NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon
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About the race
NYCRUNS Central Park Half Marathon is a USATF-certified, looped half marathon held in Central Park, New York on February 28, 2027. The event covers 13.1 miles around the park and uses a looped course; detailed course maps will be published closer to race day.
Start corrals are pace-based and assigned by letter (AA through F). Corral assignments appear on the participant bib and are based on the pace listed in the NYCRUNS dashboard. Pace can be updated in the runner profile.
The course has many turns; handcycle and wheelchair athletes are advised not to register for this race and are directed toward other NYCRUNS events instead.
On-course and festival amenities include bag check (a single clear bag 18 x 24 will be provided if needed), portable bathrooms, post-race food items including bagels and a New York State apple, a participant tech shirt (race-day pickup only; sizes are not guaranteed), and a finisher medal. Race photos are provided; eligible images are marked for free download and discounted photo packages can be purchased.
Bibs may be mailed to U.S. addresses if registered 20 or more days before the event; active NYCRUNS members receive free bib mailing. If a bib is not mailed, bib and shirt pickup occurs race morning in the Festival Area; a unique QR code (available the week of the race) is required for pickup and can be added to Apple Wallet.
Results are emailed and posted online. Awards are given to the top three male, female, and non-binary overall finishers (gun time) and to the top three in each age group (net/chip time) from 19 and under through 80 and over.
The race is a qualifier for the NYCRUNS Local Elite Athlete Race Entry Program; qualifying requires NYCRUNS membership in good standing and meeting time standards (men under 1:20:00 gun time; women and nonbinary under 1:30:00 gun time), among other eligibility criteria.
NYCRUNS members receive a 10% entry discount and other benefits. Listed entry fees vary by date and membership status, and registration closes the day before the race or earlier if capacity is reached. The NYCRUNS Events App offers real-time runner tracking.
Standard event policies apply: no refunds and no transfers (members may withdraw for race credit), strollers and dogs are not allowed, earbuds may lead to disqualification if they hinder awareness, and time limits are enforced. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
