Run Away From the Nightmare Known as 2016 in Central Park This New Year's Eve

CENTRAL PARK, NY — For those looking for a way to run away from the problems, and anxiety, that 2016 has brought — try literally running.

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) will be hosting its 38th annual Midnight Run this New Year's Eve in Central Park. Around 5,000 runners are expected to participate in the four-mile race, according to a press release.

"For nearly four decades, the NYRR Midnight Run has had such a strong tradition of celebrating the devoted runners who support and participate in NYRR’s events all year long," Michael Capiraso, president and CEO of New York Road Runners, said in a statement. "The NYRR Midnight Run provides all runners with a fantastic opportunity to start 2017 off on the right foot, and to go after their New Year’s resolutions during the first minutes of the New Year."

The racecourse starts and finishes near Rumsey Playfield and runners will pass Central Park landmarks such as the Loeb Boathouse, Turtle Pond and both sides of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

Here's a picture of the complete race map:

The event will commence at 10 p.m. with a pre-race festival which will feature a dance party, face painting for the kids and a resolution wall where racers can post their goals for 2017, according to the NYRR website. Unfortunately the event is not free, but it's not too bad compared to other New Year's Eve events going on in the city.

Here is the price-chart for admission, as provided by NYRR:

The event also features the only (legal) traditional fireworks display on the island of Manhattan, according to the NYRR press release.

"This is one of the best New Year’s Eve events in New York City, offering Manhattan’s only fireworks show that night and a festive experience for runners of all ages," Peter Ciaccia, president of events for New York Road Runners, said in a statement.

For more information about the Midnight Run check out NYRR's website.

Photo by Douglas Arruda via Flickr/Creative Commons