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!

2011 New Year's Eve Runs in Central Park (& Brooklyn)

Kick off the new year with a short run in New York!

If you're looking for a healthy, relatively inexpensive way to kick off the new year in NYC, check out the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park. Put on by the New York Road Runners Club, this traditional four-mile race takes place at midnight, but the fun starts at 10 p.m. with an outdoor dance party (with DJ) near the bandshell in the park. (There's a race in Brooklyn, too; see information below.)

Runners are encouraged to dress in costume, and there's a costume parade and contest at 11 p.m. The race itself goes off at 12 Midnight, with fireworks to ring in the new year.

I ran the race for the first time last year, and it was a lot of fun. (Speaking of fun, this is a "fun run," so results will not be posted on the NYRR website). Registration is $45 for members and $50 for non-members until 12/30; on race day, it's $50 members/$55 non-members.

See the Emerald Nuts Midnight Run in Central Park web page for full details.

If you're up for a smaller, more low-key (and cheaper) run, there's a three-mile race in Brooklyn on New Year's Eve. A description from NYC Runs:

"This 3 miler follows an out and back course from 9th Street that heads South towards Coney Island Avenue and turns around at the Lincoln Road Entrance to the Park. Time it just right - just right - and you'll cross the finish line with fireworks bursting in the sky over Grand Army Plaza."

The Brooklyn race starts at 11:15 p.m. and costs $25 through Dec. 30th; $30 on race day.

Happy new year!