On 4 January 2026, the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K will return to Central Park, beginning near 89th Street on West Drive, looping south to 72nd Street, then heading north via East Drive and finishing at the 102nd Street Crossing. The course is fully paved and certified, with medical support, hydration stations, and post-race refreshments such as fruit and bagels. Bib and shirt pickup opens early in the morning, and timing is done via chips, with awards for overall and age-group finishers. The event includes start corrals based on pace to help runners spread out, and welcomes handcycle and wheelchair divisions. It’s a festive way to kick off the year — cold weather, a Central Park run, and a unique finisher’s medal to commemorate braving the winter race.
Race
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K, organized by NYCRUNS, is slated for Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Central Park, New York City, New York, offering runners a brisk start to the year on a USATF-certified winter course through the park.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
How long is the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
Where does the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
How can I prepare for the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K, organized by NYCRUNS, is slated for Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Central Park, New York City, New York, offering runners a brisk start to the year on a USATF-certified winter course through the park.
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K is 5km long.
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K takes place in New York, NY, USA.
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K elevation gain is 29 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K, organized by NYCRUNS, is slated for Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Central Park, New York City, New York, offering runners a brisk start to the year on a USATF-certified winter course through the park.
How long is the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K is 5km long.
Where does the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K take place?
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K takes place in New York, NY, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
The NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K elevation gain is 29 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K or NYCRUNS. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the NYCRUNS Frozen Penguin 5K website.
