The NYC Half Marathon is an incredible experience from start to finish. You don't get very many chances to run on the closed streets of Brooklyn and make your way into Manhattan, so it truly feels special. Running across the Brooklyn Bridge alone makes the race worth it; it's an unforgettable moment. The course itself is on the hilly side, with rolling hills and the bridge, so it's probably not the best choice if you're chasing a PR. But if you're looking for an amazing sightseeing run through some of New York's most iconic streets, this is the one. Everything leading up to the race was organized really well, from packet pickup to race-day logistics. It's absolutely worth applying for the lottery. Opportunities to run races like this don't come often! read more

NYC Half Marathon - NYC Half marathon medal - Races & Competitions Near Me

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The BEST half marathon experience in NYC. I was lucky enough to be featured for the 2024 United half marathon and yes it definitely adds to reasons why it's one of my favorite races lol. But aside from this, I have consecutively ran this half marathon for 3 years. It gives you a great tour of NYC, as well as amazing cheers. People all over come to run this race. It makes a great experience for a first timer. read more

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Unexpectedly, NYRR United Airlines NYC Half Marathon became my excuse to fly out to New York City. Near the end of the year, I took my chances by entering the lottery for this run with the mindset of not getting in due to many unsuccessful lottery entries for TCS New York City Marathon throughout the years. I was astonished to receive an email the following month stating 'Congrats! You're In, Now What? as well as a deduction in my bank account. To this day, I am wondering if my affiliation with the virtual runs held on Strava were the reason why I got into NYRR United Airlines NYC Half or just pure luck. The NYC Half Marathon has been held since 2006, and it runs from Brooklyn's Prospect Park to Manhattan's Central Park via the Manhattan Bridge. I have always caught highlights of this run which has attracted some of the world's elite runners like Haile Gebrselassie, Wilson Kipsang Kiprotich, Mo Farah, Paula Radcliffe, and Molly Huddle. Never would I have imagined that I would have flown out to the "Big Apple" to run this event which was actually my 27th half marathon ever ran. As for the event, the expo venue was held at Center415. It was such a relief to encounter the venue after having dealt with slight friction with logging in on the NYRR website, and having a near dead cell phone battery. The expo had a machine that allowed me to print my QR code in order to pick up my bib and t-shirt. As expected, the venue was crowded and required a lot of maneuvering around individuals, but not once did I have to stand in any long lines due to how organized everything was. As for the course, there were hills with some slight decline and incline, but nothing too excruciating. I have to say the rough parts for me were after mile 10 heading towards Central Park. Since my training was not the best, I had to continuously set goals and remind myself not to push it too hard. I cannot remember any portion of the course that was boring or that did not have spectators along it. Even the vehicles driving the opposite direction were honking their horns in support of the runners. I swear this run had the spirit vibe of a marathon run which is why I would likely return in order to run again. The course had well enough medical personnel and police officers along it. There were also plentiful water stations with a combination of Gatorade followed by water! Both were identifiable! And the volunteers were very supportive of all runners. Highlights for me along the course were seeing Barclay's Center, running over the Manhattan Bridge which was something I had anticipated experiencing prior to the event. It was then when I pulled my camera out from my fanny pack and started taking pictures. One regret I had was not getting more pictures of the East River which we crossed over while running along the Manhattan Bridge. Coming off the bridge, and running through Chinatown, I was able to get pictures from down under the Manhattan Bridge overpass (Dumbo). It was also a beautiful sight running through Times Square, seeing all the lit-up buildings that we all adore about Times Square. There were a plethora of spectators and supporters along the course being that it is New York. It was such a relief seeing the finish line located in Central Park which looked better than I imagined. One of the guys I met prior to the run informed me that we only saw a little bit of Central Park; the northern end is hillier. My response was "Oh Lord, I don't want to imagine running that. In the midst of being sore while lying in bed, I discovered that Amy Robach (American television reporter formerly for ABC News) ran the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. A gorgeous woman I must say too with some legs on her! Whoa mama! I also found that she was well ahead of me on course alongside T.J. Holmes. If you are unfamiliar with who Amy is, she has been in the headlines after having an affair with T.J. Holmes. Both Amy and T.J. were fired from ABC News as a result of their relationship. As for the swag, being that my birthstone is violet, I loved the long-sleeved shirt presented. It was a bummer that all they had were medium sized shirts, but that will not stop me from wearing it whether it be for leisure wear or workout. As for the medal, I am grateful to now add a United Airlines NYC Half Marathon medal to my collection. With my Garmin Forerunner watch on my wrist, sparkle in my eye underneath my sunglasses, I took on this run.... and conquered it! Yes, I would surely run the NYRR United Airlines NYC Half Marathon again because it is an excuse to re-visit New York. ~Have courage. Be Kind. ~ Thomas G read more

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NYRR United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is back in full force for 2022! After the last two years were cancelled due to the pandemic the race is on again with full capacity. The Expo is also back with plenty of gear to purchase. Can't wait to run NYC again! read more

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The NYC Half Marathon is one of the most popular Half Marathons sponsored by the New York Road Runners. I've been two two when my daughter ran and many others just as a spectator. It's the excitement in the air that surpasses other races. I'm not going to go on and on about the power of sports. I am very dedicated to preaching the biophysical benefits of any form of Muscular activity! Find what moves you and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of accomplishment. Plus your body will thank you! read more

NYC Half Marathon - My camera was awful in 2010. Riding home after running the NYC Half. Posted 10/29/19 - Races & Competitions Near Me

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A few things: 1. My last race with NYRR was in 2018 (NYCM). They took my time for that and sent me to the final wave/coral. I sent them a screen shot of my most recent Half (December 2021) and they magically took it! I had to email, tweet, left a vm, FB msg, leave a ticket, and other stuff, but it worked - got their attention through one those avenues, lol. 2. 2022 was the 1st NYC Half since Covid. It was like a comeback race. :) 3. The medal was so-so. But hey, the race didn't get canceled, so I'm happy. 4. If you are on FB, find the FB page for this race. One of the admins got buses to take us to the start line! I paid 20 bucks, and it was totally worth it. No stress at all in the AM. The admin in that group that handled the logistics was Cesar. The Expo was super cool. They implemented the Vaxx Card/Mask requirement. Which is fine with me - I know a lot of others were not huge fans. Getting bibs/shirt was SUPER easy and took me 30 seconds. The stuff they set up at the expo was so cool! Tons of picture opps. They also had the Wall of Names. Race Morning/Day - Mother Nature was VERY kind. In the 50s + clear skies. Not sure how this happened, but I was not complaining. My running felt great that day. Around Mile 12, there was a breeze, but felt nice since I was super sweaty/felt a tad hot. Running in NYC in general is so fun for me. I did the NYCM in 2018 - that crowd was insane. The Half maybe had 80% of that crowd. But the people cheering in general was awesome. They shut down Times Square for this race -- I'm so glad it's at Mile 11. The amazing sight of Times Square while running through the area put an extra pep in my step. There are hills. Prepare. The Manhattan Bridge incline is tough, haha. However, the view is AMAZING and stunning. I forgot I was running for a good few minutes. Some parts of the race are quiet, but sometimes those stretches are when I can get into my pace groove. If I'm constantly being cheered, I run quicker... more pain for me later, lol. Water stations were on point. Very appreciative of them being there every 2 miles or so. I'm doing the 50 Halfs 50 States - I recommend this race if you're in my boat. read more

*Expo & Packet Pick-up* The expo has been located at the Metropolitan Pavilion in the two years (2011, 2016) that I've run this race. There are several subway stations nearby, with the closest one being only about a block away. It's a fairly small expo especially when compared to the NYC Marathon in November. However the packet pick-up process is just as well organized and pretty painless. *Course* Awesome course. You get to run through Central Park and through Times Square! You're not going to get the opportunity to run through the middle of Times Square at another event! Don't forget to do your hill training. There are some rolling hills during the first 6 miles through Central Park. The rest of the course is pretty flat. *Post-race* After getting your medal, they give you a mylar blanket, and a recovery bag. The bag had an apple, small bag of pretzels, bottle of water, and a bottle of Gatorade. I think more races should give out these bags to prevent some of those inconsiderate runners from "shopping" and hording post race snacks. Overall: It was a very well organized event from expo to the finish line! There was extra security in 2016, so be sure to plan for that when getting to the start of the race. I would run this race every year if I could or if I lived in NYC! read more

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Of all the races that I've done in NYC, this one has to be my absolute favorite! Right in middle of March, the streets of NY are shut down for this amazing race. Now I haven't had the chance to run the NYC Marathon, but the Half Marathon gives you just a taste of what that has to offer. This year (2014), the race course for the NYC Half changed a little bit so that the elite runners wouldn't lap the more casual racers. You start your race bright and early at 7:30am right around the 72nd Street traverse on the east side. After the pre-race festivities, you will make you way around the park past Cat Hill, Harlem Hill and exit the park and hit 7th Avenue. This is where this race becomes simply amazing. 7th Avenue is completely shut down from 60th to 42nd Street. Tourists are few, and Times Square is pleasantly empty, for all the runners to enjoy the sights. Once you pass Times Square, you make a right turn on 42nd Street and run west towards the Westside Highway. Of course throughout the course, there are plenty of water and Gatorade stations, people cheering you on, and live bands. If that doesn't motivate you to PR, then I don't know what else can. Running down the Westside Highway is also pretty amazing since it's always packed with cars. You're able to enjoy the sights of the Hudson, as well as the view of FiDi. After those 6 or so miles, you'll go through a tunnel in the FiDi and finish up at the South Shore Seaport. NYRR always comes correct with their race planing. Whether it be a 5K or the NYC Full, everything is set up seamlessly. The post race recovery bag was stuffed with goodies and nutrients that you're in dire need of, and of course the medals look out of this world. For a sunny 30 degrees, you're definitely layering up smart, but the sunshine definitely did its trick in helping you warm up. I've done multiple half marathons within NYC, but this one simply take the cake. This is one of the two times in which the city streets are shut down, and an opportunity to run this course is not to be missed. Either qualify through NYRR's 5 borough series, enter the lottery, or run with a charity. No matter how, you have to run this amazing half marathon. read more

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I've only done 2 half marathons in my life but I have no idea how any other half can top this. It's a really great course with so much course support (crowds, entertainment, water AND gatorade at every mile but mile 13, GU gels). So much GU gel, I ended up taking a handful and stuffing them into my pockets because who can refuse GU gel. Those things are $2 each! I got these right after mile 7. Its a really great race where I can really say I ran next to the professionals. I started 25mins after the race begun (this is what happens with 15k runners) and as I was starting the men's professional runners were finishing up their 10k around the park (the course was one loop of Central Park which is about 6 miles) then down 7th ave to Times Square, turn west on 42nd street and run down the West Side Highway into the Financial District and through a tunnel which was by far the craziest part of the race, so many people yelling just to hear their echo). I loved that there were soooo many people doing this race. NYC brings a really great energy in terms of crowd support but there is such great camaraderie among the runners. Also you're never alone running. My last half marathon there was stretches in time that I was just alone and it was boring but this course keeps your eyes and mind preoccupied. 3 ways to get in: guaranteed entry with NYRR membership and doing 4/5 "borough" races = Manhattan half marathon in Jan., Brooklyn Half in May, Queens 10k? in July, Bronx 10miler in early September, and the Staten Island Half in October OR you can enter the lottery every November, OR run for charity. Easy bib pick up in midtown and a really great expo. There were so many vendors. ALso great tech shirt, medal and recovery bag (it came with pretzels, water, gatorade, apples, etc) which you got post race. Sadly, there are no bagels!!!!!! YOU CAN'T HAVE A RACE IN NYC AND NOT HAVE BAGELS?!?!?!?!?!?! Other than not having bagels, seriously awesome race. Great job NYRR! read more

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I feel like I can't rate a nyrr race lower than 4 stars... they are quality. They are. And their use of social media is helpful. I loved the expo. Lots of good vendors, and the entrance was so cute (like an airport arrival since it was sponsored by United) As for the race.... it was kinda eh. We got lucky with perfect weather this year, which helped... but I honestly couldn't wait to get out of central park, which is most of the race. Then you run through Times Square for about a mile or less, and then the rest takes places on an abandoned highway. It had its moments, but overall kinda eh. Tip: when running through central park, you can keep track of how many blocks are left by looking at the lamp posts: they have numbers indicating what block you're on. Probably won't do this one again but it was cool to check off my list. read more

great view and very well organized race. everyone was in and out when picking up the packages and after the race. I guess it makes sense since there were so many people and this is NYC afterall, but yes very efficient. Picking up the packets was fun because they had an "arrivals" and "departures" mock gateway. Pretty cute idea. Lots of stalls inside selling various running apparel and accessories so if you forgot you headband, no problem! I found an awesome place that was selling nike apparel for 70% off. I got some new season shorts for $15 each! That's nuts considering shorts are never under $30 in a nike store. I was very pleased with those finds. Then the day of the race was surprisingly warm in the morning to the point where I might have broken a bit of a sweat in the first two miles. I don't sweat much generally and especially not when it is cold. Anyway, once we got down near the water on the westside highway, it got really chilly. I was pretty peeved about having to climb a hill while freezing after the tunnel for the last mile but hey it was all worth it in the end! loved the medals! the design is a nice representation of the nyc sights and the running route. definitely recommend it for the experience of running through nyc with the streets closed and tons of people cheering you on. read more

NYC Half Marathon - about to go through Times Square - Races & Competitions Near Me

There is no more amazing experience than running through the streets of New York. Even the pot-holed streets of New York (I'm talking to you, 7th Avenue). This is an amazing race...after running it in 2006-2008, I couldn't get into the race for the next few years so was super excited to run it again in 2013! The race was very well organized. Some people complained about having to check in bags so early and get to the corrals early, but that definitely saved people from trying to do things at the last minute and when you're dealing with 15,000, you need to be organized! I particularly liked the way they people in different corrals taking different paths to the start line so you really had much less "corral jumping" which is a huge problem in other races. After a cold wait in the corral, the start was great. It's so fun to run in Central Park. There were ample course marshals and volunteers along the way. Running through Times Square was amazing (but you had to watch your footing). The West Side Highway was tough on the legs due to concrete, but I loved seeing the Freedom Tower at the bottom of Manhattan. The finish was exciting, but the event marshals who were trying to stop bandits were a little aggressive, in my opinion. They really should have made a more prominent announcement that your bib must be showing before you enter that last 200 yards. It was a cold day so people were wearing layers and might have had their numbers covered. When they had people jumping out at them at the last minute chasing them down, they seemed to be confused, like "why is this person attacking me?" Just have an announcement before making that left turn saying "Make sure your number is showing or you will not be allowed to finish". Due to that and the expo, I'm taking away one star. I thought the expo was oppressive. Oddly laid out, crowded and narrow. It wasn't a great venue. It was too tough to see everything that was there. Also, the post-finish line didn't seem to be very focused. I would not have even realized there was a band playing if I hadn't wandered across it. But aside from that, an excellent race in the best city in the world. And I took 7 minutes off the time I ran in Miami in January! I love NYC! read more

Not my favorite half marathon. I found that running on 42nd with lots of running cars and then the long stretch of space along Westside Highway were rough. (Not many people cheer on runners along the highway.) The Central Park loop is fun, but I run that loop regularly. Definitely a feel-good NYC run, however. Glad to check it off my list. read more

If you're going to run a half marathon this is one of those you need to run! Overall well organized race, however the security procedures to get into the park for runners can be improved- clear cut lines for each medal detector would be good.. Besides that there are plenty of portapotties on your way to the corrals. Plenty of water stations throughout the route! Yea the few hills in the miles you run in Central Park suck but after that you get to do something most nykers don't get to experience... Yea you get to run through Times Square with no cars on the streets! There are many supporters and volunteers which was awesome and as someone who ran this race their cheers really helped me get through the last few miles! All I'll all great race just sign up! read more

NYC Half Marathon - Running in Times Square - Races & Competitions Near Me

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It's a once in a lifetime experience to be a part of the NYC Half Marathon. Running Thru Central Park to Times Square to Hudson River and finish it up at Southstreet Seaport. Weather every year is cold in the 30's, Expect to be in your corral for more than 40 minutes up to 1:30 hours depending your pace (If you are far behind then try to stay as warm as you can). 20,000 runners every year I am Lucky to be a part of it in 2014! and Hope to run again next year!. PS....... Registration is about $ 130.00 and Either you get a guarantee by Running 5 Boroughs the year before OR thru Lottery pick. Good luck! read more

Wow, I've really slacked on posting this review! The NYC Half was my first race after getting injured in January. Two months of physical therapy and I still wasn't sure I'd be able to run this race. I hadn't even done a long run since injuring my knee. I tried 3 miles on a treadmill with no pain the week of the race and I decided I was running it. This was either going to go terribly wrong or I was going to cross the finish line proud as all hell. Race morning was a cold 22 degrees and I had nerves like no other. I knew the Central Park route well and knew it was going to be the toughest part of the race. Harlem hill is like an old enemy to me. Thank god for the cold though because it kept my mind off my knee since I was freezing my butt off. I don't think I thawed until mile 4. I started the race trying to be as easy as I could on my knee, at the 5k mark no pain, 10k mark still no pain, it was then I finally felt free to go all out. Once I exited Central Park and hit midtown I knew I was going to do this without any knee pain. Running through Times Square was the most exhilarating feeling. Even though I'd ran through it numerous times, there's nothing like having those streets shut down for you. The adrenaline rush was unreal. Once I turned onto 42nd and got along to the WestSide Highway, I was once again reacquainted with another favorite route. The stretch along West Side Highway was always my favorite pre-work running route. This was the most boring part of the race to me, but also the most challenging. Not having trained in two months I had to keep myself mentally in check. What was a piece of cake to me in January was work now. That last hill around mile 12 when we came out of the tunnel almost did me in as I was NOT expected it, but I knew I was in the final stretch and I pushed. I came around and saw the crowds and found new energy. I crossed that finish line and could not have been more proud of myself. I finished in 1:52 with a 8'35/mi pace. Granted I was much slower than I was in Jan. I still pulled off a half marathon without having a single long run in 2 whole months. As always, NYRR put on a fantastic race. Everything went smoothly, and I was so happy to be wrapped in that heatsheet because I cooled down quick. I loved the little goodie bags we received at the end of the race. I didn't stick around for the post race activities because it was cold and I had a celebratory brunch to get to. Great race and I can't wait to run again next year! read more

It was thrilling to watch and cheer on the runners in the NYC Half Marathon. I just wish the subways weren't delayed, so I could get to subsequent vantage points to see the runners I was tracking. read more

NYRR, wow! You done did it! I applaud you!! Being able to manage about 22,000 of us runners with such ease and professionalism.. very impressive! The new 2018 course was wonderful! I never ran the old course, but reading descriptions of it, I know I would still be a fan of the one I ran this year. DON'T change it! My running club brought up issues about getting to the start in Prospect Park in Brooklyn, but beyond that I think we all agreed that the new course was great! Love that we got to see so many parts of New York- Brooklyn, run Manhattan Bridge & FDR!, through Chinatown, empty Times Square!, then finish off the last 4 miles in hilly Central Park! I was in complete awe, sometimes in tears! I'm from CA, but NY has my heart.. this is my first (but not last!) race in the city & I'm so glad I was given the opportunity to run it, selected on my first try through lottery. And it was NYRR's 60th Anniversary too! The day was a cold one (about 30°F) & windy, but sunny & stunning! NY you shined that day! And so did the runners. Congrats to all those who ran this race with me! Loved the challenging course & CANNOTTTT wait to run it again! Thank you NYRR! Oh! Bonus stars for putting the portable restrooms right in our corrals! So convenient! read more

NYC Half Marathon - 10 block walk off after the finish line in Central Park - Races & Competitions Near Me

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Great race. Packet pick up went smoothly, the crowds were awesome, lots of spectators cheering runners on, the course was fantastic - running through Central Park, Times Square - wow. The plethora of restroom ports was welcome, and because the course had runners pass the start line to exit Central Park half way through, runners got to run past the largest grouping of restrooms again (should the need one). I didn't like the tech shirts. The shirts should have more of a logo on the back, and maybe say 'Finisher?' Overall loved it all; I had a great run... I felt lighter and more free than ever before, and I think the race had something to do with it. Great race. read more

While there were some hypes around the NYC Half Marathon, the days leading up to it were quite ho-hum for me. The excitement was not nearly as up there as I have felt right before the ING NYC Marathon. I didn't know what it was but I knew I was just physically exhausted from training and wanted to get over with it. I originally had set my goal to PR but as the training got tougher, all I wanted was to finish. So I decided to put off that pressure to PR a week before the race and decided to just go with the flow. The race day arrived and I woke up feeling like it was any normal race day. Surprisingly, it wasn't as cold as I thought but while waiting at the corrals, everyone started shivering. It took me 17 minutes after the gun time to start. I gunned it for the first 2 miles until I realized I need to reserve my energy for the next 11.1 miles. (Daunting!) Overall, the loop around Central Park was not as bad as I'd anticipated. The biggest fear on everyone's mind was the Harlem Hills but I think it definitely helped that I've been training around the loops for the past few months. I'm not saying it was easy but mentally, it was not as dreadful as I'd imagined it would be. Passing the 6 mile mark was a relief for me because a) I was half way done and b) a change of scenery, which is the highlight of the race by running through a traffic free Times Square. As much as I dislike Times Square on any given day, this was my favorite part of the race. The roads were wide open and people were cheering from left and right. I gave people high fives along the way just to lift up the spirits. In essence, this is the reason why I would keep running these big races in NYC because of the spectators. Without them, I probably wouldn't have been as motivated. After running through Times Square, the dreadful feeling came back because this was when things started to get really boring, which was the last 5 miles of the race along the West Side highway. There weren't that many spectators and the road was just straight and flat. Downtown was quite a distance away but at this point, there was no reason to stop but just need to power through. A lot of people ask me what goes through my mind when I run such long distances. What I can say is that the last thing that goes through my mind is the thought of not finishing it. Crossing finish lines is perhaps the most rewarding feeling I ever get, which overshadows the pain, agony, and boredom I may experience during long distance runs. This is why I keep signing up for races. Most of the time, it's not even about getting a PR but it's rather something to look forward to on a weekend. It's also not just about the race itself but also getting together with my running team too. Apparently, this year's finish route changed from prior years. The finish line used to be in Battery Park and this year, it ended in Seaport. I've never ran NYC Half so I can't tell you which route I prefer but either way, Seaport was convenient for me since it wasn't too far of a walk to Chinatown where my team and I usually get our post-race meals. The one part I didn't expect from the finish route was the slight uphill coming out of the tunnel in downtown (forgot what it was called). This was just by the 20K mile mark. At this point, I looked at the time and I knew I had to sprint in the last 800 meters if I want to comfortably finish under 2 hours. To prove that my training paid off, I gunned it and made it to the finish line at 1:50. Five half marathons later, I finally made it under the 2hr mark. Shaving off 12 minutes from my previous fastest half marathon time is a big accomplishment for me. It was like winning gold for me but on this day, everybody was a winner. Congrats to all finishers of the 2012 NYC Half Marathon! read more

Central Park - Times Square - West Side High way - through some tunnel - Wall Street. What a great race. The feeling of running through Times Square was simply amazing! Since it was cold, the water they gave out was frozen. Good thing Gatorade saved the day. They also had Gu gels halfway through but I don't usually need gels for a half marathon. Gatorade is enough to get me through. The standard flavor at most races is lemon-lime, which is my favorite flavor anyways. They had entertainment at different parts of the race, from cheerleaders to bands, and of course, supporters cheering us on. I really love seeing people come out to cheer for us! Crossing the finish line was an amazing feeling, as always. I was running on an injured foot but I guess the adrenaline rush made me unable to feel the pain. After crossing the finish line though, I started limping and headed to the first aid tent to get ice. Everyone there was really nice and took care of my poor foot. I loved the goody bags we got. We received drawstring bags with Gatorade Recovery formula, water, apples, pretzels and a bunch of coupons. There was a post race entertainment which included some Irish music (it was St Patty's Day after all), a station to carve your name on your medal if you pay, a stretching station etc. I would have stayed for that but I was freezing and limping, so I headed straight for the subway station and went home. Overall, great race! read more

One of the best organized half marathons I've run in. As the little brother to the full NYC Marathon, the half is also well attended and nicely organized. The route is awesome with a lap around the park and then down through Times Square and down the West Side highway finishing by Wall Street. The entire course is lined with spectators and has lots of good support. The West Side Highway can be a bit chilly and very windy which makes a pace harder. The start line can also take a while to get going so muscles can tighten up. read more