New York Road Runners (NYRR) will host more than 30,000 runners for the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half on March 15, 2026. The non-profit organisation, which produces 60 annual adult and youth races, will welcome athletes of all abilities for the 13.1 mile park-to-park tour of New York City.
Starting near Prospect Park in Brooklyn and ending in Central Park, the course takes athletes across the Brooklyn Bridge. This marks the second year in a row the race has used this route. The event also passes Grand Central Terminal and runs through Times Square.
Rob Simmelkjaer, Chief Executive Officer at NYRR, said “The United Airlines NYC Half is one of the most special days of the year at New York Road Runners and in New York City.
“From first-time runners to Olympians and Paralympians, we’re proud to welcome more than 30,000 athletes to experience our iconic streets, drive economic impact to the city, and inspire the next generation – including the young athletes participating in the Times Square Kids Run – to believe in every step.”
According to the organiser, the event, alongside the TCS New York City Marathon and the 30+ other adult races New York Road Runners produces year-round, helps to contribute nearly US$1 billion to the city’s economy. This year’s half marathon race week features the United Airlines NYC Half Expo Presented by New Balance at the Jacob K Javits Convention Center from March 12–14, 2026.
The 2026 edition features a professional athlete field including 27 Olympians and Paralympians from 17 countries. Defending champions Abel Kipchumba and Sharon Lokedi of Kenya, and Geert Schipper of the Netherlands, are set to return.
The men’s open division includes Daniel Ebenyo and the road racing debut of Grant Fisher. The women’s field features Hellen Obiri, Agnes Ngetich, and top American runners such as Emily Sisson and Dakotah Popehn.
The event also includes the Commissioner’s Cup, featuring teams from seven New York City government agencies and the Mayor’s Office.
Meanwhile, more than 1,500 children will participate in the Times Square Kids Run. This youth event is part of the Rising New York Road Runners program, which serves 100,000 students in New York City.
Sustainability remains a focus for the organiser. The NYRR Team for Climate includes 125 runners fundraising for environmental initiatives. Last year, the program raised more than US$140,000 during this event.
Sustainability measures for 2026 include:
Finisher medals made with 100% recycled steel
Use of fully electric Volvo EX90s pace cars
Collection of discarded clothing, with more than eight tons donated to All of Us Clothing in 2025
Composting of hydration cups at a farm in upstate New York
The race will be covered locally by ABC New York, Channel 7, with a livestream of the professional fields available on ESPN+ starting at 07:00 EST.