Thousands of runners started in Brooklyn Sunday for the 2023 United Airlines New York City Half Marathon.

With frigid temperatures in the 30s to start the day, for many, the weather wasn’t ideal at first.

But some said it felt better once they were moving along the 13.1 mile route.

“It was a little chilly. Chillier than last year. So I was a little cold, but I felt really comfortable,” said Kevin Phipps after crossing the finish line.

The race takes runners through Times Square.

The half marathon is one of only two events each year that closes Times Square to traffic.

Nearly 25,000 were expected to cross the finish line.

This year, for the first time ever, runners with the NYPD and FDNY competed for the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup.

“Oh, blue all day, every day. NY is going to smoke FD. They can smoke out there,” said NYPD officer Eloy Suarez as he got ready to start the race.

The police department went on to get faster times than the fire department.

“It’s been an incredible day. I’ve been out there giving high fives and fist bumps to at least 10,000 people,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of the New York Road Runners.

He says there are many other opportunities to run throughout the city before their main event, the TCS New York City Marathon.

Simmelkjaer explained they’ve had to increase their programming.

“So many people started running during the pandemic, that we’re just seeing incredible demand,” said Simmelkjaer.

The TCS New York City Marathon is in November.

Before then, officials say runners have the Brooklyn Half Marathon, New Balance Bronx 10 Miler and NYRR Staten Island Half among other programming to look forward too.