A group of four people runs through a sunny green forest

NYBG 5K Fun Run

Sunday, September 21, 2025

8 a.m. | At the Garden

Kicking off NYC Climate Week, this leisurely 3.1-mile course takes you past some of the Garden’s most gorgeous scenery, including the Maureen K. Chilton Azalea Garden and the Judy and Michael Steinhardt Maple Collection, plus historic landmarks like the Lillian and Amy Goldman Stone Mill, Mertz Building, and the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Your participation directly supports our work here and around the world to protect biodiversity and develop plant-based solutions to climate change.

After your run, join us on Daffodil Hill for festivities including meet-and-greets with NYBG experts to learn about their important work across a range of disciplines. And don’t forget to grab your NYBG 5K Fun Run T-shirt before you set off to enjoy the rest of your day at the Garden!

This event is rain or shine.

Tickets: $55 for Members | $65 for Non-Members
Includes: All-Garden Pass Admission – Run Registration – Commemorative T-Shirt – Music & Activities

Get Registered Donate

Registration closes upon reaching course capacity. Capacity is limited to 1,000 runners.
Scroll down for Course Map and Event Details.

Boogie Down Bronx Runners

Boogie Down Bronx Run Club

This run is designed in partnership with the Boogie Down Bronx Run Club (BDBRC), a collective of everyday Bronx residents whose mission is to promote wellness, inspire, and engage people of all abilities. BDBRC members will be serving as course support throughout the event, so be sure to say hello!

NYBG 5K Fun Run T-Shirt

Get Your Commemorative NYBG 5K Fun Run T-shirt!

As part of your registration, be sure to pick up your Fun Run T-Shirt on Daffodil Hill after your run. Requested size is guaranteed with registration by August 25.

A person holds up a white water bottle with a floral pattern

NYBG Shop Runner’s Discount

Participants in the NYBG 5K Fun Run receive a special 20% discount on run day! NYBG Members combine with their savings for a 30% discount. Shop runner’s favorites, from floral water bottles to NYBG socks and more. Please note this discount is only available on Sunday, September 21 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., in-store only. Discounts are redeemed by showing NYBG 5K Fun Run bib or ticket.

The Course

A green and purple map of a botanical garden

Course Details

Upon arrival to the Garden, runners are directed to the Main Entrance for check-in. Check-in includes ticket check and bib pick-up. Runners are directed to corrals where they may self-select placement based on desired pace. The course begins at the top of Daffodil Hill and winds through sweetgums, oaks, and maples, past the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden, Burn Family Lilac Collection, and Magnolia Collection, and alongside the Library and Conservatory before celebrating the last 200 meters of the course alongside the Thain Family Forest. The finish line greets you at the base of the Azalea Collection, with finishers walking along the crab apple collections to the post-run festivities on Daffodil Hill.

  • Check-in opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 8:15 a.m.
  • There is no bag check for this event. If you are driving, you are welcome to leave your personal belongings in your vehicle during the event. You will be permitted to access your vehicle after the event, and return to the Garden for post-run festivities.
  • There is no official run time or tracker. This is a non-competitive event. As such, this is not a timed course.
  • No strollers are permitted on the course. For the safety of those on the course and preservation of our collections, strollers are not permitted on the course.
  • This course is not ADA accessible. If you are using a wheelchair or mobility aid, please be advised that this is not an ADA accessible course and there is varying elevation.
  • There will be 1 water station on the course at the halfway point. Water will be available at the course finish in the festivities area.
  • No official video / photography. There are no individual finish photos or video provided by NYBG of this event.
  • This event is for registered participants only. We welcome your families and friends to celebrate your run finish when the Garden opens to the general public at 10 a.m. All-Garden Pass tickets may be purchased here.
  • The course closes at 10 a.m.

Event Details

  • Registration includes:

    • Participation for 1 individual in the run
    • 1 NYBG 5K Fun Run T-Shirt
    • Access to post-run festivities on Daffodil Hill from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
    • All-Garden Pass access to NYBG from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., including admission to Van Gogh’s Flowers.
  • Run participants are required to complete the Participant Waiver. The Participant Waiver may be accessed and filled out here. Please ensure that one waiver is completed per registered individual at the time of registration. A link to the fillable waiver will be provided to you via email upon registration. A PDF copy of the waiver may also be found here.

  • Registration for the event is for individuals ages 13+. Participants under the age of 18 must have permission from a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied minors (17 and under) are not permitted to participate on their own. All participants ages 13+ must have a registered adult present during their run or walk.

  • Registrants will receive a “Know Before You Go” email with instructions for arrival and parking. Parking is available for $22 (Non-Member) / $11 (Member) on a first-come, first-served basis at the Fordham Lot across the street from NYBG Main Entrance at 2900 Southern Boulevard or at the garage located at 2960 Webster Ave, Bronx, NY 10458. Please consider taking public transportation or a car service to avoid parking delays. The Metro-North train is a 20-minute ride from Grand Central Station to the Botanical Garden Stop using the $5 weekend city pass. Bike racks are available at the NYBG Main Entrance if needed. If using a car service, request drop-off at 2900 Southern Boulevard.

  • Yes! Invite your friends to donate to NYBG in honor of your participation in our 5K by setting up your own peer-to-peer fundraising page here.

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