The Least You Need To Know For The NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon

Here’s the least you need to know for the NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon this Saturday, December 13 in Central Park:

Download the NYCRUNS Events App

The free NYCRUNS Events App provides real-time runner tracking of the race with an interactive course map for you, your friends, and family. Download the app now at the Apple App Store and Google Play. 

Getting to the Race

Mass transit is the best way to get to the race. Check MTA.info for schedule information, details on any planned service changes, and the latest updates on train or bus service. Parking around the park is limited.

The Festival Area is located by the 102nd Street Transverse, adjacent to the North Meadow ballfields next to East Drive.

·       To enter from the west side of the park, take the B or C trains to 103rd St. or the M10 bus to 102nd St.

·       To enter from the east side of the park, take the 6 train to 103rd St. or the M1, 2, 3, or 4 buses to 102nd St.

To go directly to the Start Area, take the B or C trains to 96th St. or the M10 bus to 96th St.  The Start Corrals are on West Drive near 93rd St.

The Festival Area Opens at 6:00 AM

The Festival Area is the hub of race activity. This is where you’ll pick up your bib and race shirt, check a bag, get any questions answered before the race, and where you’ll end up when you finish the race. Bike parking in the Festival Area and locking bikes to NYCRUNS signage are strictly prohibited.

Pick Up Your Race Bib First

If you haven’t received your bib in the mail, you’ll pick it up at the Bib Pick-Up Tent in the Festival Area. Bib pick up closes at 7:30 AM, so please arrive no later than 7:00 AM to give yourself enough time. It’s a 15-minute walk to the Start Corrals.

• When picking up your bib, have your personal QR code ready. It’s located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard for this race. The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet. A screen shot is fine too. If you’re also picking up a bib for another runner, make sure you have an image of their QR code too.
• For safety and security reasons and per NYCRUNS policy, only you can run with the bib that’s assigned to you.

Get Your Swag

Pick up your official race shirt in the Festival Area after picking up your bib. Just show your QR code again. You can pick up your shirt after the race too. To cut down on waste we try not to over order, so shirt sizes are not guaranteed.

Check a Bag 

If you’ve got gear to check, head over to the Bag Check Area and drop your things off. For security reasons, all items must be in a clear bag. NYCRUNS can provide an 18” x 24” clear bag if you don’t have one. Please note, after you check a bag you won’t be able to add or remove anything before the race.

Be in Your Start Corral by 7:45 AM 

The Start Corrals, which begin on West Drive near 93rd St., will be lined up by letter (AA – F). Your corral assignment will be noted on your bib and is determined by the pace you selected in the Profile section of your NYCRUNS Dashboard. Bathrooms will be available on the 96th St. ramp to West Drive, close to the Start Corrals. Water will be available by the Start Corrals, as well. If you’re shedding layers of clothing when you start, please drop the items in the clothing donation bins adjacent to your start corral. NYCRUNS will collect and donate all clothing to charity.

Review Your Course

Check out the USATF-certified 13.1-mile course which makes two-and-a-half “upper” loops of the park. We’ll have three (3) fluid stations along the loop serving both water and Gatorade.

Time Limit

As per NYCRUNS minimum pace guidelines, half-marathon runners must maintain a 16:00/mile pace, finishing within 3:30:00, to be officially scored and receive ongoing event support and services.

Big Apple, Big Medal

After you finish, we’ll be there waiting with your well-earned medal before you refuel with a bagel and, of course, a Big Apple.

Be smart at the Finish

Grab a can of smartwater at the Finish to rehydrate after your race (we’ll have Gatorade there too).

Celebrate Cleanly

Please help us keep the park clean. Confetti cannons, which are extremely difficult to clean up, are expressly forbidden.

Share Your Run on Social

Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook #NYCRUNS #BigAppleHalfMarathon #WinYourRace

Check Out Your Results

You’ll receive an email after the race once the preliminary results are posted on our website. If you’re an overall or group award winner, you’ll receive an email 10-14 days after the race once the results are official.

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Check here for more race details.