Y’all, you do NOT need a marathon to race somewhere incredible.

These 5Ks finish on the NYC Marathon finish line, at the Sydney Opera House and just past the Brandenburg Gate. One of them is free every single Saturday. Perfect for your first race back.

Dates are 2027 where the race has announced them. The rest say when it usually runs, so check the race site before you book anything.

1. Bushy parkrun, London

When: Every Saturday, 9am

The very first parkrun. 13 runners in 2004, free every week since.

Photo: Ian Probets on Pexels

2. Friendship Run, Tokyo

When: March 6, 2027

About 5K and untimed. Starts by Sensō-ji, with Skytree views along the river.

Photo: Musa Ortaç on Pexels

3. Mini Marathon 5K, Sydney

When: August 28, 2027

You finish at the Sydney Opera House. Prams welcome in the last start group.

Photo: Paulie Ivicic on Pexels

4. GENERALI 5K, Berlin

When: September 25, 2027

The last 5K of the Berlin Marathon course, finishing just past the Brandenburg Gate. Entries open Nov 27.

Photo: Ch Jawad on Pexels

5. The Race 5K, Atlanta

When: Usually the first Saturday in October

Founded in 2018 by Black professionals and run community leaders. Half marathon the same weekend.

Photo: Koushalya Karthikeyan on Pexels

6. Abbott 5K, Chicago

When: October 9, 2027

Starts in Grant Park and loops downtown the morning before the Chicago Marathon.

Photo: Willian Justen de Vasconcellos on Pexels

7. Dash to the Finish Line, New York

When: The Saturday before the NYC Marathon

Starts at the United Nations and finishes on the actual NYC Marathon finish line in Central Park.

Photo: Yesim G. Ozdemir on Pexels

8. Run Barbados 5K, Bridgetown

When: Usually the first weekend of December

A late afternoon start on the Bay Street waterfront, part of a four day race weekend.

Photo: Reco Alleyne on Pexels

See the carousel on Instagram

Quick answers

Which bucket list 5K is free?
Bushy parkrun in London. It’s free every Saturday at 9am, and it was the very first parkrun: 13 runners in 2004.

Which 5K finishes on the NYC Marathon finish line?
Dash to the Finish Line. It starts at the United Nations and finishes on the actual NYC Marathon finish line in Central Park, the Saturday before the marathon.

Can I run a destination 5K with a pram?
The Sydney Mini Marathon 5K welcomes prams in the last start group, and you finish at the Sydney Opera House.

Which 5Ks run on a big marathon course?
The GENERALI 5K in Berlin runs the last 5K of the Berlin Marathon course, and the Abbott 5K in Chicago starts in Grant Park the morning before the Chicago Marathon.

When are these races in 2027?
Tokyo is March 6, Sydney August 28, Berlin September 25 and Chicago October 9. Atlanta, New York and Barbados say when they usually run, so check the race site before you book.

Which one are you running? Tell me on the carousel, and save this for your 2027 race planning.

Running while you travel? Here’s my guide to running while traveling and my tips for new runners.

Race photos are from Pexels (Pexels License), credited under each one. The cover photo is mine.