UN Day Race 2025: Running Together for the United Nations

Some of the participants in this year's UN Day Race.

The morning of October 25, 2025, began crisp and clear in Central Park, where runners, walkers, and cyclists gathered beneath the autumn trees to celebrate United Nations Day. The United Nations Association of New York (UNA-NYC) hosted its annual UN Day Race, an event that has become both a tradition and a joyful expression of global unity in the heart of New York City.

Participants gathered at the entrance of Central Park at East 60th Street and Fifth Avenue before setting off on either a 5K or 10K course. The theme of this year's race, Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG #6), reflected one of the United Nations' most vital Sustainable Development Goals, drawing attention to the global need for equitable access to safe water and hygiene.

Among those on the course were several ambassadors from the United Nations, as well as Annalena Baerbock, President of the UN General Assembly. They are members of the PR Runners, a club of diplomats and UN staff who share a passion for running and for representing the UN community beyond the conference rooms. Their return to the event added a sense of continuity and international spirit to the day.

As the race unfolded, the laughter and encouragement of participants echoed through the park. Families, students, and seasoned runners all moved at their own pace, united by a shared cause. By the end of the morning, several thousand dollars had been raised, funds that will directly support UNA-NYC's educational and outreach programs in the year ahead.

As the runners crossed the finish line and gathered in a spirit of camaraderie, the event once again highlighted how local communities can join global efforts in advancing the UN's ideals. Through fitness, fellowship, and shared purpose, this year's UN Day Race affirmed that collective action - whether across nations or neighborhoods - remains essential to building a better world.