After two years away, runners were happy to be back for the New York Road Runners’ United Airlines NYC Half Marathon.

Organizers canceled the 2020 race just days before it was set to take to place as the pandemic first hit the city in March of that year. And the 2021 race was virtual.

What You Need To Know

  • Around 25,000 runners took part from around the city and country

  • The race started in Prospect Park and ended in Central Park

  • The half marathon was the first time New York Road Runners held a race at full capacity since the start of the pandemic

  • The 2021 race was held virtually

“Last year was a little strange because it was my first half marathon ever, so it felt a little lonely doing it virtually,” runner Samantha Gaudio said.

She says there is a certain energy boost a runner gets from being with other people.

“It’s definitely exciting to be around people again. It’s nice to feel like I’m not the only runner,” Gaudio said.

Sunday’s race was the first time NYRR held a race at full capacity since the start of the pandemic. Around 25,000 runners from all over the city and the country took part in the half marathon.

“I’ve been here two times already with the full marathon, but this is my first time with the half I know that they close down Times Square, which is amazing,” said Chait Suwannarat, a runner from Boston, before the race.

The marathon’s path began in Prospect Park, went over the Manhattan Bridge, up the FDR Drive, past Grand Central Terminal, through Times Square and ended in Central Park.

Many of the runners said the half marathon helps them get a better gauge on what they want to work on to train for the full marathon in November. Carlos Garcia has run three marathons and says there is something about doing it here in the city.

“It’s always special to run in New York,” Garcia said. "Best city in the world."