THE RACE

It's time to register for the 2024 edition of the PPTC Cherry Tree 10 Miler and Relay.  It's the 29th edition of our signature mid-winter race!

From 1996 to today, the Cherry Tree has always been the Race for the Hardcore. Rain, sleet, snow or cold, we show up for this 10 Mile race and relay.

• Run 10 miles on your own - 3 full loops of Prospect Park, or form a Relay team of 3 runners, with each runner completing one 3.33-mile loop. 
• All entrants receive a tech neck gaiter as a race souvenir.  In the interest of environmental protection and waste reduction, you can opt-out from receiving a neck gaiter during race registration.
• Race Day Number and Souvenir distribution on Sunday, February 18 is at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park.  Hours:  8:30 to 10 am.  No in-person registration on race day.
• Race Day baggage check is available at the Bluestone Cafe at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside from 8:30 am to 1 pm.
• In the interest of safety, strollers and pets are prohibited from the course.
• Medals will be awarded to all race finishers.
• Post-race refreshments including hot chocolate, bagels and fruit will be served at the Bluestone Cafe at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
• 10-Mile Awards:  Cash prizes of $100, $50 and $25 to the top 3 overall finishers in the Male, Female and Non-binary categories.  Cherry Tree mugs to top 3 Male, Female, and Non-binary age group finishers:  19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.  Cash prize winners are ineligible for age group awards.
• Relay Awards:  Cherry Tree mugs to each member of the first team in the following categories:  All Male, All Female, All Non-binary, Mixed (any combination of Male/Female/Non-binary), Youth (all members age 18 and younger), Masters (all members age 40 and over).

Time Limit:  Runners have up to 2.5 hours to complete the 10 miles - this is a pace of 15 minutes per mile.  Scoring mats will remain in place until 12:30 pm.

The Cherry Tree takes place rain or shine.  We will announce any decision to modify or cancel the event due to weather conditions that could adversely impact roadway safety no later than the morning of the race.   Messages will be posted through email, PPTC social media, and on this website.

The Cherry Tree 10-mile course is certified by USA Track & Field.  Course certificate #NY23042DNB.

Prospect Park Track Club welcomes athletes of all abilities.  If you have questions about our race accommodations, please email us cherrytree@pptc.org.

REGISTRATION DEADLINES and PRICING

Individual 10 Mile Online Entry Deadline:  Saturday, February 17 at 11:59 pm.

Relay Team Online Entry Deadline:  Thursday, February 15 at 11:59 pm.

In-person Registration:  **NEW** There is NO in-person paper registration at pre-race number pickup.  Instead, you can continue to register online through Saturday, February 17, and then come to the bib pickup location during the scheduled hours.  There is NO in-person registration on Race Day.

Entry Fees (per runner):  $33 through December 31; $43 from January 1 through January 31: $48 from February 1 through February 17.  Register early for the best price!

Registrations can be transferred between the 10-Mile and Relay events prior to Race Day.  Please email us at cherrytree@pptc.org.

PPTC DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS ON ENTRY FEES.  

RELAY TEAMS

Use the 3 Person 10 Mile Relay option to register.  All 3 Relay Team members do not need to register at the same time, however multiple entries can be submitted together.  The first person to register creates the team, and the remaining members sign up at their convenience.  The entry fee charged to each team member is based on the price in effect at the time of the person's registration.  Relay teams of 2 people are OK, too - one runner will need to complete two of the three loops for the team to be scored.  All questions or concerns regarding relay team member registration should be sent via email to cherrytree@pptc.org.

COVID-19 NOTICE

We strongly recommend that all registrants be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus.  No proof of vaccination is required at this time.  If government mandates change in the future, we may have to revise our race procedures.  We will be sure to provide you with timely updates if we have to implement changes to the event.  Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.  

Banner photo:  At our 2023 Cherry Tree, Roberta Groner of the Central Park Track Club sets a new U.S. Masters Women 10-Mile record for the 45-49 age group with a time of 55:13.  Photo courtesy of Brad Johnson