Marathon week in New York is a time for running brands, local clubs, and runners from around the world to come together. In the days leading up to the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, numerous shakeout runs—short, easy runs before race day—take place across the city. They offer a chance to loosen up the legs, meet fellow runners, explore different neighborhoods, and experience the excitement building ahead of the marathon on November 1, 2026.
The schedule includes everything from relaxed group runs to events hosted by running brands. Some feature shoe demos, breakfast, recovery advice, or opportunities to meet professional runners. I selected 16 events scheduled between October 27 and 31, focusing on recognizable brands, unique experiences, and their appeal to marathon participants. This is an editorial selection, not a popularity ranking.
All times are listed in New York local time. Some events require advance registration, and availability may change. Please check the latest information with the organizer before attending. I have also included the official Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K, a 5K race held as part of marathon weekend.
New Balance x Garmin Pre-Race Shakeout Party
Paragon Sports is hosting an evening shakeout run in partnership with New Balance and Garmin. Participants can choose between three- and five-mile routes, with pace groups available for different ability levels. The event also offers the opportunity to test New Balance shoes and Garmin watches. After the run, participants can enjoy pasta and drinks and enter a prize raffle. Admission is free, but the event is listed as sold out, with a waitlist available.
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Meeting Point: Paragon Sports, 867 Broadway, Union Square
WayPoint NYC x adidas Pre-Marathon Mindset Session
Jason Joyce of WayPoint NYC leads an easy two-mile run, followed by a mental preparation session near the marathon finish line. Participants can test the adidas Hyperboost Run shoes, receive a mental preparation guide, and enjoy pre-run snacks from Juicery Harlem. Combining an easy run with mental preparation makes this an interesting option for the beginning of marathon week.
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 6:15–8:15 PM
Meeting Point: Fleet Feet Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle
Vivobarefoot NYC Marathon Shakeout Run
Vivobarefoot is teaming up with Own The Pace and Carleth’s Run Club for an easy run through SoHo. Coach Josh Holland leads the warm-up before the group heads out on a three- to five-kilometer loop. Refreshments and an opportunity to visit the store are planned after the run. This is a good option for runners looking for a relaxed community gathering rather than a structured workout.
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Meeting Point: Vivobarefoot SoHo, 248 Lafayette Street
Midnight Runners Halloween 6K Shakeout
Midnight Runners brings a Halloween atmosphere to marathon week with a music-filled 6K group run. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, and prizes are planned. Registration and bag drop are available before the start. It’s a great option for runners who want to combine an easy shakeout with an energetic social atmosphere.
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 7:00–9:00 PM; registration opens at 6:30 PM
Meeting Point: Rosie O’Grady’s, 148 West 51st Street
STŌA x WELDA Marathon Shakeout Run
STŌA and Welda Club are hosting a morning shakeout run at their Lower East Side space. The plan starts with a gathering at the store, followed by an easy 5K at a conversational pace. Coffee, gifts, and time to meet other participants are planned after the run. It’s a great choice for runners who prefer to get their shakeout done early and keep the rest of the day free.
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Meet-Up: 7:00 AM
Run Start: 7:30 AM
Meeting Point: STŌA, 2 Rivington Street
Run the City Presented by HOKA
Fleet Feet NYC and HOKA are hosting an evening run connecting the Columbus Circle store with Fleet Feet locations on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. Participants can test HOKA Clifton 11 and HOKA PRO shoes, and the first 200 runners may receive an event T-shirt. Pizza, drinks, giveaways, and prizes are also planned. With several stops along the route, this event offers a different experience from a standard out-and-back run.
Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM; registration opens at 6:00 PM
Meeting Point: Fleet Feet Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle
Fleet Feet NYC’s Marathon Shakeout
Fleet Feet NYC invites runners to its official shakeout run, organized with several partners. Participants can test Altra shoes and Currex insoles, try KT Tape applications, get nutrition tips from Maurten, and check out OOFOS recovery footwear. The event also features Halloween-themed activities, breakfast, coffee, and a prize raffle.
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 8:00–10:00 AM; registration opens at 7:30 AM
Meeting Point: Fleet Feet Columbus Circle, 10 Columbus Circle
lululemon Visualization & Shakeout Run
lululemon combines a short run with a visualization exercise designed to help participants focus on their marathon goals. Registration opens at 8:00 AM, followed by a Root Purpose Analysis session and pace-group assignments. Starting at 9:00 AM, groups head out for either a 5K run or a 2K walk. The morning also features bagels, overnight oats, juices, electrolyte drinks, and music.
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Registration: 8:00 AM
Run Groups Start: From 9:00 AM
Meeting Point: lululemon Hudson Yards, 500 West 33rd Street
Tracksmith Pre-Race Shakeout at The Brooklyn Circus
Tracksmith’s Saturday event features an easy 5K led by Erica Stanley-Dottin, NYC Community Manager, with special guests Stephanie Bruce, Ouigi Theodore, and Knox Robinson. Participants meet before the run at 9:00 AM, with the run starting at 9:30 AM. Afterward, they can visit the event space and enjoy Skratch recovery drinks and Nespresso coffee.
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Meet-Up: 9:00 AM
Run Start: 9:30 AM
Meeting Point: The Brooklyn Circus, 361 Canal Street
Brooks Run Club Shakeout with Clayton Young
Brooks is hosting another standout shakeout run, this time featuring American distance runner Clayton Young. The easy 5K starts at Brooks Hyperion House in SoHo. Registration opens at 8:30 AM, and participants can enjoy coffee after the run and visit the brand’s event space. Young’s appearance may be especially appealing to fans who follow American distance running.
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Time: 9:00–10:00 AM; registration opens at 8:30 AM
Meeting Point: Brooks Hyperion House, 188 Lafayette Street
Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K
The Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K is an official 5K race held on Saturday, the day before the TCS New York City Marathon. The course starts near the United Nations headquarters, runs through Midtown Manhattan, and finishes at the famous marathon finish line in Central Park. Unlike typical easy shakeout runs, this is a timed race with official results and prize competition. It is an important part of marathon weekend.
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start Time for Most Participants: 8:45 AM; elite and wheelchair divisions start earlier
Start: Near the United Nations headquarters, Manhattan
Finish: TCS New York City Marathon finish line, Central Park
Official Information: New York Road Runners
Marathon Week Shakeout Run Schedule at a Glance
| Event | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Balance x Garmin | October 27 | 6:30 PM | Union Square |
| WayPoint NYC x adidas | October 27 | 6:15 PM | Columbus Circle |
| Vivobarefoot | October 28 | 6:00 PM | SoHo |
| Midnight Runners Halloween 6K | October 28 | 7:00 PM | Midtown West |
| STŌA x WELDA | October 29 | 7:00 AM meet-up; 7:30 AM run | Lower East Side |
| Run the City by HOKA | October 29 | 6:30 PM | Columbus Circle |
| Legends in the Making by adidas | October 30 | 8:30 AM | Columbus Circle |
| Brooks x JP Flavin and Megan O’Neil | October 30 | 9:00 AM | SoHo |
| Peloton x NYRR | October 30 | 6:30 PM registration; 7:00 PM run | Central Park |
| Find Fast Friends by Saucony | October 30 | 6:30 PM | Columbus Circle |
| New Balance x Believe in the Run | October 31 | 8:00 AM | Washington Square Park |
| Fleet Feet NYC Marathon Shakeout | October 31 | 8:00 AM | Columbus Circle |
| lululemon Visualization & Shakeout | October 31 | 8:00 AM registration; 9:00 AM start | Hudson Yards |
| Tracksmith Pre-Race Shakeout | October 31 | 9:00 AM meet-up; 9:30 AM run | Canal Street |
| Brooks x Clayton Young | October 31 | 9:00 AM | SoHo |
| Abbott Dash to the Finish Line 5K | October 31 | 8:45 AM start for most participants | United Nations – Central Park finish line |
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