NEW YORK — More than 6,000 adult athletes and hundreds of youths are set to participate in the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Mindful 5K this Saturday, April 26, 2026, across Queens. The event is expected to bring significant community engagement and temporary traffic adjustments, particularly in areas like Howard Beach. The annual Mindful 5K, celebrating its fifth anniversary, focuses on promoting mental and physical wellbeing through running and walking. This year's event has seen record registration numbers, highlighting a growing local interest in health and community activities. Record Participation for Annual 5K NYRR officials confirmed Tuesday that over 6,200 adult runners have registered, alongside approximately 400 participants under the age of 18. The surge in participation represents a 15% increase from the previous year, underscoring the event's rising popularity. The race course, meticulously planned to showcase Queens' diverse neighborhoods, will weave through parts of Forest Park and extend towards the western edges of Howard Beach. Runners will start near the Forest Park Drive entrance off Woodhaven Boulevard at 8:00 AM. Michelle Gomez, NYRR Event Director, expressed enthusiasm for the turnout. "It's truly inspiring to see so many individuals embrace wellness and community spirit," Gomez said during a press briefing Wednesday. "The Mindful 5K is more than just a race; it's a celebration of health and connection." The event aims to foster a sense of collective mindfulness through physical activity, providing an accessible challenge for all fitness levels. Road Closures and Traffic Advisory for Howard Beach Local residents, especially those in Howard Beach, should be aware of temporary road closures and traffic delays throughout Saturday morning. The New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued an advisory detailing the affected routes. Cross Bay Boulevard, a main artery through Howard Beach, will experience intermittent closures and lane restrictions between 7:30 AM and 11:00 AM to ensure runner safety. Specific side streets intersecting the boulevard will also be impacted. Captain David Miller of the NYPD Highway Patrol, overseeing event logistics, urged residents to plan alternative routes. "We've deployed additional traffic enforcement agents to minimize disruption," Captain Miller confirmed Thursday morning. "Public safety remains our top priority, both for the participants and the local community." As the first rays of dawn touched the eastern skies over Jamaica Bay, residents along Cross Bay Boulevard braced for the annual influx of energy and enthusiasm that the Mindful 5K always brings. Promoting Health and Community Engagement The Mindful 5K is deeply rooted in NYRR's mission to help people of all ages and abilities improve their health through running. It offers free entry for youth participants, actively encouraging younger generations to adopt active lifestyles. Dr. Anya Singh, a public health advocate from Howard Beach, highlighted the event's positive impact. "Events like the Mindful 5K are crucial for community health, promoting physical activity and mental wellbeing in an inclusive setting," Dr. Singh noted. "It’s a fantastic way to engage families and encourage healthy habits." Many local businesses along the race route anticipate a boost in patronage from participants and spectators before and after the race. One such business, 'Runner's Fuel' coffee shop on 157th Avenue, plans to open early, expecting a significant increase in morning sales. This economic spillover effect provides a tangible benefit to the local Howard Beach economy. Event Logistics and Volunteer Support Organizing an event of this scale requires extensive logistical planning and volunteer support. Over 500 volunteers will be positioned along the 5kilometer course to assist runners, distribute water, and provide encouragement. First aid stations will be strategically located every kilometer, staffed by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel. The collaboration between NYRR, NYPD, DOT, and local community groups is vital for the event's smooth operation. Participants are advised to arrive early, utilize public transportation where possible, and check the NYRR website for any lastminute updates. The sense of camaraderie is palpable, extending from the starting line to the finish. For those seeking , separate updates are available. This event brings a positive focus to the diverse happenings in the area. Additional information is available by visiting . Frequently Asked Questions about the Mindful 5K What time should participants arrive for the Mindful 5K? Participants are advised to arrive at least one hour before the 8:00 AM start time, by 7:00 AM. This allows ample time for bag check, warmups, and navigating to the starting corral near the Forest Park Drive entrance off Woodhaven Boulevard. Are there any age restrictions for the Mindful 5K? The Mindful 5K is open to adult athletes of al
