NYC Half Marathon 2026: Start Time, Road Closures and Full Route Map

On March 15, 2026, thousands of runners from all over the world will gather in New York City to run one of NYC’s most famous marathons, the NYC Half Marathon.

 The route starts at Brooklyn's Prospect Park, crosses through the Brooklyn Bridge, and finishes in Central Park (13.1 Miles).

This is a terrific opportunity to see the sights of New York City and to challenge yourself regardless of your fitness level. 

The event will begin with staggered wave starts at approximately 7 A.M., and there will be significant road closures as well as many spectators at the event.

All participants (both runners and spectators) as well as travelers to NYC will need to plan ahead so that they can make the most out of this springtime event.

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Start Time and Wave Details

To avoid congested traffic in New York City, the NYC Half Marathon is set to start on Sunday early in the morning. 

This will give competitors a cooler temperature while they race:

• The main start time will be around 7 A.M., with first wave starts occurring shortly thereafter.

• There will be staggered start or wave times in order to ensure safety and to encourage the many participants in the marathon to be spaced out along the course, beginning approximately between 7:20 a.m. and 8:30 a.m.

• The cutoff time for competitors completing the course (finishing) will be 1:30 p.m., approximately four-and-a-half hours after the start of the first event.

 Road Closures and Travel Impact

Brooklyn Closures

Major roadway closures on surrounding streets will take place Sunday, between approximately 12 am and mid-morning hours, including portions of Eastern Parkway  and Washington Ave.

Blocks adjoining both the Race and Prospect Park will experience full traffic restrictions as a result of these closing events.

Manhattan Closures

Beginning around 5:40 am and ending around 1:30 pm FDR Drive will be closed at multiple points.

The following Areas will also have restrictions on street use for most of the Morning: 42nd St, 7th Ave, C.P. W., and C.P. S.

Additionally, No-Parking Zones will exist in all Major Locations beginning Early Sat until Sunday afternoon.

NYC Half Marathon Full Route Overview

Runners will follow a course of 13.1 miles through New York City and see many well-known sights. The course includes the following:

1. Starting line at Prospect Park in Brooklyn - The start of the race is located on the corner of Washington Avenue and Sullivan Place.

2. Running through Prospect Park/Downtown Brooklyn - Runners travel through the streets of downtown Brooklyn and by some major historical sites.

3. Brooklyn Bridge - A highlight of the race is running across the Brooklyn Bridge into Lower Manhattan, with views of the skyline.

4. East Side of the FDR - Runners travel up the FDR to 34th Street, where they will turn around and go back to Midtown.

5. Times Square - The race is one of few events where Times Square is closed to cars, making it a unique mid-point in the race.

6. Finishing in Central Park - After running through Midtown, runners will complete their last few miles inside Central Park, finishing at 72nd Street and West Drive.