Put on by the New York Road Runners this was the 15th Annual “UAE Healthy Kidney 10K” to raise awareness for the National Kidney Foundation and kidney health and disease. 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 were a lot of fun. They had various informational booths, music being played by a DJ, big giveaways, and various booths that allowed attendees to experience the culture of the United Arab Emirates. This was a decent sized race consisting of 7,695 total finishers (4,211 men and 3,484 women). Register for a great tech shirt with the race logo and finish this race and you'll be rewarded a beautiful finisher medal.

This particular course is slightly more than one counter-clockwise lap of Central Park’s six mile loop. 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 East River Drive as you pass the Reservoir on your left. As you approach the second mile there is a steady downhill. Coming up on Mile 3 you pass 102nd Street and start to climb Harlem Hill. This will be the toughest climb of the race. Again, keep those legs pumping. This is one tough hill! Mile 4 brings a set of rolling hills as you start to head South on West Drive. You’re almost to the end. Just keep going and enjoy the beautiful trees around you. You’ll pass The Lake on your left as you near Mile 5. After Mile 5 you’ll complete the lower loop of the park as the course turns back onto East Drive. Keep going, you’re almost to the finish! The last 1.2 miles of the race will have you heading back North on East Drive as you pass the start line on 69th Street and then turn left at the 72nd Street Transverse and continue toward the finish line. You’ll finish near Bethesda Terrace which offers some great spots for post-race photos. Be sure to grab some of the post race treats offered by the NYRRs. This year they handed out water, apples, pretzels, and bagels.

This is a really fun race and it is a great race to run if you are looking to support a great cause. This 10K brings out the great running community of New York City and everyone should look into running it.