Run for Central Park - Event Gallery

Even in warm and humid conditions, warming up properly before a race is still necessary.

Shaded under a canopy of trees, Ricky Chan of Bayside, NY, enjoyed some pre-race stretching and socializing.

The New York Athletic Club (NYAC) made a strong showing—the women finished on top and the men finished third in the open team standings.

More than 4,600 runners paid homage to the city’s largest playground at the annual Run for Central Park, a race that celebrates Manhattan’s most beloved green space.

At the 8:30 a.m. start, the temperature was a balmy 79 degrees, with 67 percent humidity. Runners shielded themselves from the sun with sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen.

The leafy trees helped provide a respite from the heat, as did misting stations and tubs of ice at the finish.

The warm conditions took a toll on some runners. Matt Mandel of Brooklyn (far right) led this pack, but Jorge Fernandez of the West Side Runners (WSX; center) beat Mandel’s finish by nearly seven minutes.

Zoi Del-Villar of Manhattan (left) and 12-year-old Fabani Baez of Manhattan paused to pose for a photo.

Ann Root of Port Washington, NY, showed that a positive attitude takes you far. Her 42:29 finish placed her 18th in her age group.

Energetic spectators helped runners battle the heat all the way to the finish.

Dereje Hailegiorgi of WSX broke the tape in 19:33.

U.S. Olympic Trials steeplechase finalist Lesley Higgins of NYAC won the women’s race in 22:26.

Krystal Fairweater of the Bronx (center) and Rochelle Sinclair celebrated a close finish—Fairweater was one second faster than Sinclair.

The kids races provided exercise and fun for children ages 2-12.

Parents assisted their youngsters at the start of one of the races.

The kids races started on the 72nd Street Transverse and ranged in distance from 25 yards to one-half mile.

Kids races teach children the value of fitness and healthy competition.

Participating in kids races gives children the opportunity to burn extra energy and spend a morning with their parents.

Every kids race participant received a ribbon and souvenir shirt to commemorate their achievement.

Nothing celebrates a job well done like a big smile.