Brooklyn
22 Dec, Sunday
17°F

The Brooklyn Half Marathon.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon is more than just a running race. It is a celebration of peak athleticism in Brooklyn. For over 40 years the race has brought together runners of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. It is one of the most iconic running events in New York City.

Multi-ethnic runners running down a street in Brooklyn for a previous Brooklyn Half Marathon
Runners going head-to-head in a challenge of a lifetime.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon is held annually in May and attracts thousands of runners from all over the world.


 
The Brooklyn Half Marathon is held annually in May and attracts thousands of runners from all over the world. Our running kings and queens will bound 13.1 miles through the streets of Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Half Marathon is more than a race. It is a celebration of the borough’s diverse communities and the athletic elite among them.

The race, organized by the New York Road Runners, starts by the Brooklyn Museum.


 
The race, organized by the New York Road Runners, starts by the Brooklyn Museum. First, runners will charge by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Then they will loop around Grand Army Plaza. Entering Prospect Park, the runners will run its course to the southwest corner and takeover Ocean Parkway. They will continue down Ocean Parkway and finish all the way to the Coney Island Board Walk. Along the way, runners will pass through neighborhoods such as Prospect Heights, Kensington, Midwood, and Gravesend. Throngs of people stand on the sidewalks and cheer on our running champions with whistles, horns, streamers, and their voices. Many times there is live music as well.

The Brooklyn Half Marathon has a rich history that reflects the spirit of the borough.


 
The Brooklyn Half Marathon has a history that reflects the spirit of the borough. The first race was held in 1981 and had just over 1,000 participants. Since then, the event has grown to become one of the largest and most popular road races in the country, attracting tens of thousands of runners each year.

One of the unique aspects of this race is its community-building mission.


 
One of the unique aspects of this race is its community-building mission. The race organizers work closely with local businesses, community groups, and cultural organizations to ensure that the event reflects the diversity and vitality of the borough. They recognize that the Brooklyn Half Marathon is not just a race, but a chance for the community to come together and celebrate their shared values and identity.
 

Along with the race itself, there are a variety of events and activities held throughout the weekend to promote community engagement.


Along with the race itself, there are a variety of events and activities held throughout the weekend to promote community engagement. These include a pre-race party, a health and fitness expo, and a post-race festival on the boardwalk. These events bring together runners, spectators, and local residents to celebrate the spirit of Brooklyn and all that it represents.

For many runners, this is more than just a chance to challenge themselves and test their limits.


 
For many runners, this is more than just a chance to challenge themselves and test their limits. This is an opportunity to experience the unique culture and personality of each of the neighborhoods they pass through. From the forested lakes of Prospect Park to tree-lined Ocean Parkway, and onto the bustling, wooden boardwalk of Coney Island, the race showcases the many facets of Brooklyn’s rich and diverse character.

Whether you are a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, the Brooklyn Half Marathon is an event that will inspire and challenge your beliefs about what is possible.


 
Whether you are a seasoned runner or a first-time participant, the Brooklyn Half Marathon is an event that will inspire and will challenge your beliefs about what is possible. Additionally, it is a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself and to directly experience the community and the culture of one of the greatest cities in the world. So, lace up your running shoes, let’s hit the pavement, and join thousands of others in this truly unique and unforgettable event.

Orange and pink sneakers and a female's legs are in focus while running at sunset.

Read more about the Brooklyn Half Marathon here:

https://www.nyrr.org/races/rbcbrooklynhalf

Read our article on the little known history of the bagel:

https://172-234-236-52.ip.linodeusercontent.com/the-history-of-the-bagel/