Open Run is the least ceremonious 5K in New York: no bibs, no chip timing, no entry fee, just neighbors who turn up at the same park every week and cover three miles together. Cunningham Park gives it good ground — one of the largest parks in Queens, assembled between 1928 and 1944, with woods on one side and a serious tennis complex on the other. If you want a Sunday that costs nothing, start here.
What to expect
You gather at the parking lot, someone gives a short briefing, and the group sets off on a roughly 5K loop through the park. Pace groups sort themselves out within the first few minutes and volunteers stay with the back of the pack, so nobody finishes alone. Strollers and walkers are normal here, and it all wraps up before the park gets busy.
Good to know
- Meet at the Cunningham Park parking lot; the park sits off Union Turnpike in Fresh Meadows and has on-site parking, which is how most people arrive.
- Free and unregistered — no bib, no entry form, just show up at the meeting point.
- Walkers, strollers and first-timers are actively welcome, and there is no cutoff pace.
- Bring your own water: this is volunteer-run, not a supported race with aid stations.
- It goes ahead in most weather, but volunteers can call it off for storms — check NYRR's Open Run page if conditions look bad.
- The tennis center and ballfields are a short walk if you want to make a morning of it.
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Common questions
Do I need to register?
No. NYRR Open Run is free and open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. You can just show up at the meeting point.
How long is the course?
About 5 kilometers — roughly three miles — on a loop inside the park.
Can I walk it?
Yes. Walkers are an explicit part of the program and volunteers stay with the back of the group.
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