United Airlines NYC Half
New York City, NY
- Half Marathon, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The United Airlines NYC Half will take runners from around the city and the globe on a 13.1-mile tour of NYC. Led by a talent-packed roster of American and international elites, runners will stop traffic in the Big Apple this March! The race will begin in Brooklyn near Prospect Park … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Mar 14):
| 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | |
| H (°F) | 53 | 54 | 72 | 40 | 55 |
| L (°F) | 40 | 41 | 45 | 34 | 32 |
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My Favorite Half Marathon
I ran this half marathon in 2022 and it is my all time favorite half but I hadn't been able to run it the past few years due to conflicting … MORE
I ran this half marathon in 2022 and it is my all time favorite half but I hadn’t been able to run it the past few years due to conflicting travel plans so I was really hoping to run it this year. However I sadly did not get a lottery slot and as I am fundraising for Boston didn’t want to do a charity slot and spread myself too thin fundraising so I gave up and made other plans. However I somehow stumbled upon a last minute bib the Monday before the race. I can’t really explain how I got a bib just that it is good to have connections and flexible travel plans (I always booked flights that I can at least refund for credits and hotels with free cancellations until a couple days prior for last minute opportunities like this). I was surprised I found a hotel in Times Square that was not very expensive. However the trains to NYC were very expensive, the buses were sold out, and the TSA lines were potentially longer than driving to NYC so I ended up driving. Parking in NYC is expensive but its about $75 for 24 hours and I was only staying 24 hours so it was cheaper than my other options. I drove after my 8am 5K and arrived mid afternoon. After checking into my hotel I walked to the expo. Definitely stay midtown for this race as it is very convenient for everything. I was able to walk to the expo. I was a bit nervous about bib pickup as this opportunity felt too good to be true but I got my bib without a hitch. Bib pickup was quick for a large race. I liked the race shirt. It was a long sleeved tech shirt in a nice light purple color with the race logo. The expo was okay. Most of the lines were really long so I didn’t spend much time there as I wanted to enjoy my limit time in NYC. Pre-race communication is good but listen to the suggested arrival times. This is a big race with security you can’t just walk up last minute and enter your corral. The race starts in Brooklyn at Prospect Park. I took the subway with a running friend. It is really easy from midtown and takes like 35-40 minutes. Everything was pretty clear where to go. We got there just about when it said to arrive. How it works is there are 4 waves. Waves 1 & 3 share corrals and Waves 2 & 4 share corrals so for example Wave 4 enters the corrals after Wave 2 leaves. It was annoying at security as so many Wave 2 runners were late and pushed passed us Wave 4 runners who followed the instructions. Other than that things were smooth and security took the correct amount of time. It was efficient but not so efficient I didn’t feel they really did a security check. I didn’t do bag check. The waves are divided into corrals. I was in the second to last corral. There were lots of porta potties in the specific corrals to help space things out. The last wave started at 8:30. It took me about 12 minutes to get to the start after our wave left. Of note the race has some cutoffs based on the last runner that they anticipate to cross the start at 9:15 and you need to maintain a 16 minute mile pace from the “last runner” to the Brooklyn Bridge but it doesn’t even take close to 45 minutes for everyone to start. I think it probably took 20 minutes for everyone to cross so you really don’t need to worry about any time cutoffs unless you showed up late and didn’t start with the rest of your corral. You can definitely walk this race with no issue. I think the city makes NYRR set these time cutoffs but they want everyone to finish. Once you cross the start line the race is amazing. It is a bit over 4 miles in Brooklyn. It starts in Prospect Park and then you go down one of the bigger streets which is lined with spectators. There were lots of funny and encouraging signs and people giving out treats. I wasn’t worried about my time for this race so I ate some baklava someone handed out and it was delicious lol. This part is hilly in Prospect park but then there is a nice downhill section. My splits were all over the place as I was still sore from Tokyo so took the hills really easy but went really fast on the high energy downhill. Mile 4-5 is the Brooklyn Bridge which is the second best part of the course. I was happy it was the Brooklyn Bridge again this year. It is super cool to see all the runners on it and pretty much everyone is stopping for pics. This was by far my worse mile going up but I had a lot of fun. You then run down to FDR drive until around mile 9.5. This is the only part of the course that isn’t amazing. it is kind of boring and there aren’t a ton of spectators though they do figure out how to get there as there are some. However I found this section which was mostly flat, boring and more spread out a good section to find my pace. My pace was very erratic the first 6 or so miles ranging from 11-15 minute miles depending on the hills, scenery and crowd and I did not have a good rhythm. I hit the halfway point under 1:30 but knew I needed to find a better rhythm to finish under 3 hours which I was able to do this section. At about mile 9.5 you turn down 42nd street and it is so cool running down closed streets in the middle of Manhattan. You pass by Grand Central, the New York Public Library and then turn up to Times Square. Once you get on the streets it is also filled with so many spectators. It is such high energy that my pace picked up and my fastest miles other than the downhill one in Brooklyn were my last miles. The turn into Times Square is possibly the coolest section of any race. It is so awesome to run up it on closed streets while it is lined with spectators. You then run up to Central Park and finish the race there. There are some hills at the end though the southern part of Central park isn’t as bad. Along with an amazing course, production is pretty flawless. There are plenty of aid stations and they are the most efficient aid stations I have seen in a race this big. Never ran out of anything even though I was in one of the last corrals. There was water and gatorade and one station had gels. Everything was well marked with mile markers and clocks with the time. You really couldn’t get lost with how to course was set up. I was very happy with my finishing time. I was still recovering a bit from Tokyo and didn’t feel 100% and also took the hills easy and took some photos and was very happy to be a bit under 3 hours and faster than the last time I did the course. The only disappointing thing is the medal. It is a terrible medal. Bottom 10% and definitely the worst medal in the USA for a race this large that I have. The post race snack bag isn’t my favorite either. It has an apple, protein bar and pretzels. It’s not horrible but I’ve had much better post race food. Oh well the rest of the race makes up for it. The end also seems a bit impersonal but I get why that is necessary with so many runners. I then was able to walk back to my hotel and drive home. Overall this is an awesome race and the coolest course of any half marathon. If you can figure out how to run this, you definitely should. If the logistics are too complicated I realized this was my 40th half marathon in NY state so you can read my reviews for other NY recommendations.
NYC 1/2
I love this race except for maybe the FDR drive, running over the Brooklyn Bridge for the 2nd time was pretty sweet. Plenty of water stations throughout the course. The … MORE
I love this race except for maybe the FDR drive, running over the Brooklyn Bridge for the 2nd time was pretty sweet. Plenty of water stations throughout the course. The security did take a significant amount of time. I arrived at 7:30 and barely made it in time for my start.
Great race through the city
I had a great time running this race. The time went by so fast. The FDR was a little sparse but everywhere else had a lot of spectators cheering. The … MORE
I had a great time running this race. The time went by so fast. The FDR was a little sparse but everywhere else had a lot of spectators cheering. The hills are not too bad either.
The expo was great. Very smooth. Good selection of merch.
The start was fine for me but I heard it was kind of a mess if you did gear check. I was able to leave my coat with my husband at the start so it was no problem.
Great experience at the NYC Half!
Incredible expo and race experience - in the amazing NYC! Easy to get to the start line via the subway; wave starts kept everyone on pace. The run went over … MORE
Incredible expo and race experience – in the amazing NYC! Easy to get to the start line via the subway; wave starts kept everyone on pace. The run went over the Brooklyn Bridge and through the middle of Times Square – a once in a lifetime experience! I was lucky to get in via lottery – and would do it again!
New Course Must Stay!
What worked: Getting to the expo was easy from Grand Central Station (walk west to 5th Ave and south a few blocks), with crowd control based on registering for a … MORE
What worked: Getting to the expo was easy from Grand Central Station (walk west to 5th Ave and south a few blocks), with crowd control based on registering for a time to show up for it. This, like the NYC Marathon expo experience seems not to be enforced; with 28,000 runners taking part, it didn’t seem at all chaotic. Great place to get info, just a bit cramped. Per the race, getting to the start was easy by ride-share for me. Bag check was effortless. The course itself was a good degree of challenging, with Prospect Park’s massive hill hit early. Construction by the Manhattan Bridge re-routed the race over the Brooklyn Bridge. Clearing the park was easy, and getting to where one needed to go afterwards also simple. To wit – I was Wave 1, so I may not have seen the crowds that could have evolved from four more waves of runners.
What could have been better: The expo felt a bit cramped, and somewhat awkward to navigate. (What if I required mobility assistance?) Per the race, the tape to allow runners into their corrals dropped less than 10 minutes before race start (of Wave 1) which felt like a mad rush. We crowded up by the entrance to the Brooklyn Museum parking lot, which didn’t make things any more comfortable.
What exceeded expectations: Portajohns galore! After getting through security, there were no fewer than three large areas to access them: by security on the expressway, in the parking lot, and in the corrals. Water was well placed, though my experience with Tokyo spoilt me: traffic was occasionally an issue. The course change over Brooklyn Bridge felt incredibly smooth, with no sharp turns or dips in elevation. I hope this stays a permanent change, as the iconic combo of Prospect Park, Flatbush Ave, Brooklyn Bridge, 42nd Street, Broadway, Times Square, Central Park, then Tavern on The Green is a grand slam of landmarks.
TL,DNR: Well organized, stick to your registered time for the expo, get where you need to early, and keep your head up!
Iconic race!
It took me six tries and seven years to get into this race! Everyone said it was a must do and of course being able to run through Times Square … MORE
It took me six tries and seven years to get into this race! Everyone said it was a must do and of course being able to run through Times Square and through the city is such an amazing opportunity. The expectations were high, and I have to say that the New York half marathon Hit them all! The expo was extremely crowded. The most crowded expo I’ve ever been to out of Nearly 50 different races. I did not love it for that reason. I wish it was in a bigger location and more spread out. I also didn’t take advantage of buying any merchandise because it was prohibitively expensive. I’ll also say this race was as expensive as a Disney race!
I found through Facebook an amazing gentleman on the New York half marathon group who organizes private buses to take runners from Midtown to the race start in Brooklyn. This was incredible! Got on this private coach and was driven down to the start line and didn’t have to worry about the logistics of a subway or how to get there. The only downside is you’ve got to get down there pretty early because of the road closures. If you’re staying in Midtown, definitely take advantage of this!
I know this race is huge, but there were not enough bathrooms! While I got down there two hours early, I literally spent almost that entire time in bathroom lines. The first line was just over an hour and the second line was nearly 30 minutes.
The race itself was really fun. This was the first year. The race went over the Brooklyn Bridge and I have to say that was my favorite! I did love running through Times Square but the bridge to me was the best part. I didn’t love the stretch along the FDR, but it was OK.
I thought for such an iconic and well organized race that The medal would be a little more substantial or better in someway. I was a little letdown about it, but it certainly didn’t detract from my experience.
I would highly recommend this race for everyone’s bucket list.
THE iconic race in NYC
I live in NYC and I ran it for the first time. It was special to run the vehicle lane of BK bridge (new route!) and through Times Square. Of … MORE
I live in NYC and I ran it for the first time. It was special to run the vehicle lane of BK bridge (new route!) and through Times Square. Of course NYC marathon is the crazy best, but I thought it was the best half in NYC. NYRR organised it very well.
Sweaty but awesome
Nothing can compare to running past landmarks like Grand Central, Times Square, Grand Army Plaza, and this year the Brooklyn Bridge. The weather thankfully held out for us, no rain, … MORE
Nothing can compare to running past landmarks like Grand Central, Times Square, Grand Army Plaza, and this year the Brooklyn Bridge. The weather thankfully held out for us, no rain, little wind, but man was it humid. I was happy as can be in shorts and short sleeves for a change as it’s usually freezing, but I was so very sweaty. This race can always use more porta potties and going into the city to pick up a race packet is annoying, but it’s par for the course with a race as big as this one. It was a nice treat to cross the Brooklyn Bridge for the first time in a race and see the Manhattan Bridge in the distance.
Brooklyn to Central Park w ~25k Friends!
Expo (mid-town) was very smooth to pick-up race bib and shirt For the start, I followed the instructions from NYRR to be at the start by 6:40 AM for Wave … MORE
Expo (mid-town) was very smooth to pick-up race bib and shirt
For the start, I followed the instructions from NYRR to be at the start by 6:40 AM for Wave 2. I was not checking a bag, so this ended up being really, really early, as the corrals didn’t open until 7:30 AM as fortunately, security was very quick to get into the start area. The subway station listed for those not doing bag check looked like a further walk from the start, so I did the subway stop indicating bag check, which was very close to the starting area.
It was very slow getting into the corrals – while I was supposed to start at 7:50 AM, at 7:45 AM, I was still waiting to get close to the corrals. Then, it was a mad dash for folks running to their appropriate corral, and it seemed like a fairly slow and congested start the first mile or so. There were port-a-potties in the corrals for reference.
The weather was very foggy in 2025, so it was hard to see much on the course (imagine weather is all over the place given timing in mid-March). On a clear day, I think it would have been a great sightseeing tour of NYC. The crowds were great once you got onto 42nd street (last few miles), but expect empty stretch on the FDR. I loved that there was a Maurten gel stop around mile 8. I thought the water stops were slow as there weren’t a ton of people handing out water, and you were mostly grabbing it yourself.
There were some hills throughout the course, but I didn’t feel like any were crazy.
Recommend to at least do the race once!
Amazing
amazing crowd support. getting to run through brooklyn and times square is like nothing else. Getting to the start is a little crazy so plan ahead! MORE
amazing crowd support. getting to run through brooklyn and times square is like nothing else. Getting to the start is a little crazy so plan ahead!
i love new york!!!
my favorite route of any race i've ever run! (ok i haven't run that many but that's how confident i am in this route being comparatively amazing!!) i had heard … MORE
my favorite route of any race i’ve ever run! (ok i haven’t run that many but that’s how confident i am in this route being comparatively amazing!!) i had heard light warnings about the fdr stretch being desolate, but even that portion was quite fun – and good meditative space before the nonstop fun (and pain!!) that was to follow. weather was phenomenal! perfect experience other than the absurdly bright green race shirt that is not a flattering color on me personally (but that’s a me problem)
NYC Half one of a kind
Great half Marathon, with great spectators!! Lots of hydration stations along the race and at mile 6 energy bars are handed out. Love the crowed especially the last miles from … MORE
Great half Marathon, with great spectators!! Lots of hydration stations along the race and at mile 6 energy bars are handed out. Love the crowed especially the last miles from 42nd Street till the end, spectators that cheer you up.
Glad I experienced it, expected more
This was my bucket list race and I will say overall it was incredible. Running over Brooklyn Bridge, through Times Square, ending in Central Park… amazing. There were super disappointing … MORE
This was my bucket list race and I will say overall it was incredible. Running over Brooklyn Bridge, through Times Square, ending in Central Park… amazing. There were super disappointing features. For such a huge race the expo was one of the most lacking, No freebies from vendors, super crowded… one of the worst expos honestly. The medal was quite small (but felt better when I learned it was made sustainably) and the post race “snack bag” had a water, a Gatorade, an apple, a bag of pretzels and a protein bar. No bagel, no banana… again for a 27,000 person race I expected more. I’ve done so many small races that had way better after race support and snacks.
Glad I did it but for what you pay I wouldn’t do it again.
Great race
This was my first time running this race and is easily one of my favorites. The expo was easy to get to. Well organized with lots of support. Figuring out … MORE
This was my first time running this race and is easily one of my favorites.
The expo was easy to get to. Well organized with lots of support.
Figuring out the train system for race morning was a little stressful if you’re not from the area as there were closures and route changes, so definitely confirm a plan ahead of time which I was glad I did. There will also be plenty of runners headed to the start in Brooklyn that morning. The train ride was fine.
Bag check was seamless. Entering the corrals was a bit chaotic but there was minimal wait before actually starting.
The course was great. Some legit hills but mostly rolling. Crossing the Manhattan bridge was awesome as was running through the streets of NYC and especially through Times Square with a finish in Central Park. Plenty to see. Great crowd support and energy. Adequate aid stations.
The finish was well organized to get a large number of runners through. The medal was ok. Appreciated the mylar blanket. Would definitely do again.
NYC 1/2 on St. Patrick’s Day
The crowds were amazing as always, the weather was perfect 👍🏻. It was the best St. Patrick’s Day! There was plenty of water and gatorade. The cheering squads were out … MORE
The crowds were amazing as always, the weather was perfect 👍🏻. It was the best St. Patrick’s Day! There was plenty of water and gatorade. The cheering squads were out enforce.
Strong start, slow finish
Outstanding event by NYRR! My second straight year running this. I started off way too fast and pushed myself until calf cramps around mile 9 near the United Nations building. … MORE
Outstanding event by NYRR! My second straight year running this.
I started off way too fast and pushed myself until calf cramps around mile 9 near the United Nations building. I ran the bridge and FDR way too hard with all the inclines. Times Square was a blast and ran that portion with my music off.
This is by far my favorite Half Marathon! The course, production, spectators, and fellow runners (Facebook group is great too).
I’ll be completing my 4 of 6 series to be back next year.
Great race
So many people but be very well organized. The course was amazing with a nice mix of small hills and lots to look at for the entire race. After race … MORE
So many people but be very well organized. The course was amazing with a nice mix of small hills and lots to look at for the entire race. After race was fun with places for photos and blankets to stay warm.
Top Notch Half Marathon
While the courses aren't easy, running through NYC and finishing in Central Park is hard to top. I understand why this race can be difficult to get into. The swag … MORE
While the courses aren’t easy, running through NYC and finishing in Central Park is hard to top. I understand why this race can be difficult to get into. The swag wasn’t the greatest, but the course makes up for it.
The One To Run
This was my 6th time or so running this race, 2nd with the new course. While my performance was less than stellar, I still enjoyed this race. It was on … MORE
This was my 6th time or so running this race, 2nd with the new course. While my performance was less than stellar, I still enjoyed this race. It was on the colder side this year, especially given the wind, but the day was beautiful and it was honestly perfect running weather in Wave 5 with a start time about 9:20.
This is my favorite half marathon for a reason as you basically get a running tour of NYC and part of Brooklyn and the race photos show it. This year, they had photographers set up at spots that had nice backdrops such as Grand Army Plaza in Brooklyn, the Manhattan Bridge, and Times Square.
The bib pickup this year had more of an expo feel than recent years, but I still wouldn’t call it an expo as it was all NYRR for the most part with the addition of race merch from New Balance. They did have a wall of runners’ names which was pretty cool and it was walking distance from Grand Central which was convenient.
I took a bus in on race morning from Westchester Road Runner in White Plains which made getting to the start convenient and easy with no subways involved and a nice warm bus with a bathroom on board to wait on for my wave time, or at least pretty close to it.
My only complaints this year are that security was pretty disorganized and the start area porta potties ran out of toilet paper. The medal this year was a clean design and made from recycled materials which is pretty cool.
Unforgettable
Can not say enough good things about this race. The turn into Times Square is thrilling with the run for the kids taking place right next to you. Truly the … MORE
Can not say enough good things about this race. The turn into Times Square is thrilling with the run for the kids taking place right next to you. Truly the best NYC has to offer with a chance to see it all. Even on the FDR hearing support and seeing signs from all the overpasses keeps you going for all 13.1 miles.