THE RACE
We’re going all out for the last NYCRUNS race of 2024!
The NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon kicks off our winter stint in Central Park. With a USATF-certified course and our most spectacular medal yet, this race has become a seasonal favorite.
And when you’re ready to leave the peaceful park for post-race celebration, there’s plenty of holiday fun to explore all over the city.
THE COURSE
The half marathon begins on West Drive near 96th Street, completing two and a half loops of the park across 72nd Street and up Harlem Hill before finishing on the 102nd Street transverse.
All NYCRUNS courses are USATF-certified.
TRAINING
The Official Half Marathon Training Program will help you Win Your Race! This 12-week customized program is based on your running history, racing goals, and schedule. Lose the one-size-fits-all PDFs and let us help you get to the starting line feeling healthy and ready to crush it.
The program is fully automated and will kick off 12 weeks before the race.
Program features include:
Customized training program that will incorporate various types of training including intervals, hills, tempo, and long runs as well as easy runs and days off.
Goals and program content that update based on your ongoing training journey.
Ability to log your miles manually or via MapMyRun, Garmin Connect and Strava (not officially supported.)
Other training content including cross training, strength training, and nutritional guidance.
HANDCYCLE/WHEELCHAIR ATHLETES
Due to the fact that this is a multi-loop course, we do not advise handcycle or wheelchair athletes to register for this event. We’d suggest registering for the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon, the New Jersey Half Marathon & 5K or any of our 5K races in Prospect Park or Central Park.
AMENITIES
Bag Check – If you plan on checking a bag, you must use the single clear bag provided by NYCRUNS. You may not put another full bag/backpack/briefcase inside the clear bag. All items must fit inside the clear bag. NYCRUNS reserves the right to search your bag at any time.
Toilets – Portable restrooms will be available for use throughout the event.
Refreshments – Water and electrolyte beverage will be available on the course and at the finish. Bagels, spreads and fresh fruit will be available at the finish line.
Swag – The giveaway for this race will be a medal and a long sleeve tech shirt. Shirts may be picked up on race day only. In order to cut down on waste, we avoid ordering more than we need; thus, sizes are not guaranteed. If you have your heart set on a size, we recommend picking up your shirt before the race.
Photos – Photography will be available for purchase within a week of the race. You will receive an email from MarathonFoto several days after the race with information about how to claim your photos.
BIB DISTRIBUTION
You may pickup your bib in the festival area on race day. NYCRUNS does not host a pre-race bib pickup for this event.
If you register thirty days or more before the event using a domestic address, you can also have your bib mailed to you. This service is free if you are an NYCRUNS Member, and you can become one at checkout. You can also add this service to your registration for $20. Please make sure the shipping address provided at the time of registration will be valid in the month preceding the race.
If you register less than 30 days before race day, or you have an international address, you must pick up your bib on race day no more than an hour before your start time.
RESULTS & AWARDS
Results will be emailed and the full results will be posted on our results page after the race. If you do not see your result online or receive an email with your finish time, please fill out this form.
Awards will be given to the top three overall male, female and non-binary finishers (by gun time) as well as the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers in each of the following age groups (by net time): 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 and over.
Additional information about awards can be found in our help section here.
PRIZE MONEY
Within the Half Marathon division, athletes meeting the following criteria will be eligible for prize money:
You must be an NYCRUNS Member and your account must be in good standing prior to and on race day.
Men: 1:20:00 or faster (gun time)
Women: 1:30:00 or faster (gun time)
Non-Binary / Gender Non-Conforming: 1:30:00 or faster (gun time)
You must have competed only in your registered gender in the 90 days prior to the event
Your gender must not have been changed on your NYCRUNS profile in the 90 days prior to the event
Prize money will be distributed as follows:
First Place: $1,000
Second Place: $500
Third Place: $250
Fourth Place: $200
Fifth Place: $150
Sixth – Tenth Place: $100
Additionally, any athlete who meets or exceeds the times above in one of these races will receive discounted entry to all NYCRUNS races until the end of the calendar year.
Additional information about our prize money program can be found in our help section here.
COST
See chart below. NYCRUNS members receive a 10% discount on this race, race withdrawal rights and other perks. You can become a member when you check out.
Race Credit may be used to pay for up to 50% of this race.
Race day registration (if available) is online only.
Half Marathon Members Non-Members
Through 8/15 $72 $80
Through 10/16 $81 $90
Through 11/20 $90 $100
Through 12/4 $99 $110
Until Online Registration Ends $112.50 $125
DIRECTIONS
To get to the main festival area (for bib pickup, shirts and bag check), take the C train to 102nd St. or the 6 train to 103rd St. and enter the park. The Festival is located at the center of the 102nd St. transverse near the finish line.
To go directly to the Start, take the C train to 96th street and enter through the 96th St. ramp. There are portable toilets, but no other amenities at this entrance.
Please check MTA Trip Planner for up to date and detailed mass transit directions and Google Maps for driving directions. Parking is limited at all of our events, we strongly encourage the use of mass transit.
POLICIES
The standard no-refunds, no-transfers policy applies. Withdrawals for race credit are only applicable to those signed up for the NYCRUNS Membership Program.
Strollers and dogs are not allowed in NYCRUNS races.
You may be disqualified if earbuds or headphones hinder your awareness.
All NYCRUNS races have time limits. You must remain on pace to finish within the time limit in order to receive course support and an official finish time. Should you fall behind pace, you may be directed off the course by a race marshal.
Please familiarize yourself with our complete rules of competition.
