Here’s the least you need to know for the NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon on Sunday, February 23.
The Festival Area Opens At 6:30 AM
This is where you’ll pick up your bib, shirt, and bag check any personal items. The Festival Area is located by the 102nd Street Crossing, adjacent to the North Meadow ballfields next to East Drive. Mass transit is always the best way to get to the race. Check MTA Trip Planner for up-to-date schedule information.
Pick Up Your Bib
If you didn’t receive your bib in the mail, you’ll pick it up race morning at the Bib Pick-Up Tent at the Festival Area beginning at 6:30 AM. Please arrive no later than 7:30 AM. When picking up your bib, have your unique QR code ready. It’s located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard. The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet. A screen shot is fine too. 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
Pick up your shirt in the Festival Area after picking up your bib by showing your QR code again (which also notes the size you requested). 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.
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.
Be In Your Start Corral By 8:15 AM
The Start Corrals begin on West Drive near 93rd St, a 15-minute walk from the Festival Area. Corrals line up by letter, AA through F. Your Start Corral letter assignment will be noted on your QR code as well as on your bib, and is determined by the pace designated in 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.
Review Your Course Map
Check out the USATF-certified 13.1-mile course. Hydration stations (with water and electrolyte drinks) and bathrooms will be available along the course.
Post-Race
Once you cross the finish line, you’ll receive your well-earned snow globe-inspired Finishers Medal, and refuel with water, electrolyte drinks, a crisp apple, and NYC’s best bagel (with a schmear, of course).
Let’s Keep Our Parks Clean
Please help us keep Central Park clean by disposing of all post-race trash in the garbage receptacles and by not using confetti cannons, which are strictly prohibited.
Share Your Run On Social
Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, using these hashtags: #NYCRUNS #CentralParkHalfMarathon #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.
Recharge
Elevate your wellness routine at BATHHOUSE and WIN YOUR RACE! Recovery is as critical as training, and their state-of-the-art facilities are designed for athletes like you. Enjoy saunas, cold plunges, steam rooms, thermal pools, and elite-level massages to reduce soreness and boost performance. Recharge at their Manhattan or Williamsburg locations and feel your best. Prioritize recovery—book your visit today!
For all other details, check out the NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon race page.