The New York Subway Challenge is the birthplace of the transit speedrun. From Herman Rinke's "sentimental gesture" in 1940 to the founding of the Amateur New York Subway Riding Committee and mulitple high-profile Guinness World Records, we hope to continue that legacy on our site. We have also created additional categories that we hope makes the spirit of the Subway Challenge accessible for more people without needing to dedicate the amount of time needed for the full run.
Run Categories
- All Stops: The original Subway Challenge. Visit every station on the New York City Subway. Definitions of what counts as a station varies, but all runs must visit the minimum internationally-recognized standard of 423 station complexes. Aqueduct Racetrack must be stopped at in its one-way operation.
- All Services: Ride all 28 lettered/numbered subway services for at least one stop. All three S shuttles must be riddden separately. The 6, 7, and F express variants (diamonds) must also be ridden separately. Your evidence must make clear which service your train is on at all times.
- All Weekend Services: Ride the 22 lettered/numbered subway services that operate on the weekends, i.e. everything except the diamonds, B, W, and Z. This category cannot be attempted on a weekday. Your evidence must make clear which service your train is on at all times.
- Manhattan: Visit every station in Manhattan. Marble Hill-225 St (1) is considered a Manhattan station and must be visited.
- Bronx: Visit every station in the Bronx. Marble Hill-225 St (1) is considered a Manhattan station and may be skipped.
- Brooklyn: Visit every station in Brooklyn. Halsey Street (L) and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs (L/M) are considered both Brooklyn and Queens stations and must be visited. 75 St-Elderts Ln (J/Z) is considered a Queens stop and may be skipped.
- Queens: Visit every station in Queens. Halsey Street (L) and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs (L/M) are considered both Brooklyn and Queens stations and must be visited. 75 St-Elderts Ln (J/Z) is considered a Queens stop and also must be visited. Aqueduct Racetrack must also be stopped at in its one-way operation.
Other Notes
Runners are reminded that counting stations skipped by express trains is not allowed. The doors must open at every station.
The Staten Island Railway is not required for any of the categories here.
