New York City Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

southbaygirl .
San Pedro, CA

  (05-18-2010)

"I flew into NYC from LA to run this race! I got into the lottery on my first attempt!!! Woot Woot!! Unfortunately I wasn't prepared, running wise, for this race because of my stupid long work hours! But i would try my best! I've done the NYC marathon but had never run this half so i was very excited!!

The start was on the upper west side in central park-cool!!! They had wave starts depending on your finish time. Because I'm slow, I was in the latter waves-what was cool about this was that i got lapped by a world record holder!! Yep, my claim to fame!!

The race starts and run thru Central Park. You do one full lap then a bit before dropping onto 7th Av and into Times Square area! WOW- having Times Square all to yourself-FANTASTIC!!! There was nothing like it! There weren't alot of people out cheering-that could have been because it's only a Half or because I am a back of the packer but i didnt care!

We then headed West toward the West Side Hwy on 42nd street-COOL!!!

let me just say that i was hoping for overcast grey skies for this race! I had come from sunny-all-the-time-California hoping for some East Coast weather what was I greeted by? SUN!! Seriously!! It was cool at the start but warmed up quick!

So once I hit the West Side Hwy there was no protection from the sun-come to think of it the sun was beating down on me running on 42nd street as well!! Oh well, I wasn't going to let the sun dampen my spirits of running thru the streets of NYC!!

I had family and friends waiting for me at or near the finish! And it was so great to hear them scream my name!!

If you come from out of town-bring a cheering section or meet up with alot of NYC twitter runners, which I did!! It makes for a great race and fun post race festivities!!! ie BEER!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Larry F.
New York, NY

  (03-26-2010)

"They listened! After four years of sending runners down the steamy mid-summer Midtown Manhattan asphalt, organizers of the race finally heard the complaints of participants and moved the event to a new early spring date. The results were apparent in the numbers: 53 degrees F. (presumably at the start) this year vs. 77 degrees F. in the 2009 edition. The temperature had its effect on this mid-pack runner's stats -- faster pace, whether the result of speedier tempo or fewer water stops. At the finish, there were handouts of cool-weather thermal blankets rather than the ice-soaked mini-towels of past races. This year's course was slightly modified from earlier versions of the NYC Half Marathon but this should have had no bearing on overall times. Runners were assigned to start corrals, presumably based on past performance (speedier folks to the front), but observation suggested some glitches in the process - a somewhat overweight and self-admitted "race walker" with a second-corral number greeting a mid-pack friend with a bemused smile. In sum: a fine race on a great day."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

pamela o.
new york, NY

  (09-25-2009)

"This was my first half marathon and I think it was a great first half! The first 7 miles are a bit challenging because they are in Central Park where it's somewhat hilly. But just as I started to get tired we were out on 7th, running downhill to the West Side Highway!

I must say because it was SO HOT and HUMID the day of the race I have never drank so much during a race!! I skipped the first water station b/c it was just so crowded and they had no cups out ready to grab. But the next water/Gatorade station felt like it was 5 miles away!!! I seriously thought I was going to passout from thirst to the point where I found a water fountain in the park to drink from. I learned my lesson early and stopped at every station after that. Cup of water dumped over my head and I sipped on a cup of Gatorade at EVERY station! I definitely lost a lot of time drinking :).

Nevertheless, it was a very well run race - before, during and after. The end of the race could have been more exciting though. I guess since it was my first half, and I am used to the hoopla that there is after the NYC Triathlons, I was disappointed with the lack of excitement at the end. I would have liked to have seen athletic apparel and gear vendors giving out stuff to the runners, showing new products etc.

I think I'll race it again next year, now that I have a time I have to beat!

Pam
ellasport.com"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Laurey L.
Bronxville, NY

  (09-21-2009)

"Running through the vehicular-closed street of NY? Cool! Looping the park for half the way? Uncool.

Great organization, crowd was wonderful. As my sister said in her review, we did not make it to mile 8 because of a health issue. There were lots of people who quickly came to her aid including a competitor, an aid station volunteer and in minutes, EMT. There were 4 ambulances waiting nearby. Everything was handled professionally and quickly and soon she was off to Roosevelt.

Race day was hot a lot of people went down... but other than that, it was a good experience and I'd definitely do it again. Next time, I want to make it to the heat of the West Side Highway so I can train to run in death valley... just kidding."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

JoAnna L.
Yonkers, NY

  (08-21-2009)

"For the most part it was very well organized and most NYRR staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful (ok all but one we encountered at the office when picking up our numbers).

Getting in the corrals was easy and there were plenty of porta potties. It was nice that they let you go into a later corral to run with friends (listing the same running time on your entry form didn't mean you'd be close - I was in corral 2 with no running experience and my sister in corral 6 with marathon and tri experience!)

The Central Park run was nice, though instead of looping around it would've been nice to get in the streets of NYC a little more (besides Times Square). I didn't get to the last half, but I know from my own experience that the West Side Highway on a hot, sunny day is brutal even if you're just walking. No shade at all!

I had a medical issue around mile 7 and help came quickly.

Overall, everything was well organized except a lack of water at some points. The first water station had a single person pouring water which held up the line considerably. The other stands were a little better but the volunteers were struggling to keep up. Given the heat, they should've had more water stations. The water misters were great though!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jenn S.
Toronto, On

  (08-18-2009)

"I went into the weekend with some apprehension. While I was really ready for Ottawa in May when my sinus infection stood in the way of a 100% performance on my part, I’d been taking the summer kinda easy and bottom line - I wasn’t fully trained.

That said, having run two halves in the past year I know that my body can cope, and that it’s mostly a mind game. And the fact NYC in August is hot and humid (which I find really tough) made me want to enjoy the run - not race it. Which is exactly what I did.

The race started in central park this morning at 7. We were to be in our corrals no later than 6:35. I woke up at 5:15 after a night of vivid dreams - each of which had me missing the race for a different reason. I was out of the apartment by 5:55 and hailed a cab on 6th Ave in the West Village. I made sure to tell the cabbie to cut across to the East side before going up to the park because of the road closures.

Arrived way faster than I expected - grabbed a cup of water and was in my
corral by about 6:15. (For what it’s worth, they let people into the corrals way beyond the 6:35 cut off.) It was already at least 22 or 23 degree. HOT.

In the corral I sat down next to a man against one of the barricades. Passed the time chatting with him. Things seemed really well organized. There were lots of staff around and plenty of porta potties — a cluster for each corral! I took a quick potty break and continued to sit and wait. Watched interesting people - including a girl in what looked like a silver bikini with boy short bottoms. Too bad my parents had my camera! I was also thrilled because Genki my Garmin got satellite reception without any issue at all.

At about 6:50 they introduced the elite athletes — I ran with Deena and Paula (I used to be buddies with Paula when she would say kind and encouraging words to me on my Nike+!) and Catherine the great (who I hadn’t ever heard of, but still!). Each of them said some words to us - Catherine told us to run like eagles which I didn’t really get since, you know, eagles can, um, FLY! But I was pretty pumped.

Around that time they also had us start moving forward as they removed the barricades separating the corrals. A Broadway singer did the National anthem and we were off. I crossed the start line about 6 minutes after the start and was on my way. I couldn’t stop smiling for the first few miles - boy is the park beautiful! I haven’t ever run there before but I like to think it would be my regular spot if I lived in NYC. Sure, it’s hilly, but there’s so much to look at. And the shade made it even better. The paths weren’t super wide, but they never seemed that crowded. I never felt like I was going to be trampled, and passing folks wasn’t much of a problem.

I knew that trying for a PB was not a responsible thing to do given the lack of training and heat, but Genki told me that I was doing a sub 6 minute KM. At which point I decided to make my goal to have a negative split and that I would try and keep a 6:30km pace as that was probably 20 seconds faster than my long run speed last weekend so I slowed myself down. I had a fun time trying to get myself to hit those goals. When there was a water station, I would have to slow down to drink, and then run quick to get my pace back to a 6:30. There was always plenty of tables at the station, so I didn't have to slow down mind you. For the first half, though, I felt like I was holding myself back. Not a bad thing when you have a lot more to go - and it’s just getting hotter. I also texted a bit, which helped me to slow myself. My favourite moment in the park was when I finished the first part of my playlist (a podcast) and the song Walk in the Park by Oh No! Oh My! came on. I was just so happy.

Leaving the park was great - I knew I was more than halfway done (I believe that we left the park sometime between miles 7 and 8) and that next up was Times Square where the parental units awaited my arrival. There was something so awesome about running down 7th with the big tall buildings on either side and no cars at all. And the buildings provided relief in the form of shade so even better!

And then we arrived in Times Square - my Mom and Dad had texted where they were standing, so I knew when to start looking. Of course, I was on the wrong side of the street, but ran right over to them for some kisses and cheers. I told them I was having so much fun, and continued. There was a giant sing-a-long as had been promised in the information I had read about the race - they were singing Love Shack when I passed by.

Running along 42nd to the West Side Hwy was fine. Between times square and the highway I don’t think there was very much, but I didn’t mind.

The rest of the run took us south along the West Side Highway to battery park. I missed central park. Even though this was flat, it was SO HOT and there was no shade. It was really really bad. I kept pushing myself, and watching the street numbers go down, hoping to see the finish line.

Instead I ran into my roomie from university and her boyfriend who were running together. She is a real trooper and was running her first half marathon despite being diagnosed with Bronchitis a few days before. I chatted with them for a few minutes, and with about 1.5 miles left decided to push ahead.

The last few km were REALLY rough. It was all I could do from slowing to a walk. I kept telling myself that the faster I ran, the quicker it would be over. I was singing the song from Finding Nemo - “just keep swimming! just keep swimming!” - and dying.

That's actually why I rated the course lower than the other aspects -- I would love for it to take a shadier path to the finish line.

Then all of a sudden the sign said 200m to go. There weren’t many metric signs, and I got REALLY excited to see a distance I could understand. I started to pick up my pace and managed to “sprint” the last 100m. I heard my parents cheering as I was running as fast as I could.

I was going hard when I crossed the finish line. I could not have lasted much longer. It was SO FREAKING HOT OUT! On a side note, I ran in long sleeves (I hate getting sun) and did not see a single other person in long sleeves. My parents said they saw one other person.

I nearly cried tears of joy when they handed me a cold towel. I could have kissed the people handing out the Gatorade and water. I was the happiest kid ever not to be running anymore.

I met up with my super amazing parents who had shlepped the go jenn sign all the way to NY with them and then wandered around Battery Park. I’ve been to NYC countless times, but it was my first time seeing the Statue of Liberty! Funny.

When my parents pointed out there was no line at the medical tent, indulged in a quick and free calf massage - I have NEVER seen no line for a massage! And at the races I've been to normally you have to pay for them. Then we headed back uptown - my parents and I parting ways.

I wore my medal all day long. To brunch in the West Village, then shopping and walking along the Upper West Side. And finally on my flight home. I can't wait to run in NYC again!
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Ellen G.
New York, NY

  (08-18-2009)

"A hot race but a great way to see New York City. The course is hilly till mile 7.5 but then it is flat as a pancake through Time Square and down the West Side Highway.

NYRR did not do a good job of keep water/ fluid on the course. There was no water till mile 8 and I completed the first loop of the park, 6 miles in a little over a mile.

With how hot the race is they need to get the water together or tell people to carry water.


"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Joe A.
Jersey Shore, NJ

  (08-18-2009)

"I’ve run a few half marathons presented by the New York Road Runners, but this event is the cream of the crop. From the setup of the corrals to the cheery face presenting you with your checked bag at end, this race is guaranteed to impress.

For the price, it may not be the best value. However, it is a fun race and in the heat of August it is challenging as well. For your entry fee, you’ll get a souvenir bag, a technical tee, a medal, and a certificate of completion (in the mail). This is probably the only knock that I’ve ever had with NYRR races. You will certainly get more for your entry fee with say, the Lehigh Valley Half Marathon. But is that why we run anyhow?

The setup for the start is outstanding complete with easily accessible port-o-johns in each corral. With over 10,000 runners, it’s amazing when you don’t have to wait in a line for that final purge before the start of the race. After the obligatory pre-race announcements, complete with numerous warnings regarding the heat and humidity, the race goes off just a few minutes after 7 AM. Central Park to Battery Park here we go in 77 degrees and 74% humidity. Trust me; it felt even worse then those numbers indicate.

The start heads south from about 85th Street for a complete clockwise loop of the park. The 5K and 10K splits happen in the park as 7 miles will be complete before exiting Central Park and heading south on 7th Avenue. Don’t ever make the mistake that I made by thinking Central Park must be flat because it’s in Manhattan. It’s not.

The first thing that struck me as I exited the park was how many people were up at the hour to cheer us on. It really was an amazing and awesome sight! Traffic and pedestrian control were fantastic as the NYPD assured that the runners were the only ones heading south on 7th. From this point on the festivities really pick up as there’s music, lots of fans, misting stations, and the sights of the city.

Through Times Square onto 42nd Street heading west, we pass mile 9 as you can now see the Hudson River and a nice view of New Jersey on the other side. Midtown West and we make a left at the “Toyota Turn to the Finish.” Quickly we pass the 15K split. As we cruise down the West Side Highway south towards the finish at Battery Park, two things struck me. First, wow it’s hot in the sun! I headed over to the left side of the road and quickly found some shade. It helped, but not much. Second, the road surface changes from asphalt to concrete here and I immediately felt the difference. Ouch.

Continuing down West Street, we pass through Chelsea, the Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, SoHo, and Tribeca. Finally, we hit the 20K split at the Financial District as we near our destination in Battery Park. 800 meters, 400 meters, and the finish! Anyone who completed this race is a winner.

The finish was very well managed as we didn’t have to worry about chips being removed from our shoes thanks to the “D” tags and cold, wet washcloths were provided! Apples, nuts, water bottles, and salt were available, too. When I made my way to baggage claim, a wonderful volunteer had my bag in hand before I had to try to utter a word. Fantastic.

This wasn’t my fastest race, but it certainly was one of my most enjoyable. One thing I kept thinking was how lucky I and the other 10,000+ runners are to have our health and be able to complete this event. Don’t miss it next year!

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Constance K.
Long Island, NY

  (08-17-2009)

"My second time running the NYC ½ Marathon and this time it was a scorcher. Running is a mental battle along with having physical attributes and developed stamina. For that matter, when is the weather really ideal? Registering, committing, and training for races are done months in advance. Weather is not really a driving factor for running or quitting. For NYC, this summer has been quite different than the norm, a rainy cold June and temperatures not reaching 90 degrees until now. So for a morning that was approaching 90 degrees with high humidity, a runner was not going to quit but had to be careful.

During the latter half of last week, New York Road Runners (NYRR) helped us prepare the best we could for the conditions, posting on their website and twitter account hot weather tips that included how to stay hydrated. My mindset for the race was to stay focused, think strategically, with a think before act attitude. Normally I do not put that much pressure on myself. I am a recreational runner with personal best competitiveness. However, I did not want to be the girl on the side seeking medical advice, I wanted to finish healthy. So I drank Gatorade, Smart Water and Amp (Mt Dew) throughout the day Saturday and packed my Gu Chomps (http://www.guenergy.com/) for race day . Wearing a light tank top and running shorts with visor, I made sure I left the house with Sunblock 50 and shades .

At the start, NYC energy is amazing as cheers go out to Paula Radcliff, Deena Kastor, Catherine the Great and Ryan Hall. ABC network is their covering the race and Brightroom photographers are to be positioned in multiple spots throughout the course.

The first 6 miles in central park was tolerable, mostly downhill and shaded well. After leaving the park, we proceed to go down Broadway where we were greeted by tourists and NYC early risers. A man on rollerblades holding a very small video camera zooms by us capturing our smiling faces and waves. For sure this video can be found on YouTube. As we continue on our race, we enter Times Square. This is why I signed up for this race again. The magic, the lights, the crowd! All eyes are on you, even though the stars of the show passed by an hour ago. Bands are playing, rattlers are rattling. It was a great and memorable reception.

Couple of miles down, we hit the West End with Toyota Trucks greeting us with radio music. At this point in the race I am mentally there but starting to feel the heat more and more. I say to myself must stop and have another Gu Chomp and some water, then take in Gatorade Endurance at the next water station. Except for a couple that were struggling to keep up with the demand, NYRR staffed their stations well with fluids, medical needs, water sprays and even had a cooling station of ice bricks.

At mile 10 I see my husband on the side lines with his camera all ready to take shots. Unfortunately for him he got injured during the training and was unable to participate as a runner, but fortunate for me, I have some memorable images. Continuing on my last 3 miles, I stop and drink at every fluid station and risk the chance of damaging the iphone by running directly under the water hose. I needed help at this point and I needed to cool down no matter what. Luckily Aerosmith’s Love in an Elevator kept on playing and I kept on trucking. Running into Battery Park was a wonderful finish. Cold Towels, pretzels, nuts, Poland Spring water bottles and ahhhh the Medal. I finished not at a personal best, but at a satisfying accomplishment. Thanks to all NYRR staff for producing an excellent race. Thanks to NYC for coming out and cheering us on. On my journey for the next race…Susan G Komen Run Breast Cancer Out of Town. If you would like to join me or support me, please click here: http://www.komennyc.org/site/TR/Race/race2009-wide?px=197132 4&pg=personal&fr_id=1170

Constance Korol
Follow me on Twitter: @constancek
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Jason C.
New York, NY

  (08-17-2009)

"I just ran the 1/2 Marathon yesterday and had a great time. It was my second time running the race and I heartily recommend it for anyone looking to run the 1/2 marathon distance.

The course begins in Central Park, where you run the big loop, around 6 miles. There are some rolling hills that come early, but I would rather have them then than at the end. Once you're done with the 6 mile loop, the course dumps you on to 7th Avenue, which is an amazing site! In New York, besides the full marathon, it's not often that a major street is shutdown completely for runners. The course takes you down into the heart of Times Square with crowds lining both sides of the street, bands & DJ's playing and making a lot of supportive noise. When you hit 42nd Street, you make a big right turn and head west to the West Side Highway. From there, you head south for another 4-5 miles to the end at Battery Park, a great place to wind up after a long run.

Despite the heat and humidity, there was quite a bit of shade throughout the course with trees in Central Park and buildings blocking the morning sun in both midtown as well as on the highway.

As with pretty much all events, the NYRR has logistics down cold. They are incredibly organized and have a legion of volunteers to help with everything from bag check-in, water / aid stations and even water spraying to cool you off. My hat is off to them for putting on a great event year after year. I would definitely do this race again!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Alan C.
Brooklyn, NY

  (08-03-2009)

"Amazing first half-marathon; running through a cleared-out Times Square was something I thought I would never do. Brazilian band at 42nd Street and the West Side Highway was great!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2007

libgyrl .
minneapolis, MN

  (06-11-2009)

"It might have been crowded for the first half - the streets of Central Park are only so wide - and it might have rained once we exited the park - but that can happen anywhere. There might have been cars along part of the course, honking as they headed the opposite direction - what a thrill though to speed past people in their automobiles as your endorphines kick up the runner's high.

I loved this race. It was only my second half marathon and their first year. The organization was perfect and the participant shirt is still one of my favorites (I wore it last night for speed work even). Expecting August heat the sno-cones at the finish were unnecessary - having little towels to hand out to each wet runner was brilliance.

After the rolling hills in Central Park, the course is mostly flat. As I recall the water stops and porto-potties were sufficient.

If you are going for speed just be sure to line up a little ahead of your pace, because you can get bogged down in the first 6 or so miles. It worked for me to use the crowds to "not go out too fast."

I imagine the race has evolved a bit since 2006 - but I cannot imagine it is any less great."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Bea C.
New York, NY

  (04-23-2009)

"Well organized, high energy event. Times Square run mimics feel of the NYC marathon."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008