Race Recap: The 2025 United Airlines NYC Half

By Maile Shigemasa, PT, DPT

There’s nothing quite like race day in New York City—especially when it involves running through Times Square, over the Brooklyn Bridge (for the first time in NYRR history), and down the FDR. This past weekend, the United Airlines NYC Half delivered all that and more, with high-energy vibes, a challenging yet rewarding course, and a finish line that made all the effort worth it.

Pre-Race: Early Morning Hustle

Getting into the start area was smooth sailing, with no major issues at security for Wave 1.  Though I hear by Wave 3, the corral entry had a few bumps. Bathroom access and water are always top of mind for me, so I was happy to see plenty of options in the start area and even port-a-potties inside the corrals—always a clutch detail.

The corrals were buzzing with energy, setting the stage for an exciting (and crowded) start. With a few quick turns and a roundabout within the first half mile, things got a little chaotic, but nothing out of the ordinary for a big city race.

The Course: Hills, Fog, and Iconic Views

The first two miles in Prospect Park brought the hills early—just in case anyone thought they’d be easing into the race. Luckily, the long downhill on Flatbush Avenue provided some much-needed relief before hitting one of the most exciting additions to this year’s race: the Brooklyn Bridge.

This was the first time an NYRR race included the bridge, and it did not disappoint. The morning’s misty, foggy weather made it feel almost cinematic—cool, moody, and just a little ominous. The same could be said for the FDR, which felt surreal in its own way. Running on a highway, the Queens skyline peeking through the fog and traffic completely cleared, was a rare and incredible experience. It was a quieter section of the race filled primarily with a hum of footsteps against the pavement. 

Finish Line PT showed up around Mile 10 with an amazing cheer zone (shoutout to the confetti cannon—10/10 touch!). Then came the moment every NYC Half runner looks forward to: Times Square next. Crowds were out in full force, the energy was electric, and running down the middle of the usually packed streets never gets old.

Final Thoughts: Humidity & Hills Hit Different

This course was sneakily tough, with rolling hills that chipped away at the legs—especially with 93% humidity making things feel extra taxing. Despite the challenges, it was an epic morning of running through the best city in the world—and honestly, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday in March. Congratulations to all the runners who took on the challenge—whether it was a PR day or just about making it to the finish, every step was an achievement!

Until next year, NYC Half!