Get Ready for the NYC Half Marathon 2025: New Route, Street Closures, and More!
The highly anticipated New York City Half Marathon is set to return in 2025, taking place on Sunday with a fresh route that stretches from Brooklyn to Manhattan. This year, the race promises to be even more thrilling as it will feature the iconic Brooklyn Bridge for the very first time!
Organizers are expecting a massive turnout, with over 27,000 runners ready to hit the pavement for the United Airlines NYC Half. If you’re planning to participate or cheer on your friends, here’s everything you need to know about the race schedule and street closures.
The half marathon kicks off at around 7 a.m., with the first wave of runners taking off at 7:20 a.m. It’s crucial for participants to keep track of their time, as they must reach the Brooklyn Bridge by 11 a.m. and enter the FDR Drive by 11:30 a.m. Runners will need to exit the FDR Drive by 12:50 p.m. and cross the finish line before it closes at 2 p.m., giving them about 4.5 hours to complete the race.
Last year’s champions finished the race in just over an hour for the men and about nine minutes later for the women, setting a high bar for this year’s competitors. The course spans a total of 13.1 miles, starting on Washington Avenue near the Brooklyn Museum at Prospect Park.
For those looking to access the starting line, there are two security checkpoints located on Eastern Parkway near Washington and Classon avenues. Runners checking bags should head to the 2/3/4 train station at Franklin Avenue, while those without bags can use the 2/3/4 train station at Eastern Parkway. If you’re dropping someone off, the designated vehicle drop-off area is at Bedford Avenue and Eastern Parkway.
The course will take runners up Flatbush Avenue, across the Brooklyn Bridge, and into Manhattan, where they will continue along the FDR Drive on the East Side. The route then traverses across town along 42nd Street to 7th Avenue, passing through the bustling Times Square before heading into Central Park.
The final mile winds through Central Park, leading to the finish line located on Central Park West, between West 67th and 68th streets. After the race, a family reunion area will be set up on Central Park West, between West 63rd and 64th streets, with spectators screened at West 64th Street and Broadway.
For those wanting to follow the race live, family and friends can track runners and their results using the New York Road Runners (NYRR) app. Just type in a participant's name to start tracking them in real-time. The app is free to download from both the Apple and Google Play stores and includes a course map, runner checklist, and essential race day information.
As runners cross the finish line, results will be available online, so stay tuned for updates! Additionally, organizers have announced that several streets will be closed on Sunday to accommodate the race, so plan your travel accordingly.
With all these exciting changes and updates, the NYC Half Marathon 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable event for both participants and spectators alike!
