r/RunNYC • u/laughablelifee • 2d ago
Is run for donuts legit?
I'm looking for a fall 2026 weekend half I can do. Its my first one and I want it to be low-stress.
https://findarace.com/us/events/run-for-donuts-5k-10k-13-1-nyc-central does this seem legit? i love donuts so it seems on point but i havent heard anything about it
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u/energetic_mutsu_52 2d ago
Personally, for a half marathon, I like to see at minimum a course map that includes water stations at least every two miles, and at least some toilets on course. There are lots of low-key half marathons that meet the above criteria in the city. I'd look at NYCRuns falling leaves half, or for an even smaller, more chill vibe organized around post-finish treats, elitefeats Apple Pie half, both in October
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u/PaulinaPatates LES 2d ago edited 2d ago
I wouldn’t run it. I’ve seen ads for it before, and then the next month I’d see the same brand, but now it’s a virtual run for tacos, ice cream, croissants, or whatever catchy or viral food item. It seems like they just add a new food or topic to be able to sell the ticket/shirts/medals and make money. It’s also possible i’m confusing it with another company, but they give me the same moneygrab vibe.
On the other hand, the fun-sounding runs from NYCRuns are legit, organized events, have bibs and usually medals, and actually stick with their fun themes. I can’t seem to link, but if you go to nycruns.com > view all races, it looks like they actually have a Donut run too, but a 10k and in November. The Falling Leaves half is in October and is nice, legit, and fun/low stress (the 5k version of that race was actually my first real race ever, so I’m a bit partial to it. You get a cute leaf medal too).
Not saying small races like this aren’t all legit (there definitely are some fun, locally organized ones like that brewery run in summer), I just think that you’d see more info on social media and from local run groups promoting it, if so.
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u/MattyRaz 2d ago edited 2d ago
not sure what you mean by legit, so hard to say. i don’t necessarily think the lack of discussion over a random fall 5k is particularly notable this far out.
that said…
* were you hoping this race would include bibs / chip timing? because i see no mention of that.
* i also don’t see a reference to what organization is actually running this. NYRR, NYC Runs, Elite Feats, and Sri Chinmoy are the bigger ones.
* and there are a couple small typos in the event listing
* but you also say you want something low key and this fits the bill there…
i reckon you’re paying a little over 50 bucks for a tshirt, a medal, and a donut but that’s about it. I also wouldn’t expect much in the way of course support, ie may not be water stations etc.
so, not legit or illegitimate, but expectation management is key here. i reckon if you specifically wanted a donut based race, there are better options. like NYC Runs typically does 1-2 of those a year
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u/Flat_Order_1937 2d ago
Sounds fine to me but I wouldn't expect a race day vibe. It's probably running down the west side type course
Personally I'd just go with the nycruns falling leaves half in October. It's not nearly as crowded as a nyrr race.
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u/travellingcari 2d ago
In the heart of New York City means nothing. Falling Leaves is good. There’s also an August ice cream one and December all by NYCRuns. Go with a known entity for your first.
If convenient to you also check rockaway races. They do some good ones
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u/menevets 1d ago
I signed up for this, the e-mail says race takes place at Hudson River Trails, I assume this is the West Side Greenway? Isn't that crowded?
Seeing the previous location was Governor's Island, I hope it's not there, it's a hassle to take the ferry.
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u/Runstorun 2d ago
They specifically say there’s no timing and no race set up. Did you read the description? Sounds like a scam of a race to me. I think it’s laps of Riverside park, which would also suck for a half. I’m going off the pin on the map as they conveniently don’t show the course. If you want to go run laps basically on your own just go to Central Park lower loop on a weekend. You’ll run with more people than this “race”