There's a half marathon in NYC that gives runners free treats at 7 bakeries

This NYC Bakery Run stops for free treats at seven bakeries, and we’d like to sign up.

There aren’t many things that could convince me to run a half-marathon. Escaping from an avalanche or a crazed axe murderer are really the only examples I can think of. At least, they were, until I discovered that there’s an NYC Bakery Run happening on 21 September 2026.

This social half-marathon through the streets of Brooklyn and Manhattan lets runners skip the line at seven of New York’s best bakeries, with a free pastry to refuel on at each stop. Think spiced cardamom buns, flaky croissants and fruit-filled danishes. Yum.

A maximum of 100 runners will be selected to participate, and they will run in three waves: advanced, intermediate and those just here for the baked goods, aka beginner.

Keep your energy up with baked goods. (Image: Tipster)

Let me just say, New York City’s bakeries are elite. It’s this city we have to thank for the cronut – while it may not be in vogue anymore, it’s still the best pastry ever invented, to my mind. More specifically, it was invented in NYC by French pastry chef Dominique Ansel at his bakery (Dominique Ansel Bakery in SoHo) in 2013. I had the pleasure of trying one in 2023, and it did not disappoint. In fact, it started me on my own NYC bakery tour, which is how I know this city does not miss with its bakeries.

The NYC Bakery Run may not stop at Dominique Ansel Bakery, but it does hit seven other popular spots. Start in Bushwick’s La Cabra, where I have also been, which serves up a mean cinnamon scroll and tasty matcha lattes (among many other pastries). It’s always got a bit of a line, though, so joining a fun run would be worth it to head straight to the front.

Thank you, New York, for cronuts. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

Next stop, Radio Bakery in Brooklyn, where classic pastries are baked onsite and served with a unique twist. Think twice-baked pistachio croissants, Earl Grey morning buns and all manner of treats that layer acidity, umami and sweetness. Stay in Brooklyn for La Bicyclette Bakery, which, as the name suggests, will add a touch of French chic to the run. Here, Parisian-quality baguettes and sourdough have gained them a reputation, alongside to-die-for fruit danishes that change with the seasons.

Cross the bridge into NYC proper to try out baked goods with the flair of Middle Eastern spices – like sumac and black lime – at Librae Bakery. The pistachio rose croissant is particularly popular here. A short run will get you to the almost new Raf’s where Michelin-trained chefs combine North African heritage and European technique to produce signature treats like the agrodolce sticky bun and delicate baci di dama cookies.

La Cabra will make you understand why Americans enjoy cinnamon scrolls. (Image: Kassia Byrnes)

A few blocks away, Gem Home sticks to the classics, like sourdough loaves and cardamom buns. For your final stop on this side of the river, enter the same neighbourhood that perfected the bialy (kind of like a Polish bagel) for reinvented Jewish-American classics like a challah honey bun, glossed with warm honey and sea salt at Elbow Bread.

Finish up back in Brooklyn at L’Appartement 4F. Starting life as a pandemic side project, they did a little better than the rest of us with a sourdough starter. Congratulate yourself for the morning’s workout with croissants, baguettes and cinnamon buns.

The Bakery Run is also coming to Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London and Mexico City, with more details to be released. So, in a nutshell, it’s a good year to have your bread and eat it too.

Run your way around New York’s best bakeries. (Image: Tipster)

Spending more time in the area? Discover our guide to New York State.