Ready to Run? Michael Capiraso Highlights a few fun Upcoming Iconic NYC Races

Michael Capiraso
3 min readJun 17, 2021

With more and more people getting vaccinated for COVID-19, NYC running events are landing back on the schedule for late spring and beyond. So, if you spent a lot of time running solo in 2020, it’s high time to show off your running prowess and join others for a race. Thanks to the changes in rules about outdoor gatherings, if you haven’t already, you can start registering for the following events now -before they sell out. Then, get ready to run and have fun alongside your fellow running enthusiasts in these recommended races from Michael Capiraso. (see links below for more information on each race).

Queens Ice Cream Social 5K & 10K

On June 12 at 8:30am, we had the Queens Ice Cream Social 5K & 10K for a refreshing run through Flushing Meadows Park. For this event, they will start sending socially distanced waves of runners out at 8 :30. While you run, keep an eye out for all the greatest landmarks in the park, including: New York Hall of Science, National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadows Carousel, and the Queens Museum. Once you reach the end of the race, you’ll get a goodie bag with snacks plus cool, refreshing ice cream.

MasterCard New York Mini Women’s 10K

Also on June 12 that 7am, NYC runners got to join the 49 the annual women-only Mini 10K run through beautiful Central Park. Founded in 1972, this first women-only race empowers women of all ages to join together for an historical celebration of running and health.

Lousy T-Shirt Race

Although the Lousy T-Shirt Race began with a huge mistake in 2011, it has become a much-anticipated — and this year, it’s the 10 anniversary. Scheduled for June 15 at 7pm, this race will take you on a 3.3-mile tour around Prospect Park. Expect to get a lousy t-shirt at the end as well.

Front Runners New York LGBTQIA+ Pride Run

Saturday June 26 that 7:00am join this great community 6K race in Central Park. It will be the 40th running of this race, join in the celebration and support for this great event. It’s one of the best races of the year!

Firecracker 5K & 10K

Bright and early on the 4 of July, you can celebrate your freedom with the Firecracker 5K & 10K. As a 5K participant, you will hit the starting line at 8:30 am, while 10K runners go at 9 am.

The course follows the same clockwise route around Governor’s Island as the Summer Loving 5K & 10K event. Like that race, you’ll run one loop to complete the 5K and two loops around for the 10K. They will make sure to provide extra water at the finish line plus fruit bowls and other snacks. As with the other events, you can zip over to the results page for your finish line photos and times.

Things You Need to Know About Upcoming NYC Races

Although vaccinations are lighting the way forward, the COVID-19 pandemic is not quite over yet. For that reason, all the NYC races are not accepting volunteers nor allowing spectators to join the fun.

Events feature bag check services, although the organizers urge you to avoid needing to check a bag if possible. You can count on the events having thoroughly cleaned and maintained restrooms available as well.

With things finally opening back up, the NYC races will likely fill up fast. So, be sure to register early if you would like to participate. See links below for more information on these races.

Join Michael Capiraso on Strava and track your progress while you get fit, and most of all have fun!

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Michael Capiraso

Michael Capariso is a visionary leader who serves on the board of JoggingBuddy and has shaped the business and brand strategies of the NFL, MLB, NYRR and more.