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Women’s NYRR Half Marathon in NYC: Complete Overview

The NYRR (New York Road Runners) Maybelline Women’s Half Marathon celebrates women in running. It’s a 13.1-mile springtime race set in the heart of New York City. With the first event held in 2025, this will be the second annual race.

This half marathon has been touted as a great first half marathon for those who are new to distance running, but it draws in more experienced athletes as well. In any case, it’s vital for participants to prepare and recover accordingly.

Ahead, get all the details about the 2026 Maybelline Women’s Half, along with planning tips and recovery resources, like Stretch*d’s runner-focused assisted stretching and massage.

A fit woman training for a marathon with curly hair runs on a city street, enjoying music and staying healthy.

Maybelline Women’s Half event details

This year’s Maybelline Women’s Half is scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, with an 8 a.m. start time. The certified 13.1-mile half marathon takes place in New York‘s iconic Central Park.

The event emphasises inclusivity and community. Its sponsorship by Maybelline represents the half marathon’s celebration of women athletes in their strength, beauty, and support for one another.

Course overview

The entire 13.1-mile course is inside Central Park. It’s primarily flat, allowing racers to run at a moderate-to-fast speed, but there are some rolling sections throughout. With ample trees, grassy green meadows, ponds, and people bustling through, the urban park setting balances the tranquility of nature with buzzing crowd energy. And, of course, there are city views with the tips of skyscrapers peaking above the trees.

NYRR will update the course map closer to race day. That said, last year’s race started at West Drive, near the 64th Street course in Central Park.

Registration and entry

Runners are encouraged to register early for the Women’s Half, as it’s a smaller race than other half marathons. There are participant limits and a high demand for entry, so spots fill up fast.

Advanced registration for NYRR members for this event started on January 27, 2026, at 6 a.m. General registration opened on January 29. The event is sold out for 2026, but NYRR members can put their names down for the members-only standby list.

Race weekend schedule

The race starts at 8 a.m. on April 26, 2026.

You can pick up your race packet with your bib number and timing tag at the NYRR RunCenter New Balance Run Hub on West 57th Street between 8th and 9th Avenue. More details about when to pick up packets will be available closer to race day.

The finish line hasn’t been confirmed yet, but last year’s was on West Drive at 67th Street near the Tavern on the Green.

Women’s Half Marathon NYC training and preparation

When preparing to run the Women’s Half Marathon, try to build up your distance slowly and consistently. Many runners train for several months before the big day. Even though the course is relatively flat, hill work and tempo runs can help with endurance.

And don’t overlook recovery-focused training. Mobility work and regular stretching can go a long way as you increase your mileage.

Race-day tips

Runners are encouraged to arrive early to hear the announcements and warm up before the race.

It’s good to do a bit of mobility work before running a half marathon. This will help your muscles prepare for what’s ahead. Try dynamic stretching moves, like calf stretches, leg swings, or hip rotations.

Pacing yourself is crucial for half marathons, especially if this is your first 13.1-mile race. In other words, don’t try to run your fastest at the start of the race. You want to preserve energy for the final stretch and have a strong finish.

Post-race recovery

A proper cool-down after the race is vital. You’ll likely feel exhausted upon crossing the finish line, but instead of collapsing right away, avoid sitting and walk around instead. Light movement following strenuous exercise, like distance running, can help your muscles recover and minimize excessive soreness.

We probably don’t need to tell you to drink lots of water, but let it be said: Hydration is super important before, during, and after a race. Nutrition matters too. To support recovery, focus on nutrient-rich meals with plenty of protein and whole foods.

Recovery support with Stretch*d

Think about scheduling a stretch massage or assisted stretching session at Stretch*d for the day or so after the race. These are excellent recovery tools for half marathon runners.

A trained bodywork professional can offer a personalized, recovery-focused session that supports muscle reset and whole-body circulation to minimize soreness and stiffness.

Being mindful of your muscles’ need for repair and planning ahead with recovery tools can help prevent injuries and support long-term performance.

Travel and logistics

If you’re joining the race from out of town, aim to book your stay within close proximity to Central Park. Most Manhattan hotels are a short or long walk or cab ride away, but racers often hop on the Subway to avoid traffic and road closures.

The late-April weather in Manhattan is typically mild—not too cold or warm—and you’ll get some shade within Central Park. It might be in the low-60s at start time and get up to the low-70s by the afternoon. Check the forecast the night before to plan ahead for what to wear.

Spectator and community experience

The Maybelline Women’s Half is a community event that strives for a welcoming, celebratory race environment. Volunteers can register to help out with this NYRR half marathon before, during, and after the race. 

Spectators can post up at viewing spots throughout Central Park to cheer on the runners. It’s best to plan meet-up spots ahead of time and figure out how to get to and from each viewing area. Check back on the NYRR event page closer to race day to see a more detailed map of the course.

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