HalfRuns
A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central

A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central

A Merry Christmas Run offers a festive Central Park half-marathon before the holiday.

Race Date

Dec 26, 2026

Location

New York City, NY

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Location
New York City, New York
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunitySpectator SupportGreat SwagWell Supported

Course

Fast FlatWell Marked

The Experience

This holiday-themed half-marathon, part of a larger series, takes place in New York City's iconic Central Park. Runners can choose from 5K, 10K, and 13.1-mile distances, with the half-marathon offering a chance to prepare for Christmas festivities with a pre-holiday run.

The course is described as flat with minimal elevation change, suggesting a potentially fast and accessible route within the park's scenic paths. The atmosphere aims to capture the spirit of Christmas, emphasizing togetherness and selfless giving, creating a warm and stress-free environment for all participants, whether running or walking.

Participants receive a running shirt and a finisher's medal, with optional timing available via personal apps. The event is noted for its smaller, private group setting with caps per wave, encouraging a sense of community and support for achieving personal fitness goals.

Race-provided description

🎅 🎄  Join the Christmas Run! 🎄 🎅 Jingle All the Way: A Merry Christmas Run!" is a delightful Holiday run that reminds us of the true essence of Christmas – spreading love, giving selflessly, and cherishing the joy of togetherness with family, friends, and even strangers, all while getting a run in before the Christmas festivities!  Overview: Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list. This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave. All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!   There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting! When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey. 

Timing: - Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.  - No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)! What You Get (Swag Bag): - Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only) - Finisher's Towel or Giveaway - Finisher's Medal!  - Digital Training Pack  - Online Results & Certificate of Completion - Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs - We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.  Packet Pickup: No hassle of picking up packets required! -Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling) - Race bibs are provided on race day When will I get my Swag? You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race. Race Updates: We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps. Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race) Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!    Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: info@thebestraces.com) (Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis) Wave A: 7:30AM Wave B: 8:00AM Wave C: 8:30AM Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave) Are there any other Questions we missed? https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/ Virtual Run Option: - Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.  Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!  Race Bundle: Sign-up for more races and get a discount!  Sponsorships & Promoting your Business: If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business! https://www.thebestraces.com/events   Team Glo Volunteers: If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/   Be part of the Journey! Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, December 26, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

Running Shirt + Packet

Start Location

NYC Central (Course Map will be emailed), New York City, NY, 10025

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Park, Urban

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

5K10K1 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details6/15

4 timing sources · 5 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather2/10

typical high 41°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

27°

Afternoon (High)

41°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

77%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central?

The A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central is held on Saturday, December 26, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central take place?

It takes place in New York City, New York.

What distances does the A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 1 Miles.

Is the A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central course flat and good for a PR?

The A Merry Christmas Run 5K/10K/13.1 NYC Central is a ultra-flat, loop course course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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