The New York Metropolis Half Marathon has been one of many New York Street Runners’ hottest races over the past decade. Whereas the course has modified over time, followers’ enthusiasm for it hasn’t wavered.
I ran the New York Metropolis Half Marathon twice when it passed off solely within the borough of Manhattan, working from Central Park to Battery Park within the Monetary District. Some folks may think about that to be extra of a pure New York expertise, however once I returned in 2023, eight years because the final time I ran it, I discovered the brand new Brooklyn-to-Manhattan course rather more pleasant. It has a New York Metropolis Marathon lite really feel, with crowds out in full pressure though it was 25℉ exterior on that mid-March morning.
Particularly working this 12 months on the brand new course, I’ve inspired many buddies who haven’t had luck with the marathon lottery to enter this one for the same expertise on an equally difficult course. And on that word, working the New York Metropolis Half Marathon final 12 months turned out to be a well-timed tune-up run a month earlier than my first Boston Marathon, which can be recognized to have a troublesome course.
If you happen to’re working the New York Metropolis Half Marathon this 12 months, right here’s what to anticipate.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Map
This map of the New York Metropolis Half Marathon route has been generated utilizing Emilia Benton’s run in 2023, which was tracked utilizing a Garmin Forerunner 245 Music. A mix of difficult circumstances for GPS working watches and runners not with the ability to observe an ideal racing line accounts for the additional distance.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Miles 1-2.5
Whereas the race staging space (with bag examine, moveable restrooms, and so forth.) is inside Prospect Park, the race truly begins proper exterior the park, on Washington Avenue close to the Brooklyn Botanic Backyard. Runners enter Prospect Park inside the first mile, although, and keep inside it for the following two-or-so miles.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Miles 2.5-5
By wanting on the course map alone, this lengthy, flat straightaway by and out of Brooklyn lacks curiosity, however it’s what makes this race as a result of it’s the place you’ll discover these World Marathon Main-esque crowds. When you exit Prospect Park, you’ll head northwest towards Brooklyn’s Grand Military Plaza on Flatbush Avenue for practically three miles. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll have the ability to see the Manhattan Bridge looming within the distance, properly earlier than you ascend it.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Miles 5-6
Congrats, you’ve made it to the bridge. Many runners are most likely mentally ready for this to be one of many hardest components of the race, however it’s truly simply one of many longest, as there are hills all through. When you descend the bridge and enter Manhattan, you’ll lastly begin to see some well-known landmarks within the metropolis.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Miles 7-10
When you’re off the bridge, you’ll flip proper onto Canal Road, one other proper a few blocks down at Allen Road, heading south, then left onto South Road, earlier than taking one other proper onto the FDR Drive entrance ramp by Pier 36. From there, you’ll head north on the FDR Drive as you strategy the East forty second Road exit ramp. You’ll keep to the precise aspect of the highway and proceed up the ramp earlier than lastly exiting the FDR Drive onto East forty second Road at mile 10, with the United Nations to your proper.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Mile 11
Now that you just’re lastly on East forty second Road, you’ll make your method by a few of the landmarks town and race is thought for. You’ll run west on forty second Road previous Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park earlier than reaching Seventh Avenue, the place you’ll flip proper and proceed north by Occasions Sq.. Many locals and seasoned guests alike are likely to keep away from Occasions Sq. as a result of how crowded it could possibly get, however it actually is a cool sight on race day, when runners take over the roads.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Mile 12
As you go Occasions Sq., you’ll make your method by Midtown Manhattan for about one other mile of flat streets as you make your method towards Central Park.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Mile 13 to the end
If you happen to ran the previous half-marathon course, you is likely to be unhappy to study that the present course solely has you run the ultimate mile in Central Park fairly than practically half of the race, however this implies you’re saved the hilly components of the park.
As you strategy Manhattan’s Grand Military Plaza, you’ll flip left into the park, working north on East Drive. You’ll flip left if you attain the 72nd Road Transverse, earlier than making one other ultimate left flip onto West Drive and arriving on the end line simply above West 67th Road, close to the Tavern on the Inexperienced restaurant. Congratulations, you’ve simply completed a partial tour of New York Metropolis.
