New York Half Marathon (2009)

Signs go up in Central Park

The race consisted of a lap and a half of the park, a run through Time Square and then down to Battery Park
Empty NY streets

The race started early in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat. Even at 7am, the thermometer was already 23C and pushing 80% humiditiy
Marathon Way here I come!

A rather apt street sign spotted on my way through town.
Guggenheim swamped with runners

Not the usually dressed visitors but a welcome sight for this slightly lost Brit
Beautiful Central Park

I've been fortunate enough to run in some wonderful places, but few match the beauty of an early morning in Central Park
Congregating in our start zones

I was fairly near the start for the run and so had quite the walk to my zone
Elite runners

I'd pushed my way, sneaked through different coloured badges and almost made it to the front!
The 15,000 strong pack

The view from the start line and stage
National Anthems

Having pushed my way to the front, I ended up next to the main stand during the National Anthem and various speeches.
Heading down to Time Square

One of the highlights of the run (and the trip for that matter) was running through Time Square with thousands of others.
Climbing well into the 30's

The last 4 miles of the run were such terribly hard work - an injury, sizzling temperatures and steam room like humidity - but every moment was worth treasuring
Battery Park and collapse!

30,000 tired legs made it this far