The Glue Loop

Overview
The Glue Loop is put on by the Glue Factory, a Brooklyn running crew, and it’s one of the more distinctive road races in the area. The course is simple: one counterclockwise lap of Prospect Park, 3.36 miles, starting and finishing at the southernmost point of the loop. The finish has a nice downhill into it, which makes the last stretch feel a little faster than it actually is.

This isn’t your standard charity 5K. It has a real Brooklyn running scene energy to it. The team list from past years includes Prospect Park Track Club, BK Run Project, and a bunch of local run clubs, so the field tends to be genuinely competitive while still being open to everyone. There’s a $200 cash bonus for anyone who breaks the course record, which tells you something about the level of racing that shows up.

If you’re based in Brooklyn or spend time there, this is a fun one to put on the calendar. The Prospect Park loop is one of the best road running routes in the city, and having a race that treats it as its own distance rather than a modified 5K is a nice change of pace.

What to Know
* Distance is 3.36 miles, one full lap of the Prospect Park loop. Not a standard 5K.
* Counterclockwise course with a downhill finish.
* $200 cash bonus for breaking the course record in your gender category.
* Register at least 3 weeks in advance for a personalized bib number.
* Strong local Brooklyn running club presence. Competitive but welcoming.