New York Half Marathon 2027: Info & Course Route

The New York Half Marathon takes place on March 21, 2027. Here's everything you need to know about one of the world's most prestigious races.

What You Need to Know About the New York Half Marathon

New York is famous for its marathon, held every year on the first Sunday in November since 1970. But the city also hosts a half marathon. The New York Half Marathon takes place every year on the third Sunday in March. The next edition will be on March 21, 2027.
The New York Half Marathon is sponsored by United Airlines. Its official name is the United Airlines NYC Half. The word “half” refers to the distance: half a marathon.
This 21.1 km (13.1 mi) race ranks among the world’s most prestigious half marathons. The course takes you through some of New York’s most iconic locations. The event attracts top athletes from around the globe, including Olympic champions and elite distance runners. The New York Half Marathon is one of those races every serious runner should experience at least once.
Nearly 30,000 runners participate in the New York Half Marathon each year. Why not join them?

The 21.1 km (13.1 mi) course offers a spectacular journey through New York, with stunning views of the city. Here are the highlights:

The New York Half Marathon starts each year at Prospect Park, the major park in Brooklyn. Runners cross through Brooklyn toward the East River. Gentle hills and rolling terrain help you find your rhythm.
Competitors then reach Manhattan by crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, closed to traffic for the race. If you run this race, you’ll likely want to slow down and take in the spectacular views from the bridge.
The course heads north through Manhattan along the FDR Drive, the highway that runs beside the East River. This is equally exceptional—the urban expressway is closed to all traffic for the event.
The route leaves the FDR Drive at the famous 42nd Street. Runners pass the United Nations headquarters, the Chrysler Building, Grand Central Terminal, the SUMMIT One Vanderbilt observation deck, and the New York Public Library. The course runs along Bryant Park before turning onto Broadway toward Times Square.
Running through Times Square, New York’s most famous intersection, is absolutely unforgettable. You’re at the heart of the city, surrounded by massive crowds lining the streets. This is one of the sections with the most spectators and the most energy.
The finish is in Central Park, entering via Grand Army Plaza. You’ll see the finish line of the New York Marathon. That might just inspire you to come back and run the full marathon next year!

The first way to get a race bib is to enter one of the lotteries run by New York Road Runners, the event organizers. There are actually three separate drawings: one for New York residents, one for US residents, and one for international runners. The drawings take place each year between October and November.
If you prefer not to rely on luck, the most reliable option is to book through an official travel partner. Just make sure the tour operator is accredited by New York Road Runners.
You can also enter through a charity partner, running on behalf of their cause. You’ll wear the charity’s colors. Options include Team for Kids, which supports child welfare, or Team for Climate, which focuses on climate action. Charity entries open in the fall, and spots are limited.
You can join New York Road Runners and complete four races organized by them within the past year. These include the New York Marathon, the Staten Island Half Marathon, the Manhattan 10K, and the Queens 10K. This program, called “4 Out of 6,” is mainly for people living in New York or the surrounding region, since it requires four trips to the city in one year.
Finally, you’re automatically entered in the 2027 half marathon if you were registered for the previous year’s race but couldn’t run. You must have properly deferred your entry.

In the men’s race, the 2026 New York Half Marathon was won by South African Adriaan Wildschutt in 59 minutes and 30 seconds. He finished ahead of American Zouhair Talbi and Indian Gulveer Singh. Notably, Adriaan Wildschutt broke the course record by 21 seconds! That’s the new men’s time to beat.
In the women’s race, Kenyan Hellen Obiri won in 1 hour 6 minutes 33 seconds, ahead of fellow Kenyan Sharon Lokedi and British runner Megan Keith. Hellen Obiri set the new women’s course record in 2026! Another benchmark to chase in 2027.