2021 United Airlines NYC Half Cancellation
2021 United Airlines NYC Half Canceled Due to Pandemic-Related Health and Safety Concerns
The 2021 United Airlines NYC Half is canceled due to health and safety concerns related to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The race, which takes place annually in March, is one of the world’s largest half-marathons. The decision was made in consultation with the Mayor’s Office of the City of New York, and was announced today by New York Road Runners (NYRR), the event organizers.
Read below for answers to frequently asked questions. Check back frequently for updates.
Jump to a section:
- Resolution Options
- 2022 United Airlines NYC Half Application
- More 2021 Races
- Team for Kids, International Tour Operator, and Charity Runners
- Virtual Racing
Resolution Options
What are my resolution options for the canceled 2021 United Airlines NYC Half?
Runners may choose one of these resolution options:
Runners opting for a refund of the 2020 entry fee should note the selection is final and cannot be changed.
- Refund of 2020 entry fee
- Guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half
- Donate the value of your entry fee to support NYRR's free youth and community programs
Runners opting for a refund of the 2020 entry fee should note the selection is final and cannot be changed.
When will I be able to select my resolution option for the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half?
NYRR will connect directly with runners guaranteed entry for the 2021 United Airlines NYCH Half on December 2 with details regarding the process and timeline for selecting a resolution.
Runners who gained entry through a tour operator should reach out beginning December 7 to that organization for the options available to them.
Team for Kids runners will receive an email on December 2 outlining TFK’s resolution process.
Runners who gained entry through a tour operator should reach out beginning December 7 to that organization for the options available to them.
Team for Kids runners will receive an email on December 2 outlining TFK’s resolution process.
What are my resolution options if I earned entry into the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half through the 2020 4 out of 6 program or Virtual 13.1M race?
Runners who earned entry to the 2021 race through an NYRR incentive program do not need to take any action. Runners will receive an email informing them their entry will be deferred to 2022.
If I earned entry to the 2021 event by cancelling my 2020 entry, will I be eligible for guaranteed entry to the 2022 event?
Runners who gained entry to the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half by canceling their 2020 entry do not need to take any action. Runners will receive an email informing them their entry will be deferred to 2022.
If I choose to receive a refund of my race entry fee, when will I receive it?
If you select refund, you will receive payment on the credit card used for your entry 10 to 14 days after the selection process closes on January 6. A member of the NYRR Runner Services team will reach out to runners whose refund cannot be processed to the original credit card. A check will then be mailed out after runner details are confirmed. Please note this process may take several days.
How much time do I have to make a resolution selection?
Runners will have from December 2, 2020 through January 6, 2021 to make their selection. Runners who do not make a selection prior to the deadline will default to non-complimentary entry for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half.
Will I receive my race shirt, bib, and medal?
Race shirts, bibs, and medals will not be distributed for the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half.
Why is NYRR asking me to donate my entry fee to youth and community programs?
As a non-profit, NYRR relies on donations to help support our mission, including free youth and community programs. When you give to NYRR you help fund programs like Run for the Future (RFTF), NYRR Striders, Open Run, and so many more. These programs help build upon healthy habits of body and mind for people of all ages—including hundreds of thousands of young people new to running every year, in New York City and far beyond. Over the past 62 years, we have grown from a local running club to a global champion of the running movement, impacting lives through a wide variety of free programs for people of all ages and abilities.
If I choose to donate the value of my entry fee, is that a tax-deductible donation?
Yes! When you choose to donate the value of your entry fee you are supporting the vital work of NYRR, including our free youth and community programs. You will receive a tax receipt by email within two weeks of making your selection.
2022 United Airlines NYC Half Application
When will registration for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half open?
Dates for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half application period will be announced in 2021.
If I choose the resolution option to run in 2022, what will my options be if that event is canceled or if there are travel restrictions from my country?
NYRR’s race cancellation policy will remain in place for the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half. If the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half is canceled for any reason, NYRR will announce 2022 resolution options and process.
What is the status of the 2021 4 Out of 6 program?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 4 Out of 6 program for guaranteed entry to a future NYC Half is yet to be determined. Our focus continues to be the health and safety of everyone involved. NYRR is working closely with city officials and will share further updates as they become available.
Will time qualification be an option to earn guaranteed entry to the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half?
Further information on the time qualifier program will be shared at a later date.
More 2021 Races
What is the status of the 2021 9+1 qualifier program for guaranteed entry to the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon?
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 9+1 program for guaranteed entry to a future New York City Marathon is yet to be determined. Our focus continues to be the health and safety of everyone involved. NYRR is working closely with city officials and will share further updates as they become available.
What is the status of in-person races for 2021?
NYRR normally hosts approximately 50 in-person running events annually. In addition to the cancellation of the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half, NYRR will not be organizing its normal schedule of races in the first quarter of 2021. This fall, NYRR re-introduced in-person running events through the Return to Racing Project, which features many new health and safety protocols. The races are limited to a few hundred runners in compliance with city and state event guidelines. More information on the 2021 race calendar will be shared at a later date.
What is the status of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon?
We look forward to the 50th running of the TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 7, 2021. We’ll have more information to share early next year.
What is the status of the 2021 Brooklyn Half?
The status of the 2021 Brooklyn Half, regularly scheduled in May, has yet to be determined. The health and wellbeing of the running community remains our top priority. NYRR will continue to work closely with city officials regarding the return to large in-person events. We will provide a further update in the coming months.
Team for Kids, International Tour Operator, and Charity Runners
What are the resolution options for runners who registered through a charity or an International Tour Operator?
Charity runners who paid their own race registration fee in 2020 will receive an email from NYRR on December 2 with details regarding the process and timeline for selecting a resolution option. Charity runners whose charity paid their race registration fee in 2020 will have guaranteed entry to the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half.
Team for Kids runners will receive an email on December 2 outlining TFK’s resolution process.
Runners who gained entry through a tour operator should reach out to their tour operator on or after December 7 to learn about the options available to them.
Team for Kids runners will receive an email on December 2 outlining TFK’s resolution process.
Runners who gained entry through a tour operator should reach out to their tour operator on or after December 7 to learn about the options available to them.
Are deadlines still in place for participants running on a charity team?
Specific questions about fundraising deadlines and timelines should be directed to the manager of the charity team with which you are affiliated.
My charity paid my race registration fee for the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half. Can I still defer to 2022?
Yes, you will have guaranteed entry to the 2022 United Airlines NYC Half.
Virtual Racing
Will there be a virtual version of the 2021 United Airlines NYC Half?
Yes, runners from around the world will be invited to participate in the 2021 Virtual United Airlines NYC Half. Details will be announced soon.
Please check back frequently for updates.