Run into 2014: New Year's Eve Races in Central Park & Brooklyn

If running a fun, festive race is your idea of kicking off the new year, there are two events in New York City to check out. The Midnight Run in Central Park, put on by the New York Road Runners, is a longstanding annual event that attracts thousands of runners (many in costume) who run four miles in the iconic park, with DJ music and dancing preceding the race and continuing afterwards. (Before the race, there's a contest to judge the best costumes.) A fireworks show takes soon after the start of the race, which takes place at 11:59 p.m.

The Midnight Run isn't sold out as of 24 hours before the event, but you must register in person at the site (no more online registration). Event-day registration is $60 for NYRR members; $65 for non-members.

Over in Brooklyn, NYCRuns is once again holding its New Year's Eve 5K in Prospect Park at 11:15 p.m. It's said to be the only nighttime race all year in the famed Brooklyn park, and includes complimentary hot chocolate, sparkling cider, and other treats. Race-day registration is $40.

Happy new year!

Midnight Run in Central Park a Highlight of New Year's Eve in NYC

See details on the 2011 New Year's Eve Central Park Midnight Run here. There's also a three-mile New Year's Eve race in Brooklyn (near Prospect Park), which starts at 11:15 p.m.
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NOTE: Get details on the 2009 Central Park Midnight Run here.

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One of the highlights of the running year in New York City, and of New Year's Eve in the Big Apple, is the Midnight Run in Central Park. Sponsored by the New York Road Runners Club, the four-mile fun run steps off at midnight with participants dressed in a wide array of zany costumes portraying just about every theme you can imagine.

The run is just the culmination of a night of fun in the Park, though. The festivities begin at 10 p.m. with a DJ spinning tunes to dance to, so you can limber up your muscles before the run. There's a costume parade and contest at 11 p.m., followed by the race, accompanied by fireworks, at 12 Midnight.

The Central Park Midnight Run is not only a fun way to end one year and start the next, but lets you begin your New Year's resolution for a healthier lifestyle before anyone else.

See the Midnight Run Web page for details on how to sign up for the race.