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Shape Women's Half Marathon - Central Park, NYC

This morning, my friend Alexa texted me asking about whether or not I would recommend doing the New York Road Runners' (NYRR) Shape Women's Half Marathon. Her text reminded me of why I am writing this blog (to share my knowledge with fellow runners!) and that I was overdue for a new post (happy belated Thanksgiving!).

I've run the Shape Women's Half Marathon twice--in 2016 and 2015. When I raced it in 2015, I achieved my then-PR of 1:42:06. The course consists of two loops of Central Park--one of the best places in the world to run--and there's something special about running with all women. Thousands of strong women running 13.1 miles together...it's pretty powerful stuff.

Just before turning the corner to finish, achieving a then-PR at the 2015 Shape Women's Half Marathon.

Even with my positive race experience, I didn't end up recommending this race to Alexa. The reason: there are too many runners for a two-loop course. The second year I raced it (2016), the course was even more crowded and I spent much of my second loop weaving around slower runners and walkers, adding time and distance (not ideal for a race!).

The Oakley Mini 10K is a one-loop all women's race around Central Park, and I would recommend that over the Shape Women's Half Marathon--you still get to be surrounded by strong women, and you still get to run in Central Park, but you don't have to deal with the headaches that come with running a crowded two-loop course.

NYRR races aren't cheap, so when you enter them, you likely want to take the race seriously/be able to truly test your pace. If money is not an issue, the Shape Women's Half Marathon may be a good chance to do a long speed run, but you likely won't achieve your PR (no idea how I did at the time in 2015!). Otherwise, I'd suggest doing your own long run in Central Park, and spending your money on another NYRR race that does not have any repeats. But beware--all NYRR races are overly crowded...this adds excitement, crowds, and organizational support, but also distance and weaving.

The Run Down 


  • Type: Race
  • Course Distance: Half marathon
  • Location: Central Park, NYC
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Hydration/nutrition: Plentiful
  • Bathrooms: Plentiful
  • Other conditions to consider: Women only; very crowded; two-loop course where you must weave around slower runners and walkers
  • Recommended? Not if you want to *truly* race (yes if this is a chance for you to go a faster pace on a long run/as part of training for another race...though it's pricey)
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Location: Central Park, New York, NY, USA

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