The Battle for the Big Apple 2026
Presented by Brooklyn Running Company
Four weeks of head-to-head action unfold across four unique segments throughout the month of January. Each week, runners have one simple mission — survive and advance. The four segments for this year’s competition can be found below, and brackets will be released in early January.
We’re also excited to share that all runners in the bracket will receive a custom Fractel hat, available for pickup during Round 1 at Brooklyn Running Company. Entry is $30, and space is limited, so if you’re planning to join, please don’t wait. Registration opens 11/29.
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Distance: 2.4
https://www.strava.com/routes/3425594119735855806
Starting at 59th Street, enter the park, complete a lower loop and return back to 59th street. As classic as it gets to start things off.
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Distance: 1.7 Miles
https://www.strava.com/routes/3425594946625237076
Start at the bottom. End at the top. 1.7 miles of uphill grinding through Prospect Park.
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Distance: 4 Miles
https://www.strava.com/routes/3427039193957537654
2 miles out. 2 miles back. Rip it along the WSH for round number three.
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Distance: 2.4 Miles
Out-and-back on the Bridge. Manhattan to Brooklyn and back. Another classic to close things out.
2026 NYC Segments
Opening Round: January 5-11
Second Round: January 12-18
Third Round: January 19-25
Final Round: January 26-February 1
FAQs
How Do I Record and Submit My Run?
All runs must be recorded with a GPS watch or phone and synced via Strava or Garmin. All runs must be recorded on “Race” mode or must show elapsed time (as opposed to moving time) and then emailed to run@trialsofmilesracing.com. Our team will verify all results to ensure accuracy.
Can I Run the Segment Multiple Times?
During the competition window you are free to run the segment as many times as you choose. We will not consider the time “FINAL” until you have emailed it to run@trialsofmilesracing.com or you indicate to us that it is a final/submitted time. Please keep in mind that once you email us your time, that time is final and we can (and likely will) publicize that time. If you think you may attempt the segment again later in the week, do not submit!
Can I Run the Segment with a Friend or a Pacer?
Competitors are free to run their segments alone, in groups, or with a pack of pacers. As long as you complete the segment on your own two feet, within the required time period it will count.
What Happens if My GPS Data Gets Messed Up? How Do You Prevent Cheating?
Virtual racing is not perfect. People's data is going to get screwed up and times are going to be slightly off. We've done this enough times to know how to deal with these issues and keep things fair. Rest assured, these fields are incredibly deep and nobody is going to be able to game their way to victory. Throughout the competition our team will also make whatever tweaks are necessary to ensure the integrity of the competition.
How Do You Make the Brackets?
There is no seeding in this competition and placement in the brackets is done using an online randomizer. As a result there is quite a bit of luck in terms of how far you can go in this competition. Please also keep in mind that most people aren't super fit in January and a lot of people plan to use these segments as workouts. Even if you're going against someone significantly faster than you, if you run hard you might be surprised by the result. Strange things happen in these races!
What are the Prizes?
2024 Brackets
(This give you an idea of what to expect in 2026)
