Ben True is the first American man to win NYC Half

Track specialist Ben True outsprinted distance stalwart Dathan Ritzenhein to win the NYC Half.

True, 32, from New Hampshire, is the first American male champion in the 13-year history of the race.

Runners raced in cold temperatures and faced stiff headwinds for most of the 13.1 miles, which took place on a new, hillier course between Brooklyn and Central Park. True’s winning time, 1:02:39, reflected those conditions. Ritzenhein, 35, from Michigan, finished three seconds back, in 1:02:42.

“My goal was to get into the park in contention, and then let my legs and my reptilian brain get me to the finish line first,” True said during a press conference after the race. The strategy seemed to work. Although Ritzenhein put a gap on the other runners as they entered Central Park, True was able to reel him in over the final three miles to be in place to unleash his kick.