane and tsunami relief (2011), Haitian earthquake relief (2010), and other causes. Stay tuned for info on our 2012 charity affiliation, so that you can add meaning to your miles.
 

1. You can walk the walk. If you’re not up for a 5K run, register for the one-mile NYC Family Health Walk, also on Harlem streets through a peaceful and historic neighborhood.　
 

Are you motivated yet? Register now, and we’ll see you in Harlem!