New York Half Marathon 2024: Everything you need to know
Every year, entries into the United Airlines NYC Half sell like hot cakes. Organised by the New York Road Runners – the people behind the iconic New York Marathon – the race takes place in March every year, attracting more than 24,000 runners from across the globe. The popular route takes runners past some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Times Square and Central Park.
It also attracts a stellar field of world-class runners, with previous participants including the likes of Haile Gebrselassie and Paula Radcliffe, and more recently Hellen Obiri, who won broke the women's course record last year.
But as with its sister race, coveted spots in the NYC Half are hard to come by and the process is a little convoluted.
Here, we share all the details on the 2024 NYC Half from the course route, to how to go about getting an entry, so you can decided for yourself whether it's worth putting your hat in the ring...
When is the NYC Half 2024?
The race will take place on Sunday 17 March 2024. Since the race falls on St Patricks Day next year, there will be plenty of festivities taking place in the city, including a St Patrick's Day parade.
How can I get a place in the NYC Half 2024?
There's multiple routes to getting a spot in the race. These are:
Through the non-guaranteed entry drawing. The ballot for the 2024 race opened on 17 October and closes on 15 November 2023. In addition to application pools for New York and US residents, there's also a pool for international applicants. Results will be drawn on 29 November 2023, and participants will be informed of this by email.
By taking part in '4 Out of 6' qualifying races. This is only really practical if you live in, or close, to New York, or visit frequently, as these qualifying races are New York based. However, runners who are NYRR members and who registered for, and completed, four qualifying races in 2023 are eligible for a guaranteed entry – this needs to be claimed by 15 November 2023. You can do so here. To enter via this route for the 2025 event, you will need to become an NYRR member (find out more here), and complete four of the following races in 2024:
NYRR Manhattan 10K (February 4)
Virtual United Airlines NYC Half Medal (Dates TBD)
United Airlines NYC Half (March 17)
Virtual RBC Brooklyn Half Medal (Dates TBD)
RBC Brooklyn Half (May 18)
NYRR Queens 10K (June 15)
New Balance Bronx 10 Mile (September 15)
NYRR Staten Island Half (October 13)
By taking part in the virtual event. Runners who finished the 2023 Virtual NYC Half at the 'run for guaranteed entry' tier, are eligible to claim guaranteed entry to the 2024 event between 17 October and 15 November 2023. Details of the virtual 2024 race are not yet live, but keep an eye on the NYRR website for details on entering this way for the 2025 race.
Through a charity place. The 2024 NYC charity programme offers guaranteed entry to runners who pledge to raise funds for one of the event's official charity partners, including NYRR's Team for Kids (find out more here). A full list of charity partners will be available on the day of the non-guaranteed entry drawing (29 November 2023).
Through an international tour operator. Perhaps a more feasible option for UK-based entrants, you can claim a guaranteed entry with the purchase of a half marathon package through operators such as Sports Tours International or Marathon Tours, which also include accommodation and other extras (FYI, these packages can be expensive).
By meeting qualifying standards. Runners who achieved a qualifying time at the following NYRR races will automatically receive guaranteed entry to the 2024 NYC Half:
Qualifying times can be found here. Runners will need to claim their guaranteed place by 15 November 2023.
The event organisers also offer a limited number of entries to athletes who meet the time qualifying standards at a certified half marathon or full marathon race that is not held by NYRR during the qualifying window (January 1, 2023 – October 18, 2023), but submission of of a qualifying time does not guarantee entry. The window for runners to claim their entry via this route closed on 26 October 2023.
What is the cost of a race entry?
Race entries are pricey; it's $135 for NYRR members (£109.52) or $160 for non-members (£129.80).
What is the route of the 2024 NYC Half?
The race takes runners from Brooklyn to Central Park, through the heart of New York City. It begins on Washington Avenue near the Brooklyn Botanic Garden before taking runners through Prospect Park and across the East River via the Manhattan Bridge. Once in Manhattan, runners will race along the Lower East Side, up to Midtown, and through Times Square before finishing in Central Park. The last six miles of the race are the hilliest, with the most significant hills coming around miles 10 and 12. Check out the course map here.
Will there be pacers on the course?
Yes. Pacers will lead groups at various paces between 6:51min/mile and 11:26min/mile pace. Look out for the NYRR Pace Team members in the start pens wearing blue-and-white-striped NYRR pace team singlets. Pacers will also carry signs that correspond with their respective finish times and paces.
Where does the NYC Half start?
The race starts in Washington Avenue adjacent to the Brooklyn Museum and Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Runners will need to access the start area from a security screening checkpoint on Washington Avenue and Classon Avenue. Runners should approach security screening from Eastern Parkway.
What time does the race start?
Participants will set off in waves according to their predicted finish line. Last year, the first wave started at 7.20am and the last wave at 9.20am. Runners will receive details of their designated start time in the weeks leading up to the race, and a timeline detailing when runners need to arrive at the start, check in their bag, clear security and enter their start pen will also be released closer to the time.
Is there a bag drop?
A bag check will be located on Eastern Parkway between Franklin Avenue and Classon Avenue. Runners will need to check in their bag before they enter the start area security checkpoint on Classon Avenue, and must attach their bag check tag that has their bib number on to their bag. Runners can retrieve their bags after the race on Central Park West between West 60th and West 63rd streets.
How can I get to the startline?
Runners can travel to the startline via the subway, bus, or car. Transportation options are as follows:
Runners dropping off bags:
Subway
2/4 to Franklin Avenue
Runners without bags:
Subway
2/4 to Eastern Parkway
Q to 7th Avenue
Vehicle drop-off:
Bedford Ave. at Eastern Parkway
Run Club Bus Drop-Off:
Kingston Ave & Eastern Parkway
Visit mta.info for the latest schedules and updates for public transit options.
I'm a wheelchair user – can I participate?
Yes. Participants who must select 'wheelchair' on the application. A racing wheelchair or wheelchair with a FreewheelTM attachment must be used.
Can I cancel or defer my entry?
Once you have claimed your entry, all entry fees are non-refundable. However, runners entered in the 2024 event may cancel their entry and earn a guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the 2025 race, but will be required to pay processing and entry fees. The deadline for runners to cancel their 2024 entry and get a guaranteed, non-complimentary into the 2025 race is 16 March 2024.
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