Olympians, Paralympians, world-record holders, and celebrity runners to race from Brooklyn to Manhattan; NYPD and FDNY runners to face off for inaugural Commissioner’s Cup trophy
New York, March 14, 2023 – The 2023 United Airlines NYC Half, one of the world’s premier half marathons, will feature more than 25,000 runners on Sunday, March 19, including Olympians, Paralympians, world-record holders, celebrity runners, NYPD and FDNY runners, and youth. The event takes runners on a 13.1-mile journey from Brooklyn to Manhattan, passing through Times Square to make it the only time other than New Year’s Eve the crossroads of the world is closed to traffic.
“The United Airlines NYC Half is one of the world’s premier half marathons and presents one of the most iconic race courses to participants. Together with our city agency and event partners, NYRR is providing our participants an opportunity to navigate two boroughs and see New York City by foot,” said Ted Metellus, NYRR’s Senior Vice President of Events and Race Director. “We are excited to provide a platform for all participants – from our neighbors next door to professional athletes to the youth and future of our sport – to create a healthier, more active lifestyle. On Sunday, we will celebrate those partaking in this event and racing under the bright lights of Times Square.”
Below are some highlights and initiatives to look forward to at the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half:
Professional Athletes
The race will feature professional athletes from 15 different countries, including 17 Olympians, 12 Paralympians, and seven past event champions, making it one of the most diverse fields in the race’s history. The men’s open division will be headlined by Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, half-marathon world-record holder Jacob Kiplimo, and Olympic medalist Galen Rupp. Defending champion Senbere Teferi, Olympic and World Championships medalist Hellen Obiri, and two-time U.S. Olympian and three-time event champion Molly Huddle will lead the women’s open division. A trio of past TCS New York City Marathon and United Airlines NYC Half champions – Susannah Scaroni, Manuela Schär, and Daniel Romanchuk – will feature in the strongest wheelchair field in event history, which will also welcome Paralympic medalists Catherine Debrunner and Jetze Plat for the first time.
Celebrity Runners
This year’s field will include notable names such as former NFL player Tiki Barber, and reality TV stars Andi Dorfman and Peter Weber. Barber is running to support NYRR’s Team for Kids, which this week surpassed $100 million raised for NYRR’s youth and community programs since its inception in 2002.
Commissioner’s Cup
Members of the NYPD and FDNY will face off in the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup, a friendly competition between New York’s Finest and New York’s Bravest. Members of the two run clubs will compete for the trophy with Commissioner Laura Kavanagh and Commissioner Keechant Sewell serving as honoring captains. The top five finishers from each run club will be factored into the scoring.
Times Square Kids Run
While 25,000 runners traverse 13.1 miles, 1,000 kids will stop traffic in the Times Square Kids Run, a 1,500-meter out-and-back course on Seventh Avenue for kids ages 8-18. Participants will be part of Rising New York Road Runners, NYRR’s flagship free youth physical activity program that helps kids develop the ability, confidence, and desire to be physically active for life. The program serves over 112,000 students nationwide, including nearly 50,000 in New York City.
United Airlines NYC Half Experience Presented by New Balance
From March 16-18, runners will pick up their bibs and race souvenirs and have the opportunity to shop for race merchandise at Center415, located at 415 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.
How to Watch
The event will be covered locally in the tri-state area by ABC New York, Channel 7 with live news cut-ins between 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The four professional fields will be covered by a livestream, distributed internationally from NYRR’s digital channels, abc7ny.com, and the ESPN App, beginning at 7:00 a.m. ET. Reporting live from the Start, Finish, and Times Square will be WABC sports anchors Ryan Field and Sam Ryan, and meteorologist Brittany Bell. Joining the WABC team will be U.S. Olympian Carrie Tollefson, and running reporter Chris Chavez.
Download the App
The United Airlines NYC Half Mobile App Powered by TCS provides users the opportunity to track their runners on the course and is now available for download on iOS and Android. New this year, fans can watch an uninterrupted live stream of all four professional athlete races and a live look at the finish line throughout race day.
Virtual United Airlines NYC Half Powered by Strava
Runners unable to make it to New York can still participate in the event virtually, running the 13.1-mile distance anywhere around the world at their convenience from March 11-19. Participants who complete the Guaranteed Entry tier will earn entry to the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half, and those who register for the Medal Tier will be shipped a finisher medal after completing the race.
About New York Road Runners (NYRR)
NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.
