In years past participants of the New York City Half-Marathon gained entry on a first come-first serve basis. New York Road Runners decided to switch things up this year and hold a lottery for those who do not qualify for guaranteed entry. The registration format mirrors that of the New York City Marathon. Runners who have completed a Marathon, or Half-Marathon, in the times proscribed by the New York Road Runners, will qualify for guaranteed entry. Others, will have to put in the lottery.

The Lottery for the 2010 New York City Half-Marathon is currently open, as of December 1, 2009, and will stay open until 11:59 p.m. EST on January 5, 2010. Qualifying times, for guaranteed entry, as well as more information regarding the lottery, can be found on the NYRR event information page.

The New York City Half-Marathon has also moved from August, to March, with the 2010 Race scheduled to take place on March 21st. This change of schedule seems wise, given that a large portion of the course tracks the West Side Highway, where there is little or no shade. The 2009 Race, which took place on a particularly hot and humid summer day, had a modest number of participants that ended up suffering from some sort of head induced fatigue.

In addition to an earlier date, and registration date for the New York City Half-Marathon, the New York Road Runners have extended the registration period for next years New York City Marathon, as well. The lottery for the 2010 marathon opened the day after the 2009 race, and is currently open. Application information for the 2010 New York City Marathon can be found on the NYRR event page.

[photo: 2009 NYC Half-Marathon by: Jacob Breinholt]

The Norwegian Festival is this weekend in Central Park. Organized by NYRR, there is literally a race for everyone. The festival takes place in Central Park, this Saturday, with the main location being at the Central Park Band Shell. the festival will have a 1.7 mile race that spans the 72nd Street Transverse, to the lower loop of the park; a 13.1 mile half marathon, that consists of two loops of Central Park Drive; and, a kids race, to top it all off.

For those who were thoroughly frustrated by the transportation breakdown at the Queens Half-Marathon, on the 20th, this will be the perfect opportunity to show up and run a stress free 13 miles. As of Monday, September 28, online registration is still open.

Check the NYRR official event page, for further details, including start times, and course map.

[Photo: Jacob Breinholt/Run-NYC]

The NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix continues this weekend, in the Boro of Queens. The 2009 Queens Half-Marathon will take place on Sunday morning, September 20th. The race starts and finished in Herman A. MacNeil Park, at College Point. The course makes a loop through Queens, while winding through College Point and Whitestone. Click here for the official Course Map.

The start time will be at the bright and early hour of 7:00 AM. Race day registration will be available starting at 5:45, near the starting line. Registration on line can be done through the NYRR website.

This race will be an excellent opportunity for runners who are training for a fall marathon, to get in some distance training in a race setting. Stay current on NYC’s fall race schedule with the RUN-NYC event calendar.

[Queensboro Bridge (photo: Raj)]