New York Running Events and Groups
Review Your Favorite Races

Are you looking for reviews of the best New York running events? Maybe you’re searching for a local running group to keep you motivated.

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with NY Marathoner Megan Kretz, writer of The Runner's Kitchen where she shares a variety of delicious meal ideas for runners.

Discover Megan's favorite races, running tips, and personal experiences. Then, be sure to leave your own review of your favorite race in New York!

New York Running Tips and Advice

New York Running

What makes New York a great place to run?

New York (especially NYC) is a great place to be a runner. We experience all four seasons, so we can enjoy running through the Autumn leaves, Winter snow, Spring rain, and Summer sun.

There's also an incredible amount of competition - especially in the NYC metropolitan area.

What inspired you to get into running?

I started running when I was in high school. I wasn't very good at sports that required coordination, so I joined the track team as a freshman.

What’s your favorite pre-race meal? Do you have the same regimen every race?

I actually don't like Italian food all that much (spaghetti - yuck), so I'll usually have asian noodles or something with potatoes the night before a race.

What are your favorite songs to pump you up for a run?

Lose Yourself by Eminem, S&M by Rihanna, and Dancing on My Own by Robyn.

Which are the most famous or popular local races?

Well, obviously the NYC Marathon in November is a major event, but the state also hosts a bunch of other fun races such as the Utica Boilermaker in July.

What’s the one race a visitor should run?

New York Running

I would recommend one of the weekend races that NYRR puts on in Central Park. There's a race nearly every weekend and they are incredibly well organized.

What is your favorite race day memory?

The day that I finished my first marathon (NYC November 2008) was one of the best days of my life. The cheering crowds and the sense of accomplishment made the experience very special.

What is the typical weather in your state and how does it vary with the seasons?

The winters here can be intense, so be on the watch for icy roads.

What is your “must-have” running gear? What gear do you recommend for each race?

I'm a fan of running shorts made of technical fabric - soccer or cotton shorts are a big no-no!

Other than comfortable shoes and clothes, I usually just wear a digital watch. I never use my Garmin while racing because the Garmin reported distance and the official race distance don't usually match.

New York Running

What are your favorite running shoes?

I'm currently rotating between a bunch of different shoes - Brooks Ghosts, Saucony Kinvaras, and the NB Minimus.

I've been trying to wear a lighter shoe to improve my stride efficiency.

What are your favorite parks or trails to run? Which locations are best? Which should you avoid?

New York Running

Central Park, The West Side Highway, and the East River Path are great options in Manhattan. Avoid midtown!

If you could run a race with any person, who would it be?

Mary Wittenburg (President of NYRR) - I'd like to get the inside details on the NYC Marathon. The logistics for that event must be incredibly complicated.

What are your favorite running tips for fellow RunPals?

There will be highs and lows in your running career - you've got to expect that, but the "not so good" moments will make your successes that much better!

Want more New York running tips?
Be sure to check out all of Megan's running adventures at The Runner's Kitchen!