Central Park Challenge: USA Men’s 8K Championship, Women’s Invitational 8K, NYRR 8000
Saturday, March 15 / NYRR 8000: 7:30 a.m., Men's 8K Championship: 9:00 a.m., Women's Invitational: 9:30 a.m., / Central Park / S, Q
Update: Please note that the USA Men's 8K Championship and the Women's Invitational 8K are not open to non-invited runners.

Update:The USA Men's 8K Championship starts at 9:00 a.m. The Women's Invitational 8K starts at 9:30 a.m.

Update: Please note that race day number pickup will be at NYRR (9 E. 89th Street) between 6:00 - 7:00 a.m.

Run the NYRR 8000 (nearly 5 miles) and then stay out and cheer for the country’s fastest male and female distance runners at the USA Men's 8K Championship and the Women's 8K Invitational. [Story]
[Top Men's Bios] [Top Women's Bios] [All Pro Athletes - Men] [All Pro Athletes - Women]

Course

All courses are subject to change. Check back here the day before the race for final confirmation.

Starts at East Drive at 100th St, Finishes at East 97th St. Baggage at East Meadow, 99th & 5th Ave. Click here for a course map.

Number Pickup /Registration

Entrants (for NYRR 8000 only) are required to pick up their numbers, scoring chips, and race souvenirs at New York Road Runners (9 East 89th Street) on:

• Thursday, March 13, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 14, 1:00-7:00 p.m.
• Saturday, March 15, 6:00-7:00 a.m.

Time Limit

Participants in the open 8K will be timed up to one hour and 15 minutes. After that time, finishing times will not count toward earning guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon 2009.

Post- Race

Join us after the race for the awards ceremony, including the crown-
ing of the USA Men's 8K Champion and Women's 8K Invitational. Awards for the NYRR 8000 will be given in all applicable NYRR age categories. [Awards breakdown]

Volunteer

If you are interested in volunteering at this race, click here.

Travel

Book flights, hotels, car services, and more through the Official Travel Partner of NYRR, Anthony Travel. You get convenience, guaranteed rooms, and great rates - from a travel agency who understands the priorities of runners. Call 800.736.6377 or e-mail jasonrice@anthonytravel.com.

Entry Fees

  Members * Jr/Sr Members * Non-Members
On or before March 3 $15 $8 $25
March 4 - March 16 $20 $14 $30
Limited Race Day Entries* $25 $15 $35

No refunds, exchanges, or transfers on entry. No credit cards accepted after number pickup begins. Cash or check only.

* Members: You must provide your NYRR member number on event day to receive your member discount; otherwise you will be charged the non-member event fee.

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Registration

Fax and online registration will close at 11:59 p.m on Tuesday, March 11. No credit cards will be accepted after this time.

Online Application
Printable Application [Get plug-in]

Race Scoring

This is a scored race that counts toward the nine races NYRR members as of January 2008 need to be eligible for guaranteed entry to the ING New York City Marathon 2009. The race is timed using the ChampionChip® system. You must complete the race with your chip attached to your shoe or your time will not be recorded. Please follow the instructions in your race packet on attaching the chip to your shoe and then returning the chip following the race. Note that you will be charged $35 if you do not return the chip within 20 days.
[Scoring and results procedures]
[Purchasing a ChampionChip]

Baggage Facilities

Free baggage facilities will be provided as a convenience. If using this baggage service, bring an inexpensive bag and leave your valuables at home. New York Road Runners is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Rules of Competition

All NYRR races are organized and directed under USA Track & Field rules and regulations. Entrants must also comply with City of New York, Parks & Recreation and NYRR rules. Failure to do so may result in offenders being disqualified and possibly banned from NYRR events, including the ING New York City Marathon. [Click here for rules.]

Babystrollers / Babyjoggers are not permitted on the race course.