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 befell fully within the borough of Manhattan, working from Central Park to Battery Park within the Monetary District. Some individuals may contemplate that to be extra of a pure New York expertise, however after I returned in 2023, eight years because the final time I ran it, I discovered the brand new Brooklyn-to-Manhattan course way more pleasant. It has a New York Metropolis Marathon lite really feel, with crowds out in full power though it was 25℉ outdoors on that mid-March morning.
Particularly working this yr on the brand new course, I’ve inspired many mates 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 notice, working the New York Metropolis Half Marathon final yr turned out to be a well-timed tune-up run a month earlier than my first Boston Marathon, which can be identified to have a tricky course.
For those who’re working the New York Metropolis Half Marathon this yr, 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 mixture of difficult situations for GPS working watches and runners not having the ability to comply with 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, transportable restrooms, and so on.) is inside Prospect Park, the race really begins proper outdoors 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 subsequent two-or-so miles.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Miles 2.5-5
By trying on the course map alone, this lengthy, flat straightaway by means of and out of Brooklyn lacks curiosity, but it surely’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 be capable of 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 in all probability mentally ready for this to be one of many hardest components of the race, but it surely’s really 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 Avenue, one other proper a few blocks down at Allen Avenue, heading south, then left onto South Avenue, 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 method the East forty second Avenue exit ramp. You’ll keep to the appropriate facet of the street and proceed up the ramp earlier than lastly exiting the FDR Drive onto East forty second Avenue at mile 10, with the United Nations to your proper.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Mile 11
Now that you simply’re lastly on East forty second Avenue, you’ll make your means by means of a number of the landmarks the town and race is understood for. You’ll run west on forty second Avenue previous Grand Central Terminal and Bryant Park earlier than reaching Seventh Avenue, the place you’ll flip proper and proceed north by means of Instances Sq.. Many locals and seasoned guests alike are inclined to keep away from Instances Sq. on account of how crowded it will possibly get, but it surely 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 Instances Sq., you’ll make your means by means of Midtown Manhattan for about one other mile of flat streets as you make your means towards Central Park.
New York Metropolis Half Marathon Route Mile 13 to the end
For those who ran the previous half-marathon course, you could be unhappy to study that the present course solely has you run the ultimate mile in Central Park moderately than practically half of the race, however this implies you’re saved the hilly components of the park.
As you method Manhattan’s Grand Military Plaza, you’ll flip left into the park, working north on East Drive. You’ll flip left whenever you attain the 72nd Avenue Transverse, earlier than making one other remaining left flip onto West Drive and arriving on the end line simply above West 67th Avenue, close to the Tavern on the Inexperienced restaurant. Congratulations, you’ve simply completed a partial tour of New York Metropolis.
