Announcing the 1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run

It’s time that the growing barefoot and minimalist running movement had an event of their own. Well, now we do.

I am pleased to announce the 1st Annual New York City Barefoot Run on Sunday, October 10th. Go barefoot, wear minimalist shoes, or even wear normal sneakers. The event will take place on beautiful Governors Island in New York Harbor, with stunning views of the Statue of Liberty, lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn Bridge.

We have a stellar line-up of special guests:

  • Dan Lieberman, Harvard Professor and barefoot running researcher
  • Erwan Le Corre, founder of MovNat
  • Jason Robillard, author of The Barefoot Running Book
  • …plus all of your local hosts in Barefoot Runners NYC

It’s not just a run and done.  Come on Saturday, October 9th for clinics in the park, we’re planning some events for Saturday night, and enjoy the day at Governors Island on Sunday.  

Details here.  We’re limiting space at 500, so register today.  Don’t miss it — the first time only happens once.

August 11th: 8-Mile Barefoot Run with Christopher McDougall

Born to Run NYC

Join Christopher McDougall, author of “Born to Run,” and John Durant, founder of Barefoot Runners NYC, in an epic barefoot run from Harlem to Brooklyn. Run barefoot, near-barefoot, or fully shod but barefoot curious. Rediscover the fun of running barefoot, and tap into the natural quickness and strength buried in your soles. We’ll party in the park before and after, and every step of the way.  The full run is 8 miles, but feel free to join for any part of the run — see course map for meeting points.

Chris will be giving a book talk at Word Bookstore, just near the finish, at 7:30pm.  The cost is $25 (and includes the book), but there is no obligation for runners to attend.


Click for ROUTE MAP

Start: Marcus Garvey Park (NW corner at 124th and Mt. Morris Park)

Time: Run begins at 4pm. Runners will begin gathering at 3pm.

Route: Join us anywhere along the way.  We’ll be entering Central Park at Malcom X and 110th.  We’ll be running on East Drive all the way down through Central Park.  We’ll be exiting Central Park at 60th St. and 5th Avenue.  Then crossing the Queensboro Bridge to Brooklyn

Finish: American Playground, near Word Bookstore at 126 Franklin Street, Brooklyn (Franklin and Milton)

RSVP: To sign up for the run, please RSVP at Barefoot Runners NYC

Media Inquiries: Please contact Christopher McDougall or John Durant.

Great segment on the Today Show this morning!  There was a nice contrast between an over-engineered faddish shoe (toners) and a simple, back to nature alternative: minimalist and barefoot — the way we were born to run.

If you’re new and want to learn more, we have a Free Beginner’s Workshop on Sunday afternoon in Central Park.  Just visit our Meetup group (link at right) and sign up.  More information below for those who just want to learn more about barefoot running.

Coming Soon: Barefoot Runners NYC on The Today Show

             

Look for the upcoming segment on footwear trends, comparing toner shoes to Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs).  Peter Alexander, the Today Show correspondent, will slip on a pair of VFFs and take a run with Barefoot Runners NYC in Central Park.