Prepare for a mid-week dash through one of Brooklyn's most iconic green spaces at the NYCRUNS Lousy T-Shirt Race on June 16, 2026. This popular 5K event, held in New York, NY, offers runners a unique blend of spirited competition and park serenity. The USATF-certified course takes participants on just under a full loop of scenic Prospect Park, culminating in an energetic sprint up Center Drive. Typical race day conditions in mid-June feature pleasant highs around 80°F and lows around 65°F, with a modest 17% chance of precipitation, creating an ideal evening for a run through the park's lush landscape.

Despite its tongue-in-cheek name, the Lousy T-Shirt Race has a proud history, marking NYCRUNS' very first event back in 2011, and it even held the distinction of being New York City's first in-person road race following the 2020 shutdown. Far from "lousy," participants will receive a "kinda nice" race shirt, upholding a playful tradition that adds to the race's unique charm. The event also contributes to a good cause, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Prospect Park Alliance, the non-profit dedicated to sustaining "Brooklyn's Backyard".

Runners can expect a well-organized experience, a hallmark of NYCRUNS events, with a festival area in the Nethermead serving as the hub for bib pickup, gear check, and post-race celebrations. Aid stations along the course and at the finish line will provide water and electrolyte fluids, complemented by refreshing ice pops, apples, and pretzels after you cross the finish line. The race utilizes a pace-based corral system for a smooth start on Well House Drive, ensuring a fun and accessible experience for runners of all levels.