Here’s the least you need to know for the NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon in Central Park this Saturday, December 14:
Get To The Race Early / The Festival Area Opens At 6:00 AM
Mass transit is always the best way to get to the race. Check MTA Trip Planner for up-to-date schedule information and google maps for detailed directions.
Your first stop will be the Festival Area at the Naumburg Bandshell. This is where you’ll pick up your bib (if it wasn’t mailed to you) and your shirt, and also bag check any personal items. The closest entrance to the Festival Area is on the east side of the park on 5th Ave. at 72nd St. or 69th St. Via subway, take the 6 to 68th Street/Hunter College or the F or Q to Lexington Ave./63rd St. Via bus, take the M1, M2, M3, M4, or M72 to the 5th Ave./72nd St. stop or the M72 to the East 72nd St./Madison Ave. stop. The closet Citi Bike station is at 5th Ave./72nd St.
If you’re heading directly to the start (which is on West Drive next to Tavern on the Green), enter the west side of the park at Central Park West/67th Street. Via subway, take the B or C to 72nd St. or the A, D, or 1 to 59th St./Columbus Circle. Via bus, take the M10 or M72 to the Central Park West/67th St. or the M20 or M66 to 66th St./Columbus Ave. The closest Citi Bike station is at Central Park West/68th St.
Street parking is limited. Private parking lots are located on both sides of the park.
Pick Up Your Bib
If you didn’t receive your bib in the mail, you must pick it up race morning at the Bib Pick-Up Tent beginning at 6:00 AM (we’ll also provide pins for you to attach the bib to an outside layer of clothing at or near your torso). The Bib Pick-Up Tent will close at 7:30 AM, so please allow yourself ample time to wait in line. Picking your bib up earlier in the morning is always the best move!
When picking up your bib, you’ll need to show your unique QR code which is located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard for this race. The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet. You can also show a photo of your QR code. To keep the lines moving, make sure you have your QR code ready.
Please be aware that if you run without a bib, you won’t be officially scored in our race results, you won’t receive a finish line photo, and you won’t receive a finisher’s medal. For safety and security reasons and per NYCRUNS policy, only you can run with the race bib that’s assigned to you.
Get Your Swag
The Shirt Pick-Up Tent opens at 6:00 AM. You’ll get your shirt after picking up your bib by showing your QR code again (which also notes the size you requested). You can also pick up your shirt after the race. To cut down on waste we try not to over order, so shirt sizes are not guaranteed. Oh, and don’t forget that super cool Big Apple Medal you’ll be getting at the Finish!
Bag Check Your Personal Items
If you have gear you don’t want to run with, head over to Bag Check at the Festival Area and drop your things off. For security reasons, all items must be in a clear bag. NYCRUNS will provide an 18” x 24” clear bag if you don’t have one. Sorry, but we are not able to check non-clear bags such as backpacks, messenger bags, totes, purses, etc.
Please Be In Your Start Corral By 7:45 AM
The Start Corrals are lined up by letter, AA through F. Your Start Corral assignment will be noted by the letter on your bib and is determined by the pace designated in your NYCRUNS Dashboard. The Start Corrals are located on West Drive next to Tavern on the Green, just a short walk from the Festival Area. Water will be available at the Start Corral Area. Any clothing left at the start will be donated to charity.
Review Your Course Map
Check out the half marathon course map. The USATF-certified course begins on West Drive by Tavern on the Green and makes two full loops (plus an extra mile) around the park before finishing on the 72nd Street Transverse. Hydration stations, restrooms, and medical assistance will be available throughout the course. Share this map with friends and family too, so they can plan your personal cheer zone locations.
Post-Race Amenities
Once you cross the finish line you’ll receive your medal and refuel with more hydration options, a tasty Big Apple (of course), and Brooklyn’s best bagel (yes, even in Manhattan). Please help keep the park clean and dispose of all post-race trash (apple cores included) in the garbage receptacles.
Share Your Run On Social
Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, using these hashtags: #NYCRUNS #BigAppleHalf #WinYourRace.
Check Your Results
You’ll receive an email after the race with your results. The full race results will be posted on our Results Page after the race as well. Give it a day and if you do not see your results online or receive an email with your finish time, please fill out this form.
For all other details, please visit the NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon race page.