More than 15,000 runners braved chilly New York City temperatures this St. Patrick's Day morning as they lined up for the start of the New York City Half Marathon in Central Park. The race kicked off at 7:30 a.m. this morning, with several high profile elites leading runners through the Big Apple.
Wilson Kipsang of Kenya, who took third place in the marathon in the 2012 Olympics, won with a time of 1:01.02. Italy's Daniele Meucci took second, followed by Dathan Ritzenhein of the U.S., who finished in 1:01.10. Bernard Lagat, who ran his debut race, placed 12th in 1:02.33.
For the women's elites, Caroline Rotich of Kenya had an up-and-down race, eventually leading her to the win in 1:09.09. Stephanie Rothstein took first place among American women runners, finishing in 1:10.53.
The NYC Half Marathon is one of two events in the city that shuts down Times Square (the other? New Year's Eve ball drop). After completing the first 10K in Central Park, runners headed down 7th Avenue and through Times Square, before heading to the West Side Highway to knock off the final miles before finishing on Water Street in Lower Manhattan.
This is the first major road race that has been held in New York City since the 2012 ING New York City Marathon was canceled due to Hurricane Sandy.
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