Route, closures, watch options, and what to expect from the year’s biggest spring running event
Race Day Is Here
Sunday, March 15, 2026 marks the running of the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, organized by the New York Road Runners. More than 30,000 participants will take to the streets of New York City for a 13.1-mile journey that begins at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and ends in Central Park in Manhattan. The race, which first took place in 2006, has grown into one of the premier spring running events in the United States, drawing elite runners competing for prize money as well as recreational runners completing the distance for personal achievement.
The Course in Detail
The route takes runners from a start near Washington Avenue and Sullivan Place in Prospect Park through some of the most distinctive geography in New York City. After looping through the park and heading north on Flatbush Avenue, participants cross the Brooklyn Bridge — one of the most iconic running experiences available in any city on earth — before transitioning to the FDR Drive, heading north to 42nd Street, passing through Times Square on 7th Avenue, and finishing in Central Park near 68th Street. The finish line closes at 1:30 p.m.
Street Closures That Will Affect the Whole City
The race requires extensive street closures in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. In Brooklyn, closures affect streets surrounding Prospect Park, Flatbush Avenue, and the approaches to the Brooklyn Bridge. In Manhattan, the FDR Drive, portions of Midtown, and sections of Central Park will be closed to vehicular traffic during the race. Drivers are strongly advised to avoid affected corridors and to plan alternate routes. For complete and updated closure information, consult the NYC DOT weekend traffic page.
How to Watch
Spectators can line the course at numerous points along the Brooklyn and Manhattan segments. The finish area in Central Park is a popular vantage point for watching the final miles. ABC 7 New York planned to broadcast race coverage, providing a live option for those unable to attend in person.
The Bigger Race Picture
The 2026 NYC Half Marathon takes place in a year of particular significance for American soccer fans and for the broader sports community: the FIFA World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico this summer, bringing global attention to American sports infrastructure. But for runners, March means road races, not soccer, and the NYC Half Marathon stands as the premier spring event in the city’s athletic calendar. The New York Road Runners provides comprehensive information on the race, including entry requirements, charity partner programs, and the elite athlete field. NYRR’s mission extends beyond organizing elite races — it is also one of the most active community running organizations in the world, running school programs, free community runs, and youth events that bring the health benefits of running to New Yorkers of all backgrounds and abilities. The USA Track and Field sanctions the event and maintains standards for timing, course certification, and competitive integrity.
