NYRR Mini 10k
The Mini 10K dates back to 1972 when organizers believed the race distance was more manageable than hosting a marathon. It was the world's first women-only competitive race, featuring 78 runners. (Photographs by Justin Sorensen for A Mile. A Minute.)
NYRR Mini 10K

The Mighty Strides of Ten Mini Kilometers

June 11, 2025
Decades removed from its first race that hosted a field of a few dozen women in the 1970s, the Mini 10K is now deeper than ever as some of the top professionals used the competition as an early summer testing ground.

Saturday's race brought heightened intensity to match humid temperatures, as the elites led the way before the general field of women assembled for a tour of most of the main loop in Central Park.

New York Road Runners, the organizer of the event, announced that 9,983 participants crossed the finish line — the largest ever for the race — as Hellen Obiri clocked a 30:44 win. Weini Kelati was in chase mode down the stretch and finished second in 30:49, a new American record.
NYRR Mini 10K
Nina Kuscsik, Kathrine Switzer and Fred Lebow realized there was a major lack of women’s races and collaborated to organize an event in the early 1970s.
NYRR Mini 10K
Viola Cheptoo braved the humidity and was in full pursuit within the chase pack and finished 18th in 32:46.
NYRR Mini 10K
The opening moments down Central Park West saw a cluster of elites moving to establish what would ultimately become the lead pack.
NYRR Mini 10k
In more than a few instances, the rolling hills of the park meant that up was the only way to go in a battle of tactics and pure speed.
NYRR Mini 10K
A surging lead group tore through the course with notables like Obiri, Kelati, Sharon Lokedi and Amanda Vestri all in the mix for a shot at the win.
NYRR Mini 10K
Taylor Roe was a factor from start to finish, establishing herself among the favorites and was fourth in 30:58.
NYRR Mini 10K
With the race tightening, Obiri shifted gears and ensured that Kelati’s pursuit would not be enough in the end.
NYRR Mini 10K
Lokedi was still riding high from her massive win in April’s Boston Marathon and finished fifth in 31:13.
NYRR Mini 10K
Stephanie Bruce has made a career out of consistent showings and emerged from the field in 26th place in 33:48.
NYRR Mini 10K
Emma Grace Hurley knew she would be a factor down the stretch and captured eighth place in 31:42.
NYRR Mini 10K
But even the backdrop of the sometimes pedestrian setting of the park, the stride of a strong kick is a reminder that Saturday morning racing awakens the immediate surroundings.
NYRR Mini 10K
Following her win, Obiri’s smile replaced the look of grit that kept her surging just ahead of Kelati.
Kelati’s late pressure on Obiri might have been good for second place on the podium but also locked in a new women’s American record at the 10K distance.
NYRR Mini 10K
While marathon season is on hold until the fall, the intensity of a hard 10K was even more apparently past the finish line.
NYRR Mini 10K
Danielle Polerecky saw what the caliber of talent at the race was willing to do produce winning results as she came away with a 33rd place finish in 34:58.
NYRR Mini 10K
And even after the elite women cleared way for the rest of the general field, participants like Geraldine Aine were ecstatic to give a firsthand account of what it means to carry the current era of the Mini 10K toward its next phase.

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