NSRF The Bunny Trail 5K

Overview
The Bunny Trail 5K is one of those races that’s just genuinely fun. It’s a spring trail race at Bethpage State Park organized by the Never Stop Running Foundation, and it has a distinct personality compared to most of the road 5Ks on Long Island. You start on the open polo field, hit the winding soft trails through the park, and come back to finish where you started. A few small hills, mostly flat, and completely doable if you’ve never run a trail race before.

Bethpage has real history as a running venue. The trails here were used for the 2018 NCAA Division II East Region Cross Country Championships, so if you’ve ever wondered what a legitimate cross country course feels like, this is a low-stakes way to find out. The NSRF puts on a solid event and the vibe leans festive, which fits the Easter timing perfectly.

If you’ve been running road 5Ks and want to try something a little different without committing to full trail runner mode, this is the right entry point. The soft surface is forgiving, the scenery is a step up from the average road race, and nobody’s taking it too seriously.

What to Know
* Trail race on soft surfaces. Road shoes will get you through but trail shoes are better.
* Starts and finishes on the polo field. Easy to navigate.
* Bib mailing available for $10 if registered at least 10 days in advance.
* Virtual option available.
* Post-race refreshments from All Round Foods.