Diplo’s Run Club Makes New York City Debut

October 28, 2025

Grammy-winning DJ runs 5k personal best; A$AP Ferg, DJ A-Trak and Mark Ronson among celebrity finishers; 12,000 participants turn out for inaugural race-meets-music festival event in Queens

QUEENS, N.Y. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – More than 12,000 participants took part in the inaugural Diplo’s Run Club New York 5K on Saturday morning at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, blending a world-class road race with a post-run music festival where the Grammy-winning producer and DJ was joined by Mark Ronson and a lineup of celebrity friends and guests.

The event, which sold out before race day, ranks among the largest debut running events in New York City in more than a decade. Participants ran a 3.1-mile loop past landmarks including the Unisphere, the New York State Pavilion, and tree-lined paths before finishing near the Fountain of Planets.

The energy of the crowd was palpable throughout the morning, with many participants wearing costumes, dancing at water stations, and staying for the full concert. Diplo, dressed as Forrest Gump, completed the race in 19 minutes, 56 seconds – a new personal best for the 5K distance.

“My goal was just to finish under 23 minutes,” Diplo said after finishing. “So I ran fast. I had a good pacer, and he motivated me. When you’re running with people, anything’s possible.”

Notably, the race became the first-ever 5K featured on Polymarket, the decentralized prediction market, with over $203,000 in betting volume wagered on Diplo’s finish time. It marked Polymarket’s first collaboration with a music artist, the first bet on a running event and the first live-streamed race wagered on globally.

Diplo was joined at the event by America Foster, the newest member of his multi-Platinum, genre-defying project Major Lazer, who was in attendance as the group celebrated the release of their new single “BRUK DOWN,” which dropped on Friday. The event was broadcast live on Major Lazer’s Twitch channel, drawing more than 200,000 unique viewers. A$AP Ferg also made a surprise appearance after completing the race.

“Diplo’s 5K run and festival was lit,” he shared on Instagram. “I was under the weather but still put in dat work. Thank you to my running family who gave me the strength to keep pushing.”

Joining Diplo at the start line were Peloton instructor Jess King and longtime friend DJ A-Trak, while Ronson served as opening act and completed the 5K in 24 minutes.

“I’ve only been running about a year,” said Ronson, the award-winning DJ, producer, and songwriter. “But the idea is to DJ for 12,000 people outdoors at 10 am, which is much more my hours, and then to run 24 minutes, which was actually kind of my best time. It was perfect. All of it. It was perfect.”

The overall race winner was Jaime Del Alamo, 37, of Madrid, Spain, with a time of 16:02.

“This race has such a cool festival vibe,” said Del Alamo. “I like running, and running and partying is a good combination. I thought I had a chance to be near the front. I didn’t know I’d win – but wow – winning feels good.”

Brenda McRae, 40, was the women’s winner in 18:37.

In partnership with PLUS1, a nonprofit that helps artists and brands maximize social impact, a portion of event proceeds will benefit youth across all five boroughs. Support includes new sports equipment, apparel, and footwear for underserved kids through national nonprofit Good Sports.

Diplo’s Run Club continues its national tour with the next stop in San Diego on November 8, 2025. For complete results, photos, and more, visit www.diplosrunclub.com.

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