Fall running events on Long Island: 5k, marathons and more
Running is at the top of popular sports on Long Island. Runners by the hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of all ages and abilities step up to starting lines almost every weekend morning.
Runners make their way through Babylon village during the Suffolk County Marathon in October 2024. Credit: David Meisenholder
DECEMBER
A BACKYARD ULTRA
Blydenburgh County Park, Veterans Memorial Hwy., Smithtown, 631-589-5700, sayvillerunning.com. Competitors will consecutively run the distance of 6706 meters (4.167 miles) in less than one hour, event continues until one participant is remaining, benefits the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. Fee $123.76 by Dec. 7, $139.54 after. Date 8 a.m. Dec. 13.
HO HO HO 5K RUN
John F. Kennedy Middle School, 500 Broadway, Bethpage, 516-349-7646, elitefeats.com. 400m kids fun run begins 8:45 a.m., 5k starts at 9:30 a.m., featuring post-race food, hot chocolate and toy drive. Fast paced, flat 5k through the streets of Bethpage. Fee $35, $40 race day; free kids fun run. Date 9:30 a.m. Dec. 13.
JINGLE ALL THE WAY 5K
Cedar Creek Park, 3340 Merrick Rd., Seaford, 516-442-0117, raceawesome.com. 5k begins at 9 a.m. and Run Run Rudolph 1k begins at 8:30 a.m. Adults are welcome to run the 5k with a jogging stroller. Bring a toy for the John Theissen Children’s Foundation Toy Drive. Fee $41-$50, $31-$40 middle and high school students; $57-$65 dog run. Date 9 a.m. Dec. 14.
A BACKYARD ULTRA: THE 1 LAPPER
Blydenburgh County Park, Veterans Memorial Hwy., Smithtown, 631-589-5700, sayvillerunning.com. 6706-meter (4.167-mile) run, benefits the Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference. Fee $33.74 by Dec. 8, $44.32 after. Date 9:30 a.m. Dec. 14.
