Road races in Queens, from one-milers to 5Ks to marathons

Image source: Randy Le’Moine Photography on Flickr

As we get into the NYC Marathon spirit, most of us are not quite ready to participate in a five-borough, 26.2-mile, world-famous race ourselves. Luckily, there’s a whole slate of running events taking place around Queens this fall for runners and walkers of all levels – even children can participate in some.

Races in October

• October 13, 2nd Annual Rockaway Marathon (Rockaway) – Life’s a beach when you’re running 26.2 miles.
• October 13, Heart-Garden 2 Mile Race (Flushing Meadows Park) – To celebrate the life of spiritual leader/athlete Sri Chinmoy.
• October 13, St. Clement Track Team Long Stride (Jamaica) – A 1-mile run/walk that’s open to kids.
• October 14, 5K Runway Run (LaGuardia Airport) – This unique race on the airport runways and taxiways benefits the Wounded Warrior Project.
• October 21, Forest Park 5K (Woodhaven) – Enjoy the changing leaves in one of the largest parks in Queens.
• October 28, Totten Trot (Bayside) – This 5K run goes along the waterfront in historic (and Halloween-y) Fort Totten Park.

Races in November

• November 17, Self-Transcendence 5K (Flushing Meadows Park) – Organized by the Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team; proceeds go to the park. Followed by a short fun run for kids.
• November 22, Thanksgiving Day 5 Miler (Rockaway) – Get in a nice long run on the beach before the feast begins.

Races in December

• December 22, Santa Shuffle 5K (Rockaway) – Don’t let holiday shopping get in the way of your beach time.
• December 31, Calm Before the Storm 4 Miler (Rockaway) – Who said it was too cold to run on the beach?