Six Great Spring Races in New York City

With the warm weather comes renewed fitness resolutions and a fresh desire to be outdoors. So, will this be the season you lace up those dusty sneakers? If so, you won't be alone.

This weekend, 10,000 runners and spectators will gather at Central Park to pound the pavement in The More Magazine/Fitness Magazine Women’s Half-Marathon, celebrating its 10th Anniversary.

But if you didn't register in time, no worries. There are plenty of other great runs being held this spring. Here are six that take you to interesting places in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.

High Rock Challenge, Apr 27
Greenbelt Rec Center, 501 Brielle Avenue, Staten Island

Created in memory of Police Officer John Kelly, the Challenge is a 10K adventure run in the Greenbelt Trail System of Staten Island. Teams of two must run together at all times and compete in “mystery events” located throughout the course. Previous challenges have involved a 50-pound sand bag, an 8-foot wall, a low crawl net and a suspended wire bridge over a murky pond. Definitely one for the runner who requires distraction!

The Brooklyn PTA 5K Run For Schools, Apr 28
Prospect Park, Brooklyn 

Smack dab in the heart of brooklyn’s Prospect Park, this 5K benefits the PTA (who can't get behind that?) and is a perfect entry point for new runners. 

Race Against Autism, Apr 28
Harbor Fitness, 92nd St & 4th Ave, Brooklyn

Benefiting autism research, this run takes you to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, one of the borough’s lesser-traveled neighborhoods that still retains individual charm. Bonus: magnificent Middle Eastern fare and Century 21 shopping afterward.

Rockapulco Mother's Day Half Marathon, May 11
Irish Circle, 101-19 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Queens

Celebrate your mother and the recovery of Rockaway Beach by running 13.3 miles out in Queens and then patronizing the local businesses there!

NYRR Brooklyn Half Marathon, May 18
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn

One of the most popular half marathons in the city, this race is a tour de borough! You’ll begin at the Brooklyn Museum, head through the streets of Prospect Heights, around Prospect Park, and then all the way down Ocean Parkway to Coney Island—another locale that still needs love following Sandy.

The Staten Island Advance Memorial Day 4 Mile Run, May 27
South Beach, Father Capodanna Drive, Staten Island

The Staten Island Advance Memorial Day 4-Mile Run is sponsored by The Staten Island University Hospital. The course requires just enough effort to earn yourself a Memorial Day hot dog.

For more information, registration prices and a lengthier list of races, visit New York City Runs.