Join us for our Tenth Annual Big Apple race in Central Park! Since 2017, this has been one of our most popular annual events.
The NYCRUNS Big Apple Half Marathon is our final race of 2026 while also being the first race of our Central Park winter race series. Oh, and it's a holiday season favorite too. With a USATF-certified course, a world-famous park in all its seasonal splendor, and a super cool medal at the finish, this is a race you just have to run.
Half Marathon Course Map (2025 race) | USATF Certification
All NYCRUNS courses are USATF-certified.
NYCRUNS uses a pace-based corral system. Start Corrals are assigned by letter, AA-F. Your Start Corral assignment will be noted on your bib (see Bib Distribution below). Please be in your start corral no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. Corral assignments are based on the pace indicated in your NYCRUNS Dashboard under Profile. You can update your pace at any time.
Bag Check (opens at 6:00 AM) - If you plan on checking your gear, you must use one single clear bag. If your bag isn't clear, NYCRUNS will provide you with a clear bag (18" x 24") when you check your gear. You may not put another full bag/backpack/briefcase filled with gear inside the clear bag that NYCRUNS provides. All items must fit inside one clear bag. NYCRUNS reserves the right to search the contents in your bag at any time.
Bathrooms (open at 6:00AM) - Portable bathrooms will be available at various locations throughout the event.
Hydration - Water and Gatorade will be available on the Course and at the Finish.
Post Race Eats - Our signature bagel options (everything, plain, cinnamon raisin) with a schmear, of course, and a delicious Big Apple will be available to replenish you after the race.
Swag (distribution begins at 6:00 AM) - The giveaway for this will be a long sleeve race shirt. Shirts may be picked up on race day only. In order to cut down on waste, we try not to over order and shirt sizes are not guaranteed. If you have your heart set on a size, we recommend picking up your shirt before the race. You'll also receive a Finisher Medal after you complete the race.
Photos - You'll receive one complimentary photo and the option to purchase additional photos. MarathonFoto will send you an email after the race with all the details. You can also sign up for a photo package at checkout.
You can pick up your bib in the Festival Area on race day beginning at 6:00 AM. Bibs are only available for pick up on race day. You’ll need to show your unique QR code to pick up your bib. Your QR code will be available the week of the race on your NYCRUNS Dashboard under Upcoming Races (we'll also send it to you in a pre-race email). The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet.
If you're a NYCRUNS Member, your bib will be mailed to you at no additional cost. You can become a NYCRUNS member at checkout and receive this free bib mailing benefit (along with a race discount, withdrawal privileges, and more). If you're not a NYCRUNS Member, you can still have your bib mailed to you by adding it at checkout for an additional $25.
Note: For NYCRUNS members and non-members, bibs can only be mailed if you register 20 days or more before the date of the event and can only be sent to a U.S. mailing address. Shirts are not mailed with bibs.
Mass transit is the best way to get to NYCRUNS events. Check MTA.info for schedule information, details on any planned service changes, and the latest updates on train or bus service. Parking is limited at all of our events.
The Festival Area (for bib & shirt pick up and bag check) is located by the 102nd Street Crossing, 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.
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 available to the top three male, female and non-binary runners overall (gun time). Age group awards will be available to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers in each of the following age groups (net/chip time) in the Half: 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.
The free NYCRUNS Events App provides real-time tracking of every runner at every race and has lots of other useful info too. You and your friends and family can easily download the app at the Apple App Store and Google Play.
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 Experience Half Marathon or any of our 5K races in Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, or Central Park.
**Early Bird Pricing: Available through 1/31/26. Member discounts and race credit are not applicable with Early Bird Pricing.
Following Early Bird Pricing, 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 (combined with the member discount) may be used to pay for up to 50% or $40 (whichever is greater) off the original race entry price. Race day registration (if available) is online only.
| Date | Members | Non-Members |
| Early Bird Pricing through 1/31 | ** $70 | ** $70 |
| Through 7/1 | $81 | $90 |
| Through 9/2 | $90 | $100 |
| Through 10/21 | $99 | $110 |
| Through 12/6 | $112.50 | $125 |
| Until Online Registration Ends | $121.50 | $135 |
We’ve partnered with Runna – the #1 coaching app – to level up your training. 
Runna delivers personalized plans geared to your goals and abilities, smartwatch compatibility, nutrition & injury support, strength training, and the support of the Runna community. Get ready for your race with a free, 2-week trial with Runna using the code NYCRUNNA.
Take advantage of this exclusive RW+ membership opportunity for $10 and get 1-year of unlimited access to RunnersWorld.com, curated Runner’s World training plans for any running goal, exclusive training programs, such as “How to Master the Half Marathon” with step-by-step coaching, access to a Members-Only newsletter with exclusive content and advice, the chance to test new shoes & gear before anyone else, and the opportunity to appear in Runner’s World! Select “Yes” at checkout and we’ll email you the link to sign up.
Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
#NYCRUNS #BigAppleHalfMarathon #WinYourRace
If you're looking to stay overnight in Manhattan near the race, check out these hotel deals.
The standard no-refunds, no-transfers policy applies. NYCRUNS members can withdraw for race credit. See details here.
Strollers and dogs are not allowed in NYCRUNS races. You may be disqualified if earbuds or headphones hinder your awareness. The use of celebratory confetti cannons is strictly prohibited. Please familiarize yourself with our complete rules of competition.
All NYCRUNS races have time limits. You must remain on pace to finish within the time limit to receive course support and an official finish time. If you fall behind pace and are directed off the course by a race marshal, please follow the instruction given for safety purposes.