All ages came out for the NYC Nature 5K Run & Walk.
By Marnie Kunz | USATF- RRCA-certified run coach
Published on October 30, 2026
There is something transformative about trading NYC’s concrete pavements for quiet, dirt single-track trails. The inaugural Forest Park Queens 5K brought together runners and walkers from all over New York City to enjoy some of the city’s most peaceful trails. Whether you love trail running or want to support NYC Parks, Queens’ sprawling Forest Park is truly a gem. This season, runners and walkers gathered under the dense canopy of ancient oak trees for the Natural Areas Conservancy’s NYC Nature 5K Run and Walk, a community event celebrating the power of urban movement, local conservation, and green space protection.
Whether you were charging up the rolling trail hills, logging steps with friends, volunteering along the course, or cheering near the finish line, this event proved just how vibrant Queens trail running really is. And its inclusive nature and fun-run vibes allowed all ages and fitness levels to participate and enjoy our city’s natural areas.
Related: A Coach’s Guide to Urban Hiking
Queens Nature 5K Community Impact
The Natural Areas Conservancy helps preserve NYC’s green spaces.
Thanks to the incredible turnout of local athletes and community supporters, the NYC Nature 5K raised over $23,000 to advance the mission of protecting, restoring, and expanding New York City’s natural areas. Every stride along the trails directly supported urban ecosystem restoration. Here is a look at what the community achieved together:
$23,000+ Raised: Funding direct environmental stewardship, trail maintenance, and youth nature education across NYC.
7,500+ Trees Planted: In partnership with the Forest Park Trust, planting is underway across 30 acres of forest canopy to bolster native wildlife habitats and combat the urban heat island effect.
Urban Connectivity: The NYC Nature 5K connects New Yorkers from Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and beyond to the natural sanctuaries hidden right in their backyard.
Why Forest Park is a Gem for NYC Trail Runners and Walkers
Spanning more than 500 acres, Forest Park features some of the best rolling terrain and hardwood forest paths in the five boroughs. Formed by the Wisconsin Glacier thousands of years ago, its high ridge lines and wooded kettle ponds offer a rugged escape from typical city running routes.
When I visited Forest Park to go hiking with my Akita, I was in awe of the vast forest space and loved the peaceful escape from city life. I couldn’t believe such a peaceful natural area was located within New York City. And my dog was in heaven, sniffing and bounding along the trails.
From a run coach’s perspective, trail running in places like Forest Park delivers major physical and mental training benefits, including:
Lower Impact on Joints. Soft dirt and leaf-covered paths absorb shock better than asphalt, reducing repetitive stress on your knees and shins.
Improved Ankle & Core Stability. Navigating natural turns, roots, and mild incline shifts forces your stabilizer muscles to fire, building balance that translates directly to faster road times.
Mental Reset. Escaping street traffic and running through a tree canopy lowers cortisol levels and refreshes mental focus during heavy race training blocks.
Related: Health Benefits of Hiking and How to Get Started
NYC Nature 5K Event Partners and Sponsors
Race sponsors provided hydration and refueling at the NYC Nature 5K.
An event of this scale relies on dedicated brands that share a commitment to outdoor culture, health, and environmental sustainability. Sponsors of the Forest Park Queens 5K include:
Patagonia: Supporting environmental grassroots initiatives and sustainable outdoor athletic gear.
Brooklyn Running Company: A local independent running specialty staple keeping NYC runners geared up and connected.
Athletic Brewing Co.: Serving up ice-cold, non-alcoholic craft brews for the ultimate post-race recovery toast.
Topo Chico & Nuun Hydration: Keeping participants hydrated and electrolyte-balanced along the trail and across the finish line.
Pao Labs: Delivering clean performance nutrition to fuel every mile.
Relive Race Day & Stay Connected
Want to check out your race stride or find photos with your running crew?
Runners lining up at the NYC Nature 5K Run & Walk.
You can view and download the full official race day photo gallery here.
To stay updated on upcoming trail workdays, volunteer opportunities, and future community runs across New York City’s parks, give @naturalareasnyc a follow on Instagram.
If you weren't able to attend or want to keep the momentum going, you can still support local urban forest preservation by making a direct donation to champion NYC’s green spaces.
Keep Running Wild
How often do you trade concrete streets for dirt trails in your weekly training? Tag @Runstreet and @naturalareasnyc on Instagram in your Forest Park trail photos so we can cheer on your miles! Happy running to you, Wolf Pack!
Related Posts: Your Ultimate Trail Running Guide, Guide to Accessible Hiking
About Marnie Kunz
Marnie Kunz is a USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, NASM-certified personal trainer, and the founder of Runstreet based in Brooklyn, NY. She specializes in custom race training plans, smart pacing strategies, and trail running guides. When she’s not coaching or exploring NYC's urban parks, you can find her checking out local street art murals and hiking upstate.
