Description

The 5k course is a PURE out and back course.  This means that you'll run 1.55 miles south to a turn around location.  It is marked with signs that read "5k TURN AROUND" on both sides of the trail in addition to being manned by a course marshal to remind you, 5k runners, to turn around.  At that point, you'll run back to the exact same line where you started along the exact same trail.

The half marathon course runs generally south in an out and back manner.  Please follow all course marshal instructions and pay attention to signage.  If you ran on a path on the way out, you will run on that same path on the way back.  There are 3 aid stations that you will encounter a total of 7 times on this course.

Course Surface

The courses are on Coal Creek Trail.  The majority of both courses is on concrete.  A portion of the half marathon is on gravel trail.  (Gravel = approximately miles 4.5-8.5)

Course Support

At each water station, you will find water and an electrolyte replacement beverage. Energy gels will be at only ONE station, the southern most station which you will see at approximately mile 6.5.
Water stations are located at approximately miles 2.25, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 for the half marathon.

There is no water station on the 5k course.

Remember, there will be CUPS at the water stations, but not at the finish line. 

Gels (GU brand) are available by request at the westernmost aid station  

Although there are cups on the course at each aid station, remember that we always maintain a "CUP FREE FINISH."

There are coolers for refilling your personal water bottle at the expo area.

Portajohns

Restrooms are located at the Expo area in addition to the first/final water station (approx miles 2.25, 9 and 11).

Course Cut Off

The Half Marathon finish line closes at 10:10 AM, which is 3 hours 10 minutes after the regular 7:00 AM start.

Participants who expect to need more than 3 hours 10 minutes to complete the Half Marathon should use the 6:00 AM early start and follow the early-start instructions listed on the Race Day Schedule page.

Because the Half Marathon is chip timed, participants who start after the 7:00 AM gun will have their individual race time begin when they cross the start timing mats. However, the 10:10 AM finish-line closure is a fixed time and does not extend for late starters.

Half Marathon participants who fall significantly behind the pace needed to finish before the course closes may be directed to shorten their course and return toward the finish. Runners who complete a shortened course will not receive an official Half Marathon finish result.

Race Joy

Interactive Race Day Experience with RaceJoy

Live Phone Tracking, GPS Progress Alerts and Cheers!

We are providing you with RaceJoy as part of the official race experience for the Central Park 5k.

Download the RaceJoy mobile app in advance to ensure proper phone setup. Invite your friends and family to track you and send you cheers!

Some key RaceJoy features include:

GPS Progress Alerts

• Receive continual progress updates as you complete your goal.

Live GPS Tracking

• Remote spectators can track your progress live in a map view. You can also track others.

Send-a-Cheer

• Receive supportive audio cheers from remote friends & family.

Virtual Results (virtual events only)

• Enter your race-assigned bib number to automatically submit your finish data for real-time scored results.