Put on by the New York Road Runners this was the 16th Annual “Run As One 4M” to raise awareness of Lung Cancer. This race was held in Central Park in New York City, NY. There was no expo for this particular race but there were pre and post race festivities that despite the rain all morning, and throughout the entire race, continued as planned. The festivities were fun. They had various informational booths, music being played by a DJ, games, a giveaway, and an award ceremony. Though “small” this was still a decent sized race that consisted of 6,107 total finishers (3,244 men and 2,863 women). Register for a great short sleeve tech shirt with the race logo on front and back. Unfortunately there is no finisher medal for this race.

Runners start out in Central Park near the Naumberg Bandshell heading North. You soon hit Cedar Hill, better known as “Cat Hill” for a tough climb. (Keep those legs pumping!) You then continue along the East River Drive as you pass the Reservoir on your left. As you approach the second mile there is a steady downhill as you turn just after 102nd Street and soon come onto West Park Drive heading South. As you make this turn you hit the course’s second big hill that will take you through to mile three. Again, you pass the Reservoir on your left. After mile three you hit another steady downhill as you pass The Lake on the left. After one last small rolling hill you start to come into the home stretch ending on Terrace Drive just before you reach Bethesda Terrace. Bethesda Terrace and Bethesda Fountain offer great spots for post-race photos.

Despite the rain all morning this was a really fun race and was well organized. This is a great race to run if you are looking to support a great cause. At only 4 miles this is a quick run that gets you active and a part of a great running community in New York City.