{"id":62184,"date":"2025-12-05T20:50:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T20:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/62184\/"},"modified":"2025-12-05T20:50:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T20:50:12","slug":"deck-the-start-lines-at-these-december-races-in-queens-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/62184\/","title":{"rendered":"Deck the start lines at these December races in Queens \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"holiday\"\t\t\t<\/p>\n

A pair of festive runners at the 2024 T\u2019was the Night Before 5K in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.<\/p>\n

Photo via Elitefeats<\/p>\n

\t\t Search our comprehensive guide to things to do in Queens<\/a> for more local events \u2014 or submit your own<\/a>!<\/p>\n

We have reached the end of the year! As temperatures drop, runners trade their usual gear for Santa Claus suits, jingle bells and, of course, ugly sweaters. It\u2019s the most wonderful time of the year for Queens locals to lace up their sneakers and spread the cheer for all to hear.<\/p>\n

From the \u2018Twas The Night Before 5K to the Santa Suit\/Grinch 5K, there are countless options for cardio enthusiasts to show off their best holiday costumes. If you want to challenge yourselves, sign up for Queens Marathon Weekend<\/a> (QMW), where you can choose any distance \u2014 from the 5K to the Marathon \u2014 to your running heart\u2019s content. After Christmas concludes, plan a speedy send-off to the new year with the Queens New Year\u2019s Eve 5K.<\/p>\n

\"\"A group of pacers and runners at the 2024 Queens Marathon Weekend in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo by Marek Antoniuk<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re a competitive veteran or a curious novice, placing one foot over the other at races with the community is a timeless tradition. Once you cross the finish line, you can celebrate all that you have accomplished this year in a festive fashion. Layer up and bring joyful strides to your next finish line.<\/p>\n

\"\"A trio of runners displaying their well-earned medals at the 2024 Queens Marathon Weekend in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo by Marek Antoniuk
\nQueens Get the Miles 5K and 10K<\/a> \u2013 Corona<\/a> (Saturday, Dec. 6)<\/p>\n

Enjoy this inaugural race pair, formerly known as the \u201cQueens Get The Money 5K and 10K,\u201d at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, where runners will dash past iconic sites like the Unisphere and the Queens Zoo. The 5K is three loops and the 10K is six loops, each loop covering 1.04 miles. The registration fees for the 5K and 10K are $33.80 and $44.15, respectively. Additionally, all participants will receive a free hot chocolate courtesy of the August Tree, Inc<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Queens Marathon and QDR Half Marathon<\/a> \u2013 Corona (Sunday, Dec. 7)<\/p>\n

Tackling long distances is anything but easy. But with community support from the QMW organizers and spectators, the journey to the finish line will be a one-of-a-kind experience. The registration fees for the QDR Half and Marathon are $85.55 and $126.95, respectively. Runners will circle the park once for the QDR Half and twice for the Queens Marathon. As a USATF-certified course, all miles have been measured by Matthew Slocum as of Oct. 10, 2024. Additionally, the Queens Marathon is a Boston Qualifier, which designates the Queens park as a time-qualifier for the Boston Marathon \u2014 one of Abbott World Marathon Majors<\/a> and the most sought-after marathon for those in the upper tier of distance running.<\/p>\n

\"\"The start line of the 2024 Queens Marathon in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo by Marek Antoniuk<\/p>\n

All participants are welcome to pick up their race bibs at the second annual Queens Marathon Expo<\/a>, which will run from Friday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 6 \u2014 from 3 to 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., respectively, at the Queens Museum<\/a>. Don\u2019t miss the largest gathering of runners in the borough!<\/p>\n

\"\"A runner at the 2024 Queens Marathon in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo by Marek Antoniuk
\nWorld\u2019s Borough Invitational<\/a> \u2013 Corona (Sunday, Dec. 7)<\/p>\n

Cheer on for your favorite Queens-based running club at the inaugural World\u2019s Borough Invitational, where runners will duke it out for the title of \u201cFastest Crew\u201d at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. In collaboration with Queens Distance Runners<\/a> and World\u2019s Fair Run Crew<\/a>, the relay race will feature four runners per team, each running 6.55 miles per leg for a combined total of 26.2 miles. Additionally, each team will have a men\u2019s team and a women\u2019s team. The winners will receive a \u201ccash donation courtesy of Queens Distance Runners,\u201d according to the registration page<\/a>.<\/p>\n

NSRF T\u2019was the Night Before 5K<\/a> \u2013 Corona (Saturday, Dec. 13)<\/p>\n

Dash with Christmas spirit at this 3.1-mile run in Flushing Meadows Corona Park and wear your merriest costume. The registration fee is $47.26 for the in-person 5K and $49.33 for the virtual 5K. Please note that there will be a price increase on Race Day. If you wish to have your race bib mailed out, add $10.35 to the overall price.<\/p>\n

\"\"A group of runners at the 2022 T\u2019was the Night Before 5K in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo via Elitefeats<\/p>\n

The race proceeds will benefit the Never Stop Running Foundation<\/a> (NSRF), a non-profit organization dedicated to athletes and other fitness-related charitable events. All participants will receive a medal ornament and a t-shirt.<\/p>\n

Santa Suit\/Grinch 5K<\/a> \u2013 Rockaway Beach<\/a> (Saturday, Dec. 13)<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a costume-centric race for the holidays, you\u2019re in luck. This Rockaway Beach-based 5K encourages participants to wear Santa Claus suits and Grinch costumes along the boardwalk. The race registration fee includes a Santa Claus suit or t-shirt for $43.40. The price increases to $64.60 with the Grinch mask and gloves added in. All participants will receive a Santa Claus T-shirt and a complimentary beer.<\/p>\n

As of press time, there are 50 Grinch masks and gloves left, so secure your spot today (and the chance to enjoy the pre-Christmas vibes).\n<\/p>\n

Jingle Jangle 5K<\/a> \u2013Richmond Hill<\/a> (Sunday, Dec. 21)<\/p>\n

Spreading the joy of festive running has never been more recreational at this 5K in Forest Park. As part of the Holiday 5K Series, South Queens locals mark the start of holiday fun with fellow runners. The registration fee is $35 with a price increase after Sunday, Dec. 7, at 11:59 p.m. All registered runners receive a custom-made beanie or gloves, a medal and a sweet slew of treats.<\/p>\n

\"\"A runner in a Grinch costume at the 2024 Jingle Jangle 5K in Richmond Hill. Photo by Wil Pierce
\nQueens NYC Chiller Half Marathon\/10K\/5K<\/a> \u2013 Corona (Sunday, Dec. 28)<\/p>\n

Join in for this series of inaugural holiday season races through a designed course, nicknamed \u201cThe Rocket,\u201d at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The registration fees are $59.30 for the 5K, $69.90 for the 10K and $91.10 for the Half Marathon. Please note that registration for all races ends on Thursday, Dec. 27, at 11:59 p.m.<\/p>\n

All registered participants will receive photos and videos, a technical shirt and a medal. Your loved ones are invited to watch your live progress via RaceMap, energizing the runners to fight off fatigue and finish at their best.<\/p>\n

The Queens New Year\u2019s Eve 5K<\/a> \u2013 Corona (Wednesday, Dec. 31)<\/p>\n

Cross the start line of the last-ever Queens race of 2025 with electrified vibrance for the new year. There is no better way to kick-start your New Year\u2019s Resolutions than with a 5K at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. The registration fees are $38.98 for the in-person 5K and $44.15 for the virtual 5K. Please note that there will be a price increase on Sunday, Dec. 7, to $42.08 and $44.15, respectively.<\/p>\n

\"\"A runner at the 2024 Queens New Year\u2019s Eve 5K in Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Photo via Elitefeats<\/p>\n

As an additional bonus, the proceeds will benefit NSRF, a non-profit organization dedicated to athletes at all levels. All participants will receive a t-shirt. Clock in your last 2025 miles and celebrate the start of a new chapter.<\/p>\n

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