PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Miler and Relay

It's time to register for the 31st edition of the PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Miler and Relay, our signature mid-winter race!  From 1996 to today, our 10 Mile Race and Relay has been a fixture on the Presidents' Day weekend running calendar.

• Run 10 miles on your own - 3 full loops of Prospect Park, or form a relay team of 3 runners, with each runner completing one 3.33-mile loop.

• All entrants receive an ear-warmer headband as a race souvenir.  In the interest of environmental protection and waste reduction, you can opt out from receiving the souvenir item.

• Race day amenities include baggage check and post-race refreshments including hot chocolate, bagels and fruit. 

• 10-Mile Awards:  Cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 to the top 3 overall finishers in the Male, Female and Non-binary categories. Awards go to top 3 Male, Female, and Non-binary age group finishers:  19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.  Cash prize winners are ineligible for age group awards.

• Relay Awards:  Awards go to each member of the first team in the following categories:  All Male, All Female, All Non-binary, Mixed (any combination of Male/Female/Non-binary), Youth (all members age 18 and younger), Masters (all members age 40 and over).

Course Restrictions and Time Limit:

In the interest of safety, strollers and pets are prohibited from the course.  Runners have up to 2.5 hours to complete the 10 miles - this is a pace of 15 minutes per mile.  Scoring mats will remain in place until 12:30 pm.

Cherry Tree race day weather is extremely variable:  over the years we've experienced warm sunny days, temperatures well below freezing, pouring rain and light snow.  Any decision to modify or cancel the event due to weather conditions that could adversely impact roadway safety will be announced no later than the morning of the race. Messages will be posted through email, PPTC social media, and on this website.  Due to our costs incurred prior to the race, PPTC will not be able to offer entry fee refunds if the event is cancelled due to the weather.

The 2026 Cherry Tree 10 Miler and 3-Person Relay event is sanctioned by USA Track & Field.  Sanction ID #155340.

The Cherry Tree 10-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field.  Course certificate #NY23042DNB.

Prospect Park Track Club welcomes athletes of all abilities.  If you have questions about our race accommodations, please email us cherrytree@pptc.org.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES and PRICING

Individual 10 Mile Entry Deadline:  Saturday, February 14 at 11:59 pm.  There is no Race Day registration on February 15.

Relay Team Entry Deadline:  Thursday, February 12 at 11:59 pm.  We need time to prepare your race packets prior to bib pickup.

In-person Registration:  In-person registrations will be accepted at pre-race packet pickup on February 13-14, and on race day, February 15.  You will need to complete your registration online using the QR code available at the registration table.

Entry Fees (per runner):  Early Bird pricing is $35 and will increase to $44 on December 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026; $55 from February 1 through 15, 2026. 
Note for Relay Teams:  each team member must pay an individual entry fee.

Registrations can be transferred between the 10-Mile and Relay events prior to Thursday Feb 12th.  Please email us at cherrytree@pptc.org to make the arrangements.

PPTC DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS OR DEFERRALS ON ENTRY FEES.  NO BIB TRANSFERS FOR 10-MILE ENTRIES. 

RELAY TEAMS

Use the 3 Person 10 Mile Relay option to register.  All 3 Relay Team members must register and pay an individual entry fee.  Team members do not need to register at the same time, however multiple entries can be submitted together.  The first person to register creates the team, and the remaining members sign up at their convenience.  To create or find your team, click on "Relay Teams" at the top of this page. The entry fee charged to each team member is based on the price in effect at the time of the person's registration.  Relay teams of 2 people are OK, too - one runner will need to complete two of the three loops for the team to be scored.  All questions or concerns regarding relay team member registration should be sent via email to cherrytree@pptc.org.

BIB PICKUP DATES AND TIMES

Pre-race bib pickup will take place at Fleet Feet, 474 Fifth Avenue, between 10th and 11th Streets.

Friday, February 13:  from 4 pm to 7 pm

Saturday, February 14:  from 1 pm to 4 pm

Race Day, Sunday, February 15: Bib pickup is located next to the Duck Island Cafe & Bar at the Lefrak Center at Lakeside from 8:15 am to 9:45 am.

Note:  Relay Team bibs are distributed in one packet.  One person can pick up for the entire team.

Banner Photo is from the 2025 Cherry Tree.  Photo credit:  Samuel M. Trimble @samuelmtrimble on Instagram