5K races near Cortland

The Run 4 All 5K & 1 Mile is a community run/walk held at Yaman Park in Cortland. It begins at 10:00 AM and offers both 5K and 1-mile distances. The event focuses on practical accessibility by maintaining lower entry fees and supporting two local organizations that address accessibility issues in Cortland County through donations and race proceeds. The 5K follows a two-loop path extending into the surrounding neighborhoods, and the 1-mile course also travels through nearby streets. Access To Independence and the Cortland YMCA are the joint organizers. A resource fair will be available on the day of the event, alongside the races. Participants can collect bibs and hats before the start. Parking is available at the park, and same-day registration will be accepted with cash payments.

On the first Sunday of November, the New York City Marathon covers a 26.2-mile course through all five boroughs. The race, currently branded as the TCS New York City Marathon, is organized by New York Road Runners and is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. It attracts professional runners, club runners, charity teams, and amateurs globally, with recent editions seeing over 59,000 finishers from more than 200,000 applications. Securing a spot is a challenge: most entries are awarded via lottery across New York metro, national, and international pools. Guaranteed entry is available through NYRR’s 9+1 program, charity fundraising, time qualifying, philanthropic membership, or by finishing the race 15 or more times previously. The event originated as a smaller race within Central Park, organized by Fred Lebow and Vincent Chiappetta, starting with 127 participants, approximately 100 spectators, and 55 finishers. Women were permitted from the outset, though their results were not initially official, and Nina Kuscsik was the sole female participant in that inaugural field.

The Dana Point Turkey Trot is a Thanksgiving Day race held in Dana Point Harbor, featuring a 5K as its main distance. This USA Track & Field-certified event also includes a 10K, a Combo 15K, and a Kids' 1-Mile Gobble Wobble. The event has been held for nearly five decades, establishing itself as one of the largest turkey trots in the United States. Participants can enter a costume contest, browse a health and fitness expo, and contribute to local charities by running.

The Dryden Ugly Sweater 5K is a 5K run/walk in Dryden starting at the historic Dryden Hotel, a local landmark from the mid-1800s. Participants are encouraged to wear ugly sweaters or other costume gear. All receive a Team Santa or Team Grinch long-sleeve shirt, a jingle bell bracelet, and a finisher medal. The route largely follows the new Dryden Rail Trail. The event supports the trail’s revenue fund, with donations and part of the proceeds allocated to trail maintenance and improvements. Following the race, participants return to the Dryden Hotel for complimentary post-race food, a warm beverage, and beer specials.

The Ithaca YMCA Jingle Jog and Family Fun Mile begins and ends at Stewart Park Pavilion in Ithaca, New York. It features a chip-timed 5K Run/Walk, followed by a noncompetitive Family Fun Mile geared toward children and families. Virtual entries are available for both distances, and the in-person race proceeds regardless of weather. The event marks the beginning of the holiday season. Participants can wear costumes for prize eligibility, meet characters like Santa, and enjoy cookies and cocoa at the finish. Early registrants receive a commemorative race T-shirt. All proceeds benefit the YMCA Membership Assistance Program, providing access to YMCA programs for local individuals and families.