And just like that the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half AKA what I would call “The Closing Ceremony” of the Spring race season has come to a conclusion, so it’s time to turn our focus to the NYC Marathon (or any other marathon you are running) this Fall. Some people will take some time off for the remainder of May and June and others will use this time to work on improving their strength or build up a base.

Now, just because you train well that does not mean you can race well. That said, I always encourage my athletes to sign up for shorter races throughout the training season to learn how to race properly, sharpen your race day logistics, practice grabbing water or Gatorade from the aid stations, get into your correct corral, or just generally get familiar with the organization that will be hosting the biggest race you will run in your life!

Now, if you are going to sign up for races why not go for the double whammy and run nine races (and volunteer one time) to lock yourself in for next year’s NYC Marathon right?

Without further ado, here are the races that I recommend you sign up for that actually fits nicely into my upcoming marathon group training program.

Frontrunners New York LGBT Pride Run 4M

Date: Saturday, June 25, 2022
Time: 8:30 AM
Distance: 4 miles
Member Race Fee: $25

Celebrate pride, show solidarity, and kick off your marathon journey in your pre-season (or early in the season for some) at one of - if not the most fun and colorful races of the year. Just go out there, dress up if you want, and have some fun before the real training begins!

Harlem 5K

Month: Saturday, August 13, 2022
Time: 8:00 PM
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
Member Race Fee: $25

Aside from kicking off Harlem Week, running this race early in the season will test your fitness and potential get you into a better corral at the NYC Marathon. This race August, 5K, $35

TCS NYC Marathon Training Series 12M

Date: Saturday, August 20, 2022
Time: 7:00 AM
Distance: 12 miles
Member Race Fee: $25

I like that this official run is longer and like what NYRR said, use it to “Work out the kinks and practice your race-day strategy by sorting out what does and what does not work for you at a more manageable distance in a race environment.” You don’t have to race this event to get into a better corral, save that for the shorter races. Again, just practice being in a race environment.

Grete’s Great Gallop 10K

Date: Saturday, August 27, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Distance: 10K (6.2 miles)
Member Race Fee: $25

Celebrate and honor the legacy of Grete Waitz and test your fitness in the 10K distance in phase two of your training season.

New Balance 5th Ave Mile

Date: Sunday, September 11, 2022
Time: 7:25 AM
Distance: 1 mile
Member Race Fee: $35

Test your mile fitness once more along the Museum Mile to close out phase two of your training season.

New Balance Bronx 10 Mile

Date: Sunday, September 18, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Distance: 10 miles
Member Race Fee: $45

Boogie down in the Bronx and test your fitness in the third phase of your training season with this triple whammy since not only is this race part of the 9+1 program but also the 4 of 6 program to guarantee you entry to next year’s Brooklyn Half.

TCS NYC Marathon Training Series 18M

Date: Sunday, October 2, 2022
Time: 7:00 AM
Distance: 18 miles
Member Race Fee: $25

This is as close as you’ll get to TCS NYC Marathon. An 18 mile sanction race with aid stations. Once again, like NYRR said use this event to “Work out the kinks and practice your race-day strategy by sorting out what does and what does not work for you at a more manageable distance.” Also again, no need to race this event.

Staten Island Half

Month: Sunday, October 9, 2022
Time: 8:00 AM
Distance: 13.1 miles
Member Race Fee: $45

Not only is this event a good race day commute practice but it will be a good final gauge of your fitness before your upcoming marathon.

Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K

Date: Saturday, November 5, 2022
Time: 8:30 PM
Distance: 5K (3.1 miles)
Member Race Fee: $45

There is no better way to prepare and get yourself mentally ready for the big race with a 5K shake out run and crossing the official finish line alongside your fellow future NYC marathoners. You are now ready to become an NYC Marathoner.