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 through the years, followers’ enthusiasm for it hasn’t wavered.
I ran the New York Metropolis Half Marathon twice when it occurred solely within the borough of Manhattan, operating from Central Park to Battery Park within the Monetary District. Some folks would possibly think about 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 far more fulfilling. It has a New York Metropolis Marathon lite really feel, with crowds out in full power regardless that it was 25℉ outdoors on that mid-March morning.
Particularly operating this 12 months on the brand new course, I’ve inspired many pals 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, operating 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 tricky course.
If you happen to’re operating 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 mixture of difficult circumstances for GPS operating 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 verify, 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 wanting on the course map alone, this lengthy, flat straightaway via 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 almost three miles. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be capable 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, 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 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 correct 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 simply’re lastly on East forty second Road, you’ll make your approach via a number of the landmarks town and race is understood 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 via Occasions Sq.. Many locals and seasoned guests alike are likely to keep away from Occasions Sq. attributable to how crowded it will probably 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 Occasions Sq., you’ll make your approach via Midtown Manhattan for about one other mile of flat streets as you make your approach 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 may be unhappy to be taught that the present course solely has you run the ultimate mile in Central Park somewhat than almost half of the race, however this implies you might be saved the hilly components of the park.
As you strategy Manhattan’s Grand Military Plaza, you’ll flip left into the park, operating north on East Drive. You’ll flip left once you attain the 72nd Road Transverse, earlier than making one other last 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.
