30,000 runners, a 13.1-mile route, and major street closures across Brooklyn and Manhattan
The Course, the Closures, and the Crowd
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, more than 30,000 runners will take to the streets of New York City for the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon, organized by the New York Road Runners. The race follows a 13.1-mile course that begins at Prospect Park in Brooklyn and ends in Central Park in Manhattan, threading through some of the most iconic stretches of city geography along the way — including the Brooklyn Bridge and Times Square. The first wave of runners is scheduled to cross the start line at approximately 7 a.m. The finish line closes at 1:30 p.m., roughly four and a half hours after the final wave of participants begins.
Street Closures: What Drivers Need to Know
The race will produce significant street closures in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. In Brooklyn, closures will affect Washington Avenue, Empire Boulevard, Flatbush Avenue, and streets surrounding Prospect Park and Grand Army Plaza. In Manhattan, runners will use the FDR Drive, 42nd Street, 7th Avenue, Central Park South, and portions of Central Park. The NYPD will manage the closures, which will be lifted progressively as the race concludes. Drivers are advised to avoid the race corridor and to plan alternate routes. Full closure details are available through the New York City Department of Transportation.
A Race With Deep New York Roots
The NYC Half Marathon was first run in 2006, making 2026 its twentieth year. The race was originally held in summer but was moved to March in 2010, a change that proved popular with runners who prefer cooler racing conditions. The race has grown dramatically since its founding and now ranks among the largest half marathon events in the United States. The New York Road Runners, which organizes the event, is one of the world’s most prominent running organizations, with a membership of tens of thousands and a portfolio of races that includes the iconic TCS New York City Marathon.
Watching the Race
Spectators can watch the race along the course route, which passes through Brooklyn and Manhattan neighborhoods. The finish area in Central Park near 68th Street offers a prime viewing location for the final miles of the race. ABC 7 was set to broadcast coverage of the event, providing an option for those who prefer to watch from home.
Running as Community and Public Health
Large-scale running events like the NYC Half Marathon serve multiple functions. They are competitive sporting events, economic drivers for local businesses along the race route, and expressions of a broader public health culture that encourages physical activity. The Runners World guide to major New York races provides context for those new to the city’s running culture. Research consistently shows that community events that encourage physical activity contribute to measurable improvements in public health outcomes, including reduced rates of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression. New York City’s investment in running infrastructure — including car-free park loops, dedicated paths, and organized events — reflects a broader understanding that active transportation and recreation are public health assets. The USA Track and Field national governing body sets standards for competitive road racing and provides resources for athletes at all levels who are interested in participating in events like the NYC Half Marathon.
