The Ultimate 2025 Staten Island Half Marathon Guide: 7 Crucial Things You Need To Know Now
The NYRR Staten Island Half Marathon 2025 is set to be the grand finale of the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Five-Borough Series, offering runners a flat, fast, and remarkably scenic 13.1-mile tour of New York City’s greenest borough. Scheduled for a crisp autumn morning, this race is a must-do for anyone chasing a personal best or looking to complete their journey toward guaranteed entry into the world-famous TCS New York City Marathon.
As of today, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the key event details are confirmed, with the race serving as a vital qualifying event and a logistical preview for the world's largest marathon. From registration strategies to detailed course breakdowns, here is the most current and essential information to prepare you for the final major NYRR event of the year.
1. Confirmed 2025 Date, Time, and NYRR Series Status
The 2025 Staten Island Half Marathon is officially scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025, with the start time set for 8:00 AM sharp. This placement is strategically important, as it occurs just four weeks before the TCS New York City Marathon, making it the perfect final long-distance tune-up for marathon runners.
The event is the culminating race in the prestigious NYRR Five-Borough Series. Completing this half marathon is essential for any runner aiming to achieve the coveted NYRR 4 Out of 6 qualification, which provides guaranteed, non-complimentary entry to the following year's marathon. The atmosphere at the start and finish lines is often electric, as runners celebrate completing the entire series.
- Official Date: Sunday, October 12, 2025
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: Staten Island, New York
- Significance: Final event of the NYRR Five-Borough Series
- Distance: 13.1 Miles (21.1 km)
2. Registration Strategy and Estimated 2025 Fees
Securing a bib for the Staten Island Half requires planning, as it is a highly popular event due to its status as a marathon qualifier and its flat course profile. Registration is managed exclusively through the New York Road Runners (NYRR) organization.
The Registration Timeline
While the exact 2025 registration dates will be announced by NYRR, the process typically follows a predictable pattern. Based on previous years, general open registration for the fall races, including the Staten Island Half, usually opens around mid-June 2025. NYRR members often have an early registration window, which is a significant perk of membership.
Estimated Entry Fees
NYRR offers tiered pricing, with a substantial discount for members. While 2025 fees are subject to change, the 2024 pricing offers a reliable estimate:
- Estimated Non-Member Fee: Approximately $60
- Estimated NYRR Member Fee: Approximately $50
An annual NYRR membership offers up to 33% off race entry fees, making it a worthwhile investment for those planning to run multiple NYRR events, such as the United Airlines NYC Half or the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile.
Guaranteed Entry Programs (9+1 and 4 Out of 6)
The Staten Island Half is a crucial event for runners participating in NYRR's guaranteed entry programs:
- 9+1 Program: Completing this race counts as one of the "9 qualifying races" needed for guaranteed entry into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
- 4 Out of 6 Program: This race is the final opportunity to complete the series of four NYRR "major" events required for guaranteed entry into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon.
3. Navigating the Course: Landmarks and Scenic Highlights
The Staten Island Half Marathon course is renowned for being one of the flattest and fastest in the NYRR calendar, making it an excellent opportunity for a personal record (PR). It is a loop course that starts and finishes near the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, providing a unique urban-coastal running experience.
Start and Finish Line Logistics
The race begins and ends in the vibrant St. George neighborhood, with the start/finish area conveniently located near the St. George Ferry Terminal and Richmond Terrace. Race-Day Central, where runners can pick up their bibs on race morning, is also situated near the terminal.
The Scenic Route Breakdown
The 13.1-mile route offers breathtaking, unobstructed views that showcase the New York Harbor and the iconic Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge—the structure that marks the start of the NYC Marathon.
The majority of the course is a long, flat stretch that takes runners along the eastern shore of the island. Key course entities include:
- Father Capodanno Boulevard: This long, flat road forms the bulk of the race, running parallel to the coast and offering the best views of the Atlantic Ocean and the bridge.
- Lily Pond Avenue and Lincoln Avenue: These avenues mark the turnaround points and transitions near the coastal parks.
- On-Course Amenities: Hydration stations are plentiful. Look for the Science in Sport (SiS) Gel Zone located on Father Capodanno Boulevard, typically near mile 8, providing a crucial energy boost for the final miles.
4. Essential Runner Transportation and Logistics
Getting to the start line in Staten Island requires planning, as vehicle access can be restricted on race day. NYRR provides several official transportation options to the St. George area.
The Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is the most popular and recommended way to travel to the race. The ferry is free, runs 24/7, and offers spectacular sunrise views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty on the way over. It drops runners directly at the terminal, just steps from the start area.
Official Bus Options
For runners coming from other boroughs, NYRR typically offers dedicated, pre-paid bus services from key locations, including:
- Midtown Manhattan Bus
- New Jersey Bus (for runners across the river)
Runners are strongly advised to purchase bus tickets in advance and arrive at their departure point early to ensure a stress-free journey.
5. The Post-Race Experience and Amenities
The finish line celebration is a highlight of the Staten Island Half, providing a well-deserved reward for the 13.1-mile effort. NYRR is known to offer an expanded post-race festival at the finish area.
Upon crossing the finish line, every runner receives:
- A Finisher Medal: A unique medal commemorating the Staten Island Half.
- Post-Race Poncho: A thermal, weather-resistant poncho to help maintain body temperature.
- Runner Recovery Bag: The coveted TCS New York City Marathon Runner Recovery Bag, often presented by Hospital for Special Surgery, containing essential post-race snacks and hydration.
The post-race festival area near the St. George Ferry Terminal is a great place to meet up with spectators, celebrate with fellow runners, and enjoy the festive atmosphere before heading back to Manhattan.
6. Key Topical Entities for Race Day Authority
To fully appreciate the significance of this race, understanding its connection to the broader New York running community and its geographical context is key. The Staten Island Half is not just a race; it's a piece of New York City running history.
- Richmond County Bank Ballpark: The course often runs near this minor league ballpark, adding a local landmark to the scenery.
- South Beach Boardwalk: The coastal section of the run provides views of this popular Staten Island feature.
- The Narrows: The body of water separating Staten Island and Brooklyn, overlooked by the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, is visible for a significant portion of the course.
- NYRR Time Cutoff: Runners must maintain a pace that keeps them ahead of the official time cutoff, which is strictly enforced by NYRR to ensure roads can reopen on schedule.
- Mile 10: This is a critical psychological point on the long, straight stretch of Father Capodanno Boulevard where many runners begin their final push.
7. The Staten Island Half Marathon as a Marathon Preview
For those running the TCS New York City Marathon, the Staten Island Half serves as an invaluable preview. The start area logistics, the ferry transportation, and the general atmosphere of running in the borough that hosts the marathon's start are all excellent preparation. The flat course also gives runners a final chance to gauge their fitness and practice their race-day nutrition plan before the main event in November.
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