Upcoming NYC Half Marathon Promises Thrills and Traffic Disruptions

NEW YORK CITY, NY — The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon is set for Sunday, March 16, with an anticipated crowd of over 27,000 runners traversing a 13.1-mile course that will take them from the Brooklyn Museum across the Brooklyn Bridge and into Central Park. This race marks the first time in history that runners will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge due to ongoing construction on the Manhattan Bridge.

The race is organized by the New York Road Runners, known as the world’s premier half marathon. Starting at 7 a.m., runners will compete through various iconic landmarks, including Times Square, before finishing at Central Park. With staggered starts, the last runners are expected to cross the starting line well into the morning.

Along with the excitement of the race comes significant road closures and parking restrictions throughout Brooklyn and Manhattan. Some streets will begin closing as early as midnight on Saturday, with major thoroughfares remaining inaccessible well into the afternoon. Local businesses, such as Bergen Bagels, are gearing up for the influx of customers. ‘We’re excited and ready because it’s going to be crazy. Sometimes people have to line up all the way around the corner,’ said worker Leonardo Ocampo.

To assist in planning for the race day, a detailed list of road closures has been shared with residents and visitors. Streets affected in Brooklyn include but are not limited to Eastern Parkway and Washington Avenue. The New York Police Department recommends that pedestrians and onlookers adhere to instructions and designated viewing areas for their safety.

For participants’ convenience, the New York Road Runners have launched a new app that allows friends and family to track runners in real-time during the event. This feature will help spectators manage their viewing and cheering locations despite the inevitable traffic challenges.

As this beloved Manhattan tradition approaches, both participants and spectators are reminded to plan their travel and set their alarms early for this highly anticipated event. Those driving are encouraged to choose public transportation as a viable alternative to navigating the crowded roadways.