Central Park pulsed today as the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon drew 22,000 runners. From Brooklyn to Times Square, a Queens teacher’s 1:12 finish won; X hit 20,000 posts. Free medals—10K earned—gleamed; $5 coffees sold 2,000. Sun hit 68°F; crowds cheered. NYC’s runners—city’s alive.
Organizer NYRR’s Lena Cruz, 50, led 1,000 volunteers—aid stations stocked. Data shows 15% more women ran—equity rises. A Harlem band’s 7 a.m. set—500 danced at 72nd Street. New water stations—eco-cups—cut 3 tons waste. Park’s vibe—NYC’s running heart.
It’s not perfect—start jammed; 10-minute delays. Some roads closed late—cars honked. Still, 22K feet, 13.1 miles—race’s a hit. Post-run, Tavern on the Green buzzed—medal selfies snapped. Annual rite—NYC strides.
Cruz’s 50—race queen? Teacher’s 35—speed star. NYC ran; park glowed. Half Marathon—dash on.