5 Must-Run New Rochelle Races: Your Ultimate 2025–2026 Westchester Running Guide
New Rochelle, New York, is quickly becoming a premier destination for runners in the Southern Westchester region, offering a diverse calendar of races that appeal to every level of athlete. From challenging, technical trail runs to festive, family-friendly 5Ks, the city's running scene is vibrant and constantly updated. As of December 23, 2025, the schedule for 2025 and 2026 is set, promising fresh challenges and community celebrations for local and visiting runners alike.
This comprehensive guide details the most anticipated and established running events in New Rochelle, providing you with the exact dates, course highlights, and essential local insights to plan your race calendar for the upcoming seasons. Whether you are aiming for a new personal best or simply want to explore the city's parks and historic districts on foot, these five events are the ones you won't want to miss.
The Premier New Rochelle Running Race Calendar (2025–2026)
The local running community, spearheaded by entities like the NewRo Runners, ensures that the race calendar is packed with variety. These events not only promote fitness but also celebrate the city's history, art, and natural beauty. Below are the definitive races to mark on your calendar.
1. The Legendary Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon
The Paine to Pain Trail Half Marathon stands out as New Rochelle's most challenging and prestigious running event. It is a true test of endurance and skill, drawing serious trail runners from across the region.
- 2025 Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
- 2026 Tentative Date: Sunday, October 11, 2026
- Distance: Half Marathon (13.1 miles)
- Course Highlights: This is not a typical road race. The course is renowned for being a genuine trail run, with much of the route consisting of single-track trails through a network of town and county parks, including areas in New Rochelle and extending into neighboring Westchester communities.
- Start/Finish: The race begins at the historic Thomas Paine Cottage Museum and concludes at New Rochelle High School, located directly across the street from the start line.
- Topical Authority Insight: The challenging terrain and significant elevation changes make this event a staple for the dedicated Westchester running community and a qualifying race for many trail running series.
2. The Festive New Rochelle Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk
A cherished Thanksgiving morning tradition, the New Rochelle Turkey Trot offers a fun, family-friendly way to kick off the holiday season while supporting local charities. It's a perfect event for all ages and abilities, from competitive runners to casual walkers.
- 2025 Date: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Morning)
- Distances: 5K Run/Walk, Kid's Mile Race, and Tot Trot (for the youngest participants).
- Location: The event starts and finishes in the Historic District, near New Rochelle City Hall.
- Community Focus: The event is beautifully organized, often by local figures like Michael Conlon, and is sponsored by community partners such as Finish Line Physical Therapy. Crucially, all proceeds benefit local charities, reinforcing its role as a key community fundraiser.
- LSI Keywords: Thanksgiving tradition, family fun, local charities, community running event.
3. The New Rochelle Art Mural Run (A Free Running Tour)
Combining fitness with culture, the New Rochelle Art Mural Run offers a unique, non-competitive experience that highlights the city's commitment to public art. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore the city's vibrant street art scene.
- 2025 Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
- Format: Free, non-competitive group run.
- Purpose: Organized by the NewRo Runners, the event is a guided running tour along a route that celebrates New Rochelle's most vibrant murals. It is often held in conjunction with ArtsFest, a major cultural event in the city.
- Artistic Entities: The run showcases the NRNY Murals initiative, an unprecedented outdoor museum featuring over 20 fine-art pieces by Street Art For Mankind, transforming the downtown area into a dynamic gallery.
- Why Run It: This event is perfect for those who want a social run, a photo opportunity, and a chance to reflect on contemporary art while staying active. Runners can also download a map to tour the murals at their own pace.
The Heart of the Westchester Running Community: Local Clubs and Support
The success and variety of the New Rochelle running race calendar are largely thanks to the energetic and dedicated local running community. These clubs and groups provide training, camaraderie, and organizational support for many of the city's top events.
NewRo Runners: The Backbone of New Rochelle Running
The NewRo Runners are the most prominent running club in the area, serving as a vibrant community hub for runners of all abilities in Southern Westchester. With hundreds of members, they organize weekly runs, training sessions, and are instrumental in coordinating major events like the Turkey Trot and the Art Mural Run. Joining a group like NewRo Runners is the best way to gain local knowledge, find training partners, and stay updated on race registration deadlines and course changes.
Unstoppable Striders Run Club: Nurturing Future Athletes
For families and young athletes, the Unstoppable Striders Run Club provides a safe and supportive environment. This club focuses on promoting physical fitness, run safety, and personal growth for children of all running levels in New Rochelle. Their focus on youth development ensures the longevity and health of the local running scene, providing a pipeline for future participants in the 5K and Half Marathon events.
Beyond the Big Three: Other Noteworthy New Rochelle Races
While the Paine to Pain and the Turkey Trot dominate the calendar, New Rochelle occasionally hosts smaller, focused races that are worth noting for a complete running experience.
- Cinco de Mile: Mentioned as a community race day celebration, the Cinco de Mile is a shorter, high-energy event that typically takes place in the spring. The 2026 event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, offering a chance for a fast, competitive mile run.
- Local 5K Events: Throughout the year, various local organizations and Iona University may host smaller 5K events and fun runs. Keep an eye on the NewRo Runners website and local city event calendars for pop-up races that benefit specific causes or local school groups. These smaller races are fantastic for beginners or for a quick, mid-season speed check.
Whether you're tackling the technical single-track trails of the Paine to Pain, enjoying the holiday spirit of the Turkey Trot, or soaking up the culture on the Art Mural Run, New Rochelle offers a dynamic and engaging race experience for every runner. The combination of challenging courses, community spirit, and strong organizational support from groups like NewRo Runners makes New Rochelle a must-visit city for any serious or recreational runner in the Northeast.
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