A (Half) Marathon Weekend in the Big Apple

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity and privilege to travel to New York City to participate in the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. Come along and join me as I recall the joy and excitement that I experienced in the City.

Day 1: Friday

• Arrival & Check-In:
  We arrived at LaGuardia Airport and took an Uber to the elegant Loews Regency Hotel (check out my property report for more details on this fabulous accommodation). After a smooth check-in, we quickly got ready for an exciting night in New York City.

• Dinner:
  Dinner reservations were set for two at the charming Chez Josephine, where we indulged in the “catch of the day” served with a perfectly prepared risotto and paired with a fine glass of wine. A fresh cup of coffee rounded out the meal beautifully. Dusk was just starting to set as we were finishing up. An early dinner to accommodate our VIP room experience at the Moulin Rouge meant that we missed much of the ambience at the restaurant such as the live pianist and the soft glow of candlelight.

• Broadway Show:
  Post-dinner, we walked to our first Broadway experience of the weekend: Moulin Rouge at the beautiful Al Hirschfeld Theater. We enjoyed exclusive access to the VIP Room for pre-show drinks and snacks and mingling with other VIPs before being escorted to our premium seats in the “Can-Can” section. The show was incredible, offering an up-close and immersive experience with dancers surrounding us during the performance for a unique perspective of the show. The show was completely mind-boggling and awe-inspiring; a true stimulus for the senses. Afterward, we met several cast members outside the theater and collected autographs on our Playbills and chat briefly.

• Times Square Stroll:
  The night ended with a magical stroll through the dazzling lights of Times Square, followed by a cab ride back to the hotel for a restful night.

Day 2: Saturday

• Breakfast:
  We started the day with an exclusive complimentary breakfast at the Regency Bar and Grill, a delightful way to fuel up for the day ahead.

• Race Expo & Coney Island:
  After a fine breakfast at the home of the NY Power Breakfast, we walked to the NYC Half Marathon Expo to pick up my race number and grab some energy gels. From there, we grabbed a couple of coffees from Starbucks and hopped on the train to Coney Island. Although it was off-season and the amusement parks were closed, we enjoyed a peaceful stroll along the boardwalk and admired the iconic rides waiting to spring back to life.

  Lunch was a must-have at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs, a quintessential Coney Island experience. Unfortunately, the Freak Bar at the Coney Island Museum was unexpectedly closed during the day, but it didn’t dampen our spirits.

• Evening Activities:
  Back in Manhattan, we freshened up at the hotel and took a quick nap before heading out for an evening of shopping along 5th Avenue. Dinner was a pre-race tradition at my favorite spot: The Halal Guys food truck at the corner of W 53rd and 6th Avenue. The delicious meal left me feeling energized and ready for race day.

  That night, I prepared my racing gear, attaching my bib to my shirt—finalizing my pre-race preparations.

Day 3: Sunday - Race Day

• Morning:
  After a solid night’s sleep, we took the train to Prospect Park for the start of the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. The morning was cold and blustery, but after a quick warm-up and a pre-race pit stop, it was time to line up.

• Race Course:
  The race begins on Washington Avenue, near the Brooklyn Museum. The highlight of the start was one of the residents along Washington Avenue hanging out of her window cheering for us while taking video…her son hanging out of another window blowing an obnoxiously loud blow horn. After starting, we passed through the Park and then long the streets passing the famous Brooklyn bodegas (another great experience to discuss on another day). For the first time in the history of the NYC Half Marathon we crossed into Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge. It was quite a spectacle of inspiring architecture and all of the runners were captivated as we crossed. After several miles along FDR Drive, it was time for the highlight of the run…running along 42st and the joy of turning right, right into the center of Times Square. This marks one of the two times each year that Times Square is closed to traffic (the other being New Years Eve). After a mile or two of cheering crowds as we ran up 7th Avenue we entered Central Park via the opening in front of The Plaza Hotel. As we wound along the paths of the Park, additional cheers helped provide that last bit of energy needed to succeed. Crossing the finish line in Central Park with a near personal record time was an exhilarating moment, and it felt like a significant step forward in my training for the upcoming Boston Marathon.

• Post-Race Lunch:
  After the race, we returned to the hotel to freshen up before heading out to Cassidy’s Pub for a celebratory pint (or two) of Guinness and a hearty shepherd’s pie to replenish energy.

• Afternoon & Evening:
  The afternoon included a visit to the Nintendo Store and a relaxing walk along the High Line, where we enjoyed the cool breeze and some quiet moments together. Exhausted but fulfilled, we ended the day with lovely dinner at the Regency Bar and Grill, then retired to our room for a well-deserved rest.

Day 4: Monday - Travel Day

• Departure:
  After packing up our purchases and reflecting on an unforgettable weekend, we hopped in our Uber and made our way back to LaGuardia Airport to head home. This weekend in New York City was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and racing success—a truly memorable experience.

This trip perfectly combined the excitement of the NYC Half Marathon with the vibrant energy of New York City, from Broadway shows to iconic dining spots and serene strolls. Whether you’re traveling for a race or a weekend getaway, NYC offers something for everyone! Contact me today for help in planning and coordinating your next visit to the city that never sleeps.