12 Reasons to Run the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K

The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K is a fun, festive 3.1-mile event for runners of all ages and abilities that takes place the day before the TCS New York City Marathon.

Join us this year and be a part of the excitement of marathon weekend! Sign up now, and on Saturday, November 6 you can cruise through the streets of Midtown Manhattan and end at the famed Marathon finish line in Central Park—without running 26.2 miles. The Dash is a great way for marathoners and non-marathoners alike to come together in a special celebration of running, NYC, and the 50th running of the New York City Marathon.

Check out 12 reasons you should sign up now!

1. The course is awesome. You’ll start in front of the United Nations in Manhattan and run across 42nd Street, uptown toward Central Park, and through the park to a spectacular finish at the TCS New York City Marathon finish line. It’s a thrilling tour of Manhattan that takes in landmarks such as Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, Radio City Music Hall, and Grand Army Plaza—that’s a lot of sightseeing in just over 3 miles!

2. You’ll cross the marathon finish line a day early. Few experiences match running across the finish line of the TCS New York City Marathon—and when you run the Dash, you get to do just that! Practice your victory pose now and get ready to put it into action on November 6.

3. You'll get a special souvenir. All registrants will receive a 50th running gold-trimmed beanie at number pickup, and finishers will receive runner amenities at the finish line.

4. You'll be in fast company. The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K will serve as the USATF 5K Championships featuring the country’s top runners, a generous prize purse, and coverage streamed on USATF.TV.

5. You can run a great time... With the country’s top 5K runners leading the way, the Dash is an opportunity to score a quick time—maybe even a personal best. Much of the course is flat and the weather is usually cool and conducive to fast running.

6. …Or you can do an easy shakeout run before your marathon. Marathoners can make their Dash a leisurely jaunt to shake out their legs before the big day. They can pause along the way to take photos, hug friends, and enjoy the sights of NYC.

7. You can run with your loved ones. The Dash is an opportunity for friends and family to run together over a manageable distance. Marathoners can show their appreciation for their loved ones by doing something fun and active together.

8. 5K is an awesome distance. Did you know that 5K is the most popular race distance in the U.S., with more than 8.9 million registrants in 2019 according to Running USA? Most entrants finish in about 35-40 minutes—check out our expert coach's tips for completing this distance!

9. You’ll have cheering crowds. Your fans can watch you from the sidelines, along with New Yorkers enjoying their Saturday morning. You’ll feel like a rock star, especially as you approach that finish line!

10. Volunteers will support you every step of the way. The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, like the TCS New York City Marathon, will have amazing volunteer support at the start, along the course, and at the finish. You’ll be in great hands!

11. It’s a 9+1 qualifier for guaranteed entry to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon. Thinking about running the TCS New York City Marathon in 2022? You can run nine qualifying races and volunteer at one race this year, join NYRR by December 31, and guarantee your 2022 Marathon entry. Learn more about the 9+1 program.

12. You'll be part of a great tradition. The first Dash took place in 2011 and Abbott became the title sponsor in 2017. This race is a perennial favorite, with more than 10,000 finishers in 2019! What are you waiting for—sign up now!

If you can't run in person in NYC on November 6, sign up for the Virtual Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K and run anytime, anywhere from October 23 through November 7 to be part of the marathon spirit wherever you are!