Run S.M.A.R.T.
Menu
Login
  • Custom Training Plans
  • Private Coaching
  • Dr. Jack Daniels
  • Running Calculator
  • Coaching Staff
  • News & Updates
  • Contact Us

A Preview Of The New NYC Half Course

March 14, 2018 By Run S.M.A.R.T. In Racing Tips /  2

By Tiffany England

Even though I’m not running the race this weekend, I was curious about the new NYC Half course, so I ran it on my own!  Well, as best I could without official road closures.  Here is what I found:

Manage Your Effort Well Early

Miles 1-2: This is going to be a FAST start!  Running from the Grand Army Plaza to Manhattan Bridge on Flatbush Avenue is all downhill. Runners should take care to keep their pace in check as they pass by Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets.

Take In The Incredible Views

Miles 2-3: One of the highlights of the course is the Manhattan Bridge. It is the biggest climb of the course, but you’ll be treated to views of the Brooklyn Bridge and lower Manhattan on your left, and Midtown to your right. Be sure to look up and around as you grind it out on the mile long uphill.

Navigate Tight Turns Leading To The FDR

Miles 4-7: Coming off the Manhattan Bridge you’ll weave through the Lower East Side. The streets narrow a bit and there are a couple of tight turns. Be sure not to trip over your fellow racers! Just before Mile 5 the course heads up the ramp onto FDR Drive. I couldn’t actually run on the FDR as the roads were open to traffic, but this will still be a nice flat section. Again, there are great views including the Empire State Building and the UN, as well as the river to your right. Who doesn’t enjoy running along the water? You may be exposed to the elements a bit here depending on the wind and sun on race day. Make sure to run the tangents and tuck in behind a pace group if you’re facing a stiff headwind.

A Long Climb To The Party In Times Square

Miles 7-9: You’ll make a left turn on 42nd Street and then face one long uphill to Times Square. The race is only more challenging from this point on, so be sure to notice the classic NYC sights around you like Grand Central, Bryant Park and of course Times Square! I doubt you’ll notice the slight incline when you’re surrounded by all the bright lights and cheering crowds.

The Rolling Hills Of Central Park To Finish

Miles 9-13: This is where runners will really have to prove themselves as they enter idyllic Central Park. Every hill will feel tougher than the one before with the big ones at Mile 10 (Cat Hill) and Mile 12. The good news is you avoid going up Harlem Hill and the last half mile is a downhill finish.

Overall, the new NYC Half course is definitely more challenging and scenic at the same time. I would not call it a PR course (unless you are really quite strong at uphills and manage your effort well early) but it is going to be a fun experience and one you won’t regret!

Tiffany England is an NYC-based VDOT Coach specializing in the half marathon, marathon and ultra marathon. She coaches with The Run SMART Project for the NY Flyers’ Marathon Training Program (one of the largest local running clubs in NYC) as well as the Robin Hood Foundation’s Marathon Training Program. To work with Tiffany learn more about her coaching profile, products & services.

Tags:
half marathonNYC HalfTiffany England
Sherri Wise Shaves 20-Minutes Off Her PR
Jody Schlegel Sets 18-Minute PR At Run Hard Columbia Marathon

Archives

  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008
  • March 2008
  • February 2008
  • January 2008
  • November 2007

Meta

  • Log in
All rights reserved.