Forget champagne — these New Year’s Eve revelers were chasing a runner’s high.

As the clock struck midnight on January 1, thousands of New Yorkers in sneakers, gym clothes, and yes, festive party glasses took off through Central Park, racing in the annual New York Road Runners’ Midnight Run through Central Park.

“I want to think that if I ring in the New Year in this healthy way, it’s how I’ll conduct my whole year,” Lisa Hernandez, who has participated in the event every year since 2015, told The Post.

While first event in 1979 drew 1,600 runners, nearly 5,000 signed up this year, showing up for a DJed pre-race party — and some exercise, jogging past the Loeb Boathouse, Turtle Pond and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

“Sometimes the way you bring in the year can set the stage for the year to come,” said Ted Metellus, NYRR’s chief event production officer and race director. “For four miles you can think about the goals you accomplished or plan to accomplish as you run.”

Runners Emily Heald and Becca Lopez, wearing matching pink and black outfits, stretching before the NY Road Runners Midnight Run.Matching runners Emily Heald and Becca Lopez stretching before the NY Road Runners Midnight Run. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

English runners Grace McDonnell and Conner Tanner stretch in preparation for the NY Road Runners Midnight Run.English runners Grace McDonnell and Conner Tanner came from over the pond to prep for the NY Road Runners Midnight Run. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Runners gather at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park for pre-run celebrations.Runners gather at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park for pre-run celebrations. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

The festivities kick off with a pre-race party featuring a DJ at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.The festivities kick off with a pre-race party featuring a DJ. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Runners groove to the beat during pre-race festivities at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.Runners groove to the beat during pre-race festivities. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Rafael Vanollil and his wife Derrie Manerich with the Santa Catarina Brazil Runners pose before the NY Road Runners Midnight Run.Rafael Vanollil and his wife Derrie Manerich with the Santa Catarina Brazil Runners pose before the NY Road Runners Midnight Run. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

At the start line, runners stretch and prepare for the race into 2026.At the start line, runners stretch and prepare for the race into 2026. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

The countdown to midnight at the start line with runners lined up.The countdown to midnight at the start line. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Runners at the start line pose for an image.Motivated race participants prepare to take off near Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

At the stroke of midnight, runners begin the 4-mile race in Central Park.At the stroke of midnight, runners begin the 4-mile race. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Runners cheer in anticipation for the NY Road Runners Midnight Run.Runners cheer in anticipation for the NY Road Runners Midnight Run. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Fireworks dazzle the sky during the 4-mile race in Central Park.Fireworks dazzle the sky during the 4-mile race. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Moroccan brothers Jaouad El Jazouli and Issame El Jazouli pictured first at the finish line.Moroccan brothers Jaouad El Jazouli and Issame El Jazouli were the first at the finish line. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post

Moroccan brothers Jaouad El Jazouli and Issame El Jazouli, first place winners, pose with Hafid Chain, also from Morocco, who placed 3rd. Moroccan brothers Jaouad El Jazouli and Issame El Jazouli pose with Hafid Chain, also from Morocco, who placed 3rd. Stefano Giovannini for NY Post