There's no single “better” race — it depends on what you want out of the day. United Airlines NYC is beginner-friendly half (moderate course, high friction); Surfside Beach is great first half (forgiving course, some friction). Here's who wins by goal.
| If your goal is… | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A fast time / Boston | Surfside Beach | flatter course, cooler typical morning |
| A first marathon | Surfside Beach | more forgiving on debut day |
| Easiest entry | Surfside Beach | less lottery / qualifier friction |
| Crowd & support | United Airlines NYC | bigger field, more on-course energy |
| Lower trip cost | Surfside Beach | cheaper all-in from South Florida |
Cost and travel are estimated from South Florida; your own origin may flip the trip-cost row. Full method on the methodology page.
| Score (10 = easiest) | United Airlines NYC Half | Surfside Beach Half |
|---|---|---|
| Green Score (overall) | 7.3 | 8.3 |
| First-timer score | 7.9 | 8.8 |
| Terrain | 6.3 | 10.0 |
| Climate | 10.0 | 9.0 |
| Entry | 5.2 | 10.0 |
| Travel | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Field & support | 9.0 | 4.0 |
| Distance | half marathon | half marathon |
| Date | March 14, 2027 | February 6, 2027 |
| Location | New York, NY | Surfside Beach, TX |
| Typical race-day weather (10-yr) | 40°F / dew 28°F | 55°F / dew 48°F |
| Elevation gain | 574 ft | 10 ft |
| Field size | 25,000 | 900 |
| Entry | lottery | open |
| Entry fee | $150 | $100 |
| Boston qualifier course | No | No |
Sign in and connect Strava to see your projected finish time and qualifying odds at both races — heat- and course-adjusted to race day.