A crowd of runners past the start line of The 7 Line 7K in April 2024.
Photo by Freshly Cut Film (@freshlycutfilm)
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As the bitter winter season falls further behind us, the arrival of spring blossoms a new roster of races. From the Great Easter Basket 5K/10K at Flushing Meadows Corona Park to the anticipated return of The 7 Line 7K, there’s a race for every pace. If you’re looking to become active after staying inside this season, these highly spirited races are ready to welcome you back into the fray.
Offering a perfect mix of community and eye-catching scenery, the World’s Borough is a premier destination for runners. Don’t forget to lace up your shoes and fasten your watch before checking out these local races that will have you running back to Queens.
A participant running past the Unisphere at the Great Easter Basket 5K/10K in April 2025. Photo via Elitefeats
For those considering a new Easter tradition focused on festive fitness, this race checks that box. Wear your best colorful outfit (or a bunny suit) and hit those strides with fellow participants. The annual race doubles as a fundraiser for the Never Stop Running Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports athletes pursuing the sport. All registered runners receive an Easter-themed medal and t-shirt.
A crowd of participants at the Queens Marathon Weekend in March 2025. Photo by Marek Antoniuk
Get ready to welcome the upcoming beach season with a marathon, half-marathon or 5K at the coastal neighborhood. Located at the boardwalk, the marathon is four loops, the half-marathon is two loops and the 5K is an out-and-back course. Once the finish line has been crossed, feel free to grab a post-race bite at Rockaway Beach Bakery, a neighborhood mainstay that recently moved into the Rockaway Hotel + Spa, as recently reported by QNS.
Queens Distance Runners, a Jackson Heights-based running team, returned to their roots with a cultural race event that highlights the Filipino community. The 6.2-mile course consists of two 5K loops along the stomping grounds of Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This run also serves as the third installment of the inaugural Queens Crew Cup, a competitive tournament that seeks the fastest running crew in the World’s Borough.
Atlantic Duathlon – Rockaway Beach (Saturday, April 18)
Test your fitness with the first multisport event of the season at the beach. The duathlon is broken down into the following distances: 3 miles, 12 miles and 3 miles. Both 5K running segments and the biking segment are on the boardwalk, where the shoreline views will put your mind at ease. All registered participants will receive a running jersey and finisher medal — the top 3 male and female runners receive a separate medal.
The 7 Line 7K – Corona (Sunday, April 19)
Mr. Met posing with runners at The 7 Line 7K in April 2024. Photo by Freshly Cut Film (@freshlycutfilm)
Presented by Metropolitan Park — an $8 billion development initiated by Hard Rock International and New York Mets owner Steve Cohen that seeks to transform the Citi Field area with a 2030 opening date — the event is considered a destination race for die-hard and casual Mets fans. The lead beneficiary is The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, a charity organization that provides services and opportunities to underserved groups. All registered participants receive a Mets-themed finisher medal and a 7 Line 7K t-shirt.
The start line of the 2025 Footsteps for Progress 5K. Photo via Elitefeats
As a new feature in its 2026 edition, participants can now race through rainbow-colored powder at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This year’s beneficiary is Queens Center for Progress (QCP), a non-profit that supports children and adults with developmental disabilities. For every $100 donation, runners receive a raffle ticket to win two first-class Delta Airlines tickets to cities across the country and beyond the border of our northern neighbor, Canada. For further inquiries, call the QCP at 718-380-3000, ext. 325.
Forest Park Drive will host the Vaisakhi 5K, a race dedicated to a religious celebration among Sikhs that honors the Punjabi New Year — typically observed on April 13 or 14. Run over to Richmond Hill for this running occasion, where community and faith meet.