More than 10,000 runners are taking part in the sold-out NYRR Staten Island Half, one of New York Road Runners’ marquee fall races and a key stop on the road to the TCS New York City Marathon.
The event also features nearly 200 children ages 2 to 11 participating in Rising NYRR races at SIUH Community Park, home of the Staten Island FerryHawks.
The half marathon draws runners from across the region to a 13.1-mile course that showcases Staten Island’s waterfront, with views of New York Harbor and the city skyline. The route passes Fort Wadsworth and several of the borough’s parks before finishing on Bay Street.
Among this year’s participants is Staten Island native and “Jersey Shore” television personality Vinny Guadagnino, who is running the race in his home borough for the second time. He is joined by Pedro Mendez of Goldfinger Track Club.
The event also highlights members of the 2026 Team Inspire, a group of runners recognized for their personal stories and journeys.
One of those runners is Mildred Baker, 80, of the Bronx. After joining the NYRR Striders program for older adults in her late 70s, Baker completed her first half marathon in 2025 at the United Airlines NYC Half and is preparing to run her first marathon at age 80.
Also participating is Julianna Mangano, 26, of Staten Island. Organizers said she began running after her cousin and best friend suffered a cardiac event during a routine run. She has since been inspired to become a professional sports athletic trainer and EMT, running to “finish the run that he never got to finish.”
The Staten Island Half serves as the final New York Road Runners-hosted race before marathon week and is the sixth and final event in the organization’s Five-Borough Series. For many runners, it offers a final opportunity to test themselves ahead of the TCS New York City Marathon.
The event also underscores New York Road Runners’ year-round presence in Staten Island through community programming, including NYRR Open Runs and NYRR Striders activities. According to the organization, more than 1,100 NYRR members live on Staten Island and more than 4,700 Staten Island students participate in Rising New York Road Runners programs.
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