Over 10,000 runners are anticipated to run the “World’s Borough” this Saturday, June 15, for the Citizens Queens 10K.
Hosted by the New York Road Runners (NYRR) and sponsored by Citizens Bank, the miles-long race will take place at the famed Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Runners will line up early in the morning, starting and finishing near the Fountain of the Planets, as they race through all the spectacular scenery the park has to offer.
The event features a variety of races designed to encourage young runners of all skill levels. The Kids Run kicks off with non-competitive short dashes for Stage 1, welcoming participants aged 2 to 11. For slightly older athletes, ages 8 to 18, an untimed half-mile run offers a non-competitive option in Stage 2. Meanwhile, competitive young runners between 12 and 18 can test their speed in a timed one-mile race categorized as Stage 3.
Following the race, NYRR and Citizens will host their inaugural Citizens Queens 10K post-race festival in the park for runners and community members. The public festival will feature live music, family-friendly activities, and food from local vendors participating in the Queens Night Market. It will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Last September, Citizens became the official bank of the NYRR, and as part of its five-year foundation-level partnership, it will be the first-ever title sponsor of the Queens 10K. The Queens 10K has taken place since 2012, evolving from the Queens Half Marathon, which was first held in 1994. The Citizens Queens 10K is part of the NYRR Five-Borough Series, which includes varying marathon lengths in each of the boroughs.
Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of NYRR, said he is excited to highlight the diverse running communities in Queens. “New York Road Runners has been building healthier lives and transforming communities in Queens since the early 2000s, and we are thrilled to have Citizens as our partner for the first time this year in helping us shine a light on this beautiful borough,” he said.
Nuno Dos Santos, Citizens retail banking director, said the organization is committed to going the distance for its customers and the local community. “This race and the post-race festival is the perfect way to kick off summer and celebrate the Queens community by bringing together runners, spectators and neighbors for a fun, family-friendly event,” he said.
The NYRR is a NYC-based nonprofit that unites communities through running. For over 20 years the organization has made its programs accessible to residents across the borough of Queens. NYRR’s free, year-round programming, Rising New York Road Runners, serves over 21,000 students in local schools. Additionally, their NYRR Striders program has over 100 older adult members from the community and older adult centers. Over 1,000 members participate in NYRR’s weekly Open Runs across five parks, and the organization has more than 7,000 members in Queens and engages with over 25 local run clubs in the borough.
