United NYC Half 4 out of 6 Qualifiers

Back in 2019 while I was in DC visiting one of my best friends, I stumbled upon the DC Cherry Blossom run and was inspired to run it. Covid hit and I was delayed until 2022. We made it into the lottery and was so excited to finally get to cross this off my bucket list. It was one of the most beautiful and fun routes getting to run through the tidal basin and a long stretch of cherry blossom trees in bloom. You can read about this race experience here.

Fast forward to 2024, my same friend I visited in 2019, was here in NYC visiting me for a weekend. And serendipitously like last time, it happened upon another race weekend! This time it was the United NYC Half marathon. I didn’t realize till that day that it’s the only race that runs through Times Square. I also learned that Times Square only gets shut down to twice a year; once for New Year’s Eve and again for this exact race! You’d think the NYC Marathon gets to run through it but you’d be wrong.

I went downstairs that morning to witness all the runners running through since I knew two of my runner friends were running in it. Oh man, I haven’t ran an race in a while but I still remember how amazing it is and even as a spectator cheering on your loved ones. I watched the race from Bryant Park and Times Square and it was such a rush. I loved seeing all the runners.

I actually applied for the lottery for it later that year and then last year but failed to get picked both times. So I decided after getting rejected last year, ok let’s try the qualifiers out.

What are the United Half qualifiers? As per the NYRR website:

The 2027 United NYC Half 4 out 6 program: Eligibility for entry to the 2027 United Airlines NYC Half will be guaranteed for NYRR members who complete four qualifying events in 2026 and have an active membership by the last qualifying event of the 2026 4 Out of 6 program (the NYRR Staten Island Half on October 11, 2026).

The following races are qualifying events in 2026:

It’s actually not that hard compared to the NYC Marathon’s 9+1 program. You just have to run 4 out of the qualifying 6 races. The good thing is you don’t have to run as many races, but the bad part is because the list of races to run is so limited, the races are very competitive so a little harder to get into and each one has their own requirements/limitations of getting in. I signed up for this too late so I missed the first eligible race which was the NYRR Manhattan 10K. It sold out before the year even began, that’s how late to the party I was. Luckily 2 out of the 6 races do have virtual versions that you’re able to sign up for, so in reality, it’s 4 out of 8 available races. And then I recently learned that you can double dip and run both the virtual and the actual race if you’re lucky enough to win the lottery into the in-person one.

I was able to sign up for the virtual United Half so that’s one down I have to run in March. And then last week I got the official email from NYRR I was picked for the RBC Brooklyn Half so that’s 2 out of 4 now! I actually ran the RBC Brooklyn Half back in 2022, which I also won the lottery for the first time around and it ended up being the precursor for my running the NYC Marathon in 2023. See how dangerous this all is to spiral into? Anyways, the RBC Brooklyn Half is the other race that also has a virtual available so as soon as that race option opens, I’ll sign up for that to double dip for my 3rd qualifier and then I only need to run 1 more qualifier! Hopefully I can get into the Citizen Queens 10K so I don’t have to travel as far as the Bronx or Staten Island. Fingers crossed!

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Honestly though, my paces have not been good the past year since I took off from races. I didn’t have any races to train for so I didn’t worry about running fast. The past year I was running just to run so my paces were not consistent nor a priority. Which is nice to feel like you don’t have to meet a goal all the time but ultimately I do think my overall speed suffered because of it. Pre-covid times I had worked on trying to get faster because I wanted to place better in the Disney corrals. Once upon a time, this was a little more attainable being that the qualifying time for corral placement was 2:30 before they introduced the runDisney membership where you could basically buy your corral. I worked really hard to get to a 2:30 and then they changed the goal post that year to 2:00. You can imagine my frustration and disappointment. I felt discouraged because obviously 2:00 is a big jump to try and achieve from 2:30 and if I’m being honest, I don’t think I’ll ever be that fast. Recently it looks like they moved it back down to 2:30, of course after I took a year off.

Now that I’m getting back into races though, I do want to make speed a part of my training goals again. I want to get back to running a 2:30 and possibly a sub 2:30. And I’m probably going to regret saying this but it would be really nice to get back into this and try my hand at another Dopey for my 40th birthday in 2-3 years! It would be a nice goal for my 40th to celebrate.

I have a love/hate relationship with running but ultimately it’s been good therapy over the years. Something about working out all your thoughts during a long run is truly therapeutic. And then your body feels like it got run over by a truck the day after, lol. I know, there’s something wrong with me. Send help. I have truly learned nothing as I get back into it this year. I’m a little afraid, mixed with some regret and some excitement at the same time. Here I go though, back into the running foray! I’m looking forward to coming up with outfits and race costumes again. If you’re a runner, please send tips and tricks of what works for you and any advice you have for me. I would really appreciate it! And if you’re also working on these qualifiers, let me know! Would love to run with you.