Whether your reasons for appearing at the start line are to break a personal best or run for better health, you will surely find a welcoming community of runners. All novice and seasoned runners are invited to sign up for races across the borough. So wear your favorite running shoes and scan this list of upcoming races in the World’s Borough this month.

Run through the parameters of Queensborough Community College (QCC), including Oakland Lake and Oakland Gardens. The registration fee is $33.80 but will increase to $44.15 on Race Day. All participants will receive a t-shirt.

This year’s beneficiary is QCC Athletics, an intramural sports program. Please be advised that the race is currently capped at 100 registrants with only 57 spots remaining as of press time. For those arriving in a car, parking will be available at their main lot off of 56th Ave.

If you have ever wanted to take on a duathlon or triathlon at Rockaway Beach, now is your chance. The three-part race consists of the following distances: a quarter mile for the swimming segment, twelve miles for the biking segment and 3 miles for the running segment.

The registrations fees are $122.90 for the duathlon, $160 for the triathlon, $170.60 for the team relay duathlon and $197.10 for the team relay triathlon. Participants can also purchase an aquabike for $128.20 to use during the events.

Please note that the online registration for the above races end on Thursday, May 14.
Photo by Victor Chan of One Imaging Photography
Photo by Victor Chan of One Imaging Photography
Photo by Victor Chan of One Imaging Photography

Forest Park Runners Classic 4 Mile Road and Trail Race – Woodhaven (Sunday, May 24)

Forest Park Runners (FPR), a local running club in South Queens, marks the return of the FPR Classic 4 Mile Road and Trail Race, a beloved trail race that has become notably popular in the past few years. As a Memorial Day tradition, it has become a gathering spot for runners to test their strength at the park’s elevated horse trails and roads — both segments are about 2 miles each.

The registration fee is $43.40 with a price increase after 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 23. All participants will receive a custom tech t-shirt and finisher medal. To add a competitive edge to the race, prize money will be offered at the following tiers: $100 for 1st place, $75 for 2nd place and $50 for 3rd place.

If you miss the online registration deadline, registration will be available on Race Day from 7:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The current cap is at 500 runners, so it is advised to register as soon as possible.

Photo via Forest Park Runners on Facebook

Supported in part by public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs — in partnership with the City Council — Young Israel of Jamaica Estates hosts the return of the 5K Run & Walk for Israel. Sponsored by Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a nursing home dedicated to patient care, the event is set to begin with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m. followed by Kids Races at 9:15 a.m.

The registration fee for the main race is $35.00, while the Kids Race is $25.00. Please note that the former price will increase to $40 on Friday, May 22. Participants are also free to purchase tickets for a raffle — one ticket is $15 and increases to $150 for 15 tickets. The array of prizes include a round trip ticket to Israel and major league sports tickets, according to the registration page.

After crossing the finish line, runners are also treated to a free ice cream festival, complete with entertainment, give-a-aways, fruits and water bottles. All youth runners will receive a medal. For further questions, email run4israel@yije.org or call 718-479-7500.

Ridgewood Runners 5K – Ridgewood (Saturday, May 30)
Photo via Heylo

In collaboration with Queens Distance Runners (QDR), Ridgewood Runners will host its first-ever race at the Ridgewood Reservoir. The 5K course will consist of two and a half loops of the reservoir. For interested runners, the registration fee is $38.98.

The neighborhood 5K was born out of the idea for a dedicated, inclusive race for runners of all paces. Founded by Julia Azcona, she aimed to create a space for Ridgewood neighbors to connect and support one another through the sport.

The upcoming race is also part of the inaugural Queens Crew Cup, a year-long points competition for Queens-based running teams.

For inquiries, email qdrunners@gmail.com.