Massive Turnout for Staten Island Half Marathon

More than 10,000 runners converged on Staten Island for the sold-out NYRR Staten Island Half, marking a major event in the regional running calendar. Organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), the Staten Island Half is recognized as a key fall race and serves as a significant milestone for many athletes preparing for the TCS New York City Marathon. The race took place on Sunday, October 11, 2026.

A Scenic 13.1-Mile Challenge for New York Runners

The popular half marathon covered a 13.1-mile course that showcased Staten Island's scenic waterfront, offering participants striking views of New York Harbor and the city skyline. The route took runners past historical sites like Fort Wadsworth and wove through several parks before finishing on Bay Street.

Hometown Favorites and Notable Participants

This year’s race featured several noteworthy runners. Staten Island native and "Jersey Shore" television personality Vinny Guadagnino returned to compete in his home borough for the second time. He was joined by Pedro Mendez of Goldfinger Track Club, highlighting the event’s appeal for both recreational and club runners alike.

Team Inspire: Stories of Perseverance and Dedication

The Staten Island Half also put the spotlight on Team Inspire, a group of runners celebrated for their unique personal journeys. Among them was Mildred Baker, an 80-year-old from the Bronx. Having joined the NYRR Striders program for older adults in her late 70s, Baker recently completed her first half marathon at the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half and is preparing for her first marathon. Another participant, Staten Island’s Julianna Mangano, age 26, began running after her cousin and best friend suffered a cardiac event. Inspired by this experience, Mangano has become a professional sports athletic trainer and EMT, running as a tribute to "finish the run that he never got to finish."

Engagement with Young Runners and the Community

In addition to adult participants, the event included nearly 200 children aged 2 to 11 in the NYRR Rising Races at SIUH Community Park, home of the Staten Island FerryHawks. This initiative reflects NYRR’s commitment to fostering a lifelong love of running among youth through programs like Rising New York Road Runners.

The Final Stop in the Five-Borough Series

The Staten Island Half is the last NYRR-hosted race before the highly anticipated marathon week, and it’s the sixth and final event in the organization’s Five-Borough Series. The race provides one last chance for many to gauge their readiness for the TCS New York City Marathon, underlining its importance in the broader running community.

NYRR’s Ongoing Local Impact

NYRR maintains a robust presence in Staten Island with programs such as NYRR Open Runs and the NYRR Striders for older adults. The organization reports that over 1,100 members reside on Staten Island, and more than 4,700 Staten Island students are involved in Rising New York Road Runners activities.

Running Community Celebrates Another Successful Event

With strong participation across ages and backgrounds, the NYRR Staten Island Half continues to celebrate and inspire both first-time half marathoners and seasoned athletes, reinforcing Staten Island’s significant role in New York’s broader running scene.

Source: abc7ny.com.