Six thousand runners will descend on Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, May 2, for the third annual Mindful 5K in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Hosted by New York Road Runners (NYRR), a nonprofit organization that empowers communities through movement, the race underscores the connection between running and mental wellness.
As of press time, the race will include approximately 5,000 adult runners and hundreds of youth runners.
Photo by Carla G. Torres
“All around the world, people are experiencing the impact running has on their physical and mental health,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, the NYRR CEO, in a statement. “Running has become a source of community, connection and belonging. This Mental Health Awareness Month, and throughout the year, our events, free programs across the five boroughs and resources are designed to encourage people to believe in the power of every step to transform their mental well-being.”
The 3.1-mile course will feature scenic views of renowned landmarks, including the Unisphere, the Queens Museum, the Queens Zoo and Citi Field.
It is one of several Mental Health Awareness Month initiatives that NYRR will offer throughout May to encourage New Yorkers to “move their bodies, with research showing that just 15 minutes of running or walking a day can reduce the risk of major depression by up to 26%,” according to a media advisory.
This year, the nonprofit running organization will feature unique programming, including the Zen Zone, a serene space for meditation and mindfulness, offering live sessions and self-guided audio recordings. NYRR first introduced the Zen Zone at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, and it has since become a community staple both at the marathon and the upcoming NYRR Mindful 5K.
Photo by Carla G. Torres
Photo by Carla G. Torres
In its inaugural debut, the Mindful 5K runners will also have the opportunity to interact with therapy dogs from New York Therapy Animals. NYRR and New York Therapy Animals started a nearly decade-old partnership to bring therapy dogs to the start line of the marathon, offering runners mental stability and comfort. The program expanded in 2026 with therapy dogs at the United Airlines NYC Half in March and now the NYRR Mindful 5K.
Another anticipated feature is the Reflection Wall, where runners will be invited to share their motivation and inspiration for running. After etching their names on the wall, participants can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) tent to access resources on mental health services.
Photo by Jon Simon
Lastly, a Run for the Future tent will be included in the post-race programming, where alumnae of the Run for the Future six-week summer program can reconnect, and race participants can take part in interactive activities that emphasize mindfulness, including a wellness wheel and reflective prompts. The program, reserved for young women attending an NYC high school, will celebrate its 15th anniversary.
Photo by Carla G. Torres
In addition to the NYRR Mindful 5K, younger runners ages 2 to 18 will participate in Rising New York Road Runners races and dashes — one of 20 free youth events offered in the NYRR race calendar.
The itinerary for tomorrow’s 5K is as follows:
8 a.m. – Adult race start
9 a.m. – Rising New York Road Runners Stage 3 (ages 12-18) races start.
9:20 a.m. – Rising New York Road Runners Stage 2 (ages 8-18) races start.
10 a.m. – Rising New York Road Runners Stage 1 (ages 2-11) dashes start.
Photo by Carla G. Torres
Photo by Carla G. Torres
Photo by Carla G. Torres
During May, NYRR will offer a rotating series of virtual challenges, no-cost community programming and digital resources made for the city’s running community.
To find out more about NYRR’s mission statement, visit their website.