The Brooklyn Half Marathon Route is one of the most popular half marathons in the United States, attracting runners from all over the world. The 13.1-mile course winds through the streets of Brooklyn, showcasing some of the borough’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. The route is challenging but rewarding, and runners are treated to stunning views of the Manhattan skyline along the way.
The Brooklyn Half Marathon has a rich history, dating back to its inaugural race in 1981. Over the years, the race has grown in popularity and prestige, attracting elite runners and casual joggers alike. Today, it is one of the most anticipated events on the New York City running calendar, drawing thousands of participants each year.
The next Brooklyn Half Marathon Route will take place on April 28, 2024 at 7:00 a.m.
Pro´s:
- ✅ Preparation and Recovery
- ✅ Activation and Mobilization
- ✅ Easy to clean
Con:
- ❌ No instructions (I´d recommend YouTube-Videos)
Brooklyn Half Marathon Route Overview in 4 Points
The Brooklyn Half Marathon Route is one of the most popular races in the country, and for good reason. The course takes you through some of the most iconic neighborhoods in Brooklyn, offering stunning views of the city along the way.
1. 🏃♀️ Starting Line to Williamsburg
The race starts in hip North Brooklyn’s McCarren Park and winds around the waterfront, taking you under the historic Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges. You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline as you run along the East River.
2. 🏙️ Williamsburg to Downtown Brooklyn
From Williamsburg, the route heads up the historic concourses of Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue before passing through Grand Army Plaza. Along the way, runners will experience some of Brooklyn’s most iconic landmarks and neighborhoods.
3. 🏠 Brownstone Brooklyn
After passing through Downtown Brooklyn, runners will enter the fabled brownstone neighborhoods of Brooklyn. This part of the course showcases the borough’s unique architecture and charm, offering a chance to see Brooklyn from a whole new perspective.
4. 🏞️ Prospect Park Finish
The final stretch of the course takes runners through beautiful Prospect Park, where the finish line is located. After crossing the finish line, runners can enjoy the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance and celebrate their accomplishment with music, food, and drinks.
“You will never regret the point at which you cross the finish line and you know you did it. Trust me.”
Registration and Entry
If you’re interested in participating in the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, there are a few different ways to secure your spot in the race.
🏃 Guaranteed Entry
One way to guarantee your entry into the race is to participate in the NYRR Virtual 6 program. By registering for and completing six NYRR virtual races at the NYRR Virtual 6 program rate between January 1 and December 31, you can guarantee your entry into the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half.
Additionally, runners who registered for and completed six NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava races at the Virtual 6 (Premium) level in 2023 were eligible to claim their guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half during the guaranteed entry claim window (December 12 to January 10).
🎟️ Non-Guaranteed Entry Drawing
If you don’t qualify for guaranteed entry, you can still apply for a non-guaranteed entry through the entry drawing. The entry drawing is typically open for a few weeks in January, and runners are notified of their acceptance status in February. The entry fee for the 2022 RBC Brooklyn Half was $130 for NYRR members and $150 for non-members.
🏃♂️ NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon
Another option for participating in the Brooklyn Half Marathon is through the NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon. This race is not affiliated with NYRR and has a separate registration process and entry fee. The 2024 NYCRuns Brooklyn Half Marathon is scheduled for April 28th, and registration is open now.
7 Race Day Essentials
On the day of the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable race experience. Here are some race day essentials that every runner should know:
1. 🎒 Bag Check
We recommend using the bag check service provided by the race organizers. You can drop off your bag at the designated area near the start line, and it will be transported to the finish line for you to pick up after the race. Make sure to use the clear bag provided by the organizers, as opaque bags will not be accepted.
2. 🏃♂️ Corrals
Runners are assigned to starting corrals based on their predicted finish time. It’s important to line up in the correct corral to avoid congestion and ensure an efficient start. Be sure to arrive early to allow plenty of time to get into your assigned corral.
3.🎖️ Guaranteed Entry Runners
If you are a guaranteed entry runner, you will receive a separate bib and corral assignment. Be sure to follow the instructions provided to ensure a smooth start to your race.
4. ⏱️ Gun Time vs. Net Time
The official race results are based on gun time, which is the time from the start of the race to when you cross the finish line. However, the MyLaps BibTag system also records your net time, which is the time from when you cross the start line to when you cross the finish line. Both times will be displayed on your results, but only gun time will be used for awards and prize money.
5. 📦 Race Materials
Make sure to bring your bib and any other race materials provided by the organizers. You will not be allowed to start the race without your bib. If you did not receive your bib in the mail, you can pick it up at the expo or on race day.
6. 🚑 Safety
The organizers take safety very seriously, and there will be plenty of medical personnel and volunteers on hand to assist with any issues that may arise. In case of an emergency, there will be medical tents located throughout the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route.
7. 🌊 Wave Starts
The race will start in waves to ensure a smooth and efficient start. Make sure to line up in your assigned corral and follow the instructions of the race officials to ensure a successful start to your race.
Brooklyn Half Marathon Route 8 Details
1. 👉 Starting in hip North Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route winds around the waterfront, taking you under the historic Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges.
2. 👉 You’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline as you run along the East River and through the neighborhoods of Williamsburg, DUMBO, and Downtown Brooklyn.
3. 👉 The course is a USATF-certified course, and the NYRR Racing App will provide real-time updates on your pace and progress throughout the race.
4. 👉 Pace teams will be available to help you achieve your goals, and elite athletes will be competing for prize money.
5. 👉 The finish line is located in beautiful Prospect Park, where you’ll be greeted with cheers and congratulations from fellow runners, friends, and family.
6. 👉 After crossing the finish line, you can enjoy the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance and celebrate your accomplishment with music, food, and drinks.
7. 👉 Throughout the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, you’ll find aid stations stocked with water and lemon-lime Nuun Endurance, as well as Brooklyn Bagels and New York State apples to keep you fueled and hydrated.
8. 👉 And for those unable to attend in person, official results will be available online after the race.
“I promise you you will never regret the day you took the first step. What you regret is the time you didn’t use.”
Training and Preparation
When it comes to preparing for the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, having a solid training plan is key. There are a variety of training plans available online, or you can work with a dedicated coach to create a personalized plan that meets your individual needs.
You can check out our half marathon training plans here:
In addition to finding the right training plan, it’s also important to focus on proper nutrition and hydration leading up to the race. Make sure to fuel your body with healthy, nutrient-dense foods and stay hydrated throughout your training.
On race day, it’s important to come prepared with the right gear and mindset. Make sure to wear comfortable, breathable clothing and shoes that are broken in and comfortable for long-distance running. It’s also a good idea to bring along any necessary fuel or hydration products to keep you energized throughout the race.
Post-Race Celebrations
After crossing the finish line of the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, we know you’ll be ready to celebrate your accomplishment! Luckily, there are plenty of post-race festivities to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the post-race celebrations is the after-party. Hosted by Tracksmith, the post-race celebration takes place right on the Coney Island Boardwalk at Ruby’s. With its perfect location just off the race course, it’s the perfect place to celebrate your own race while cheering on your friends and family.
In addition to the after-party, there are plenty of food trucks and vendors in the area, so you can refuel with some delicious post-race snacks. Local artists and community groups also often set up booths, adding to the festive atmosphere.
If you’re a spectator, there are plenty of places to cheer on your favorite runners along the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route. The finish line in Coney Island is a particularly exciting spot, with plenty of energy and excitement as runners cross the finish line.
Finally, we can’t forget about the awards ceremony! The top finishers in each age group will be recognized for their impressive performances.
Brooklyn Half Marathon Route Awards
👉 Results will be emailed and posted on the results page after the race.
👉 Awards will be given to the top three overall male, female, and non-binary finishers, as well as the top three finishers in each age group.
👉 Elite athletes who meet certain time standards will be granted complimentary entry and entrance to the elite corral.
👉 Women must have run a time below 1:20, men must have run a time below 1:07, and non-binary/gender non-conforming athletes must have run a time below 1:12 in a certified half marathon.
👉 Prize money will only be awarded to athletes who complete the race in a gun time faster than the qualifying time outlined above.
👉 Athletes may be subject to drug testing and other validation to ensure a fair and equal field.
Community and Sponsorship
At the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, we believe in the power of community and the importance of giving back. The organizatior of the race partners with local businesses and organizations to make this event a success.
One of the main partners is New Balance, who helps to provide top-notch gear for all of the runners. They also work closely with Team for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides fitness programs for children in underserved communities. By running with Team for Kids, participants can help make a positive impact in the NYC metro area.
The Brookly Half Marathon can also be proud to have the support of volunteers, who make this event possible. From handing out water to cheering on runners, volunteers are an integral part of the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route experience.
The Brooklyn Half Marathon route itself is a testament to the beauty and diversity of Brooklyn. Starting at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park, runners will pass through vibrant neighborhoods like Williamsburg and DUMBO before finishing in Prospect Park. Along the way, participants will see iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Coney Island boardwalk.
In addition to the physical Brooklyn Half Marathon Route, there is also a virtual racing option through NYRR Virtual Racing. This allows runners from all over the world to participate in the Brooklyn Half Marathon and support local charities.
Additional Information
We want to make sure you have all the information you need to have a successful and enjoyable experience at the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route. Here are a few additional details to keep in mind:
- 💳 Credit Card: When registering for the race, please make sure to have a valid credit card ready. All major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted.
- ❌ Cancellation: If for any reason you need to cancel your registration, please visit the cancellation page for instructions on how to do so. Please note that all cancellation requests must be received by the deadline indicated on the page.
- 📸 MarathonFoto: After the race, you will receive an email with a link to view and purchase your photos. Please note that this is an optional service and is not included in your registration fee.
- 🌈 Diversity: Runners of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities are welcome.
Spectator Locations
For an even better overview of the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route and everything surrounding it, I have another tip for you:
| Athlete Tracking Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Live athlete tracking | Available through the FREE NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon app, available for download in April 2024 from the Apple App Store or Google Play. |
| Features | Offers live athlete tracking, transportation info, course maps, alerts, results, and more! |
Note: The above information was sourced from various online resources, including the NYCRUNS website and running blogs.
Our Summary on the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route
The next Brooklyn Half Marathon route will occur on April 28, 2024, at 7:00 a.m. The Brooklyn Half Marathon route is a promising event where you won’t miss out. It starts in North Brooklyn and continues on the waterfront under the Williamsburg, to Manhattan and the Brooklyn Bridge.
I mean, this short route description alone makes me want more! I hope for you too. The finish of the Brooklyn Half Marathon route is in Prospect Park. Now it’s time to party and celebrate your success.
Please note that to ensure security, the finish line and festival area of the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Half Marathon is restricted. If your family and friends want to join you at the festival, they will need to obtain a Finish Line Access Pass. These passes are the only way for them to be with you at the festival area.
FAQ
What is the course for the Brooklyn Half Marathon?
The course starts at the Brooklyn Museum and ends at the Coney Island boardwalk. It passes through various neighborhoods including Prospect Park, Grand Army Plaza, and the famous Ocean Parkway.
What time does the Brooklyn Half Marathon start?
The race starts at 7:30 am, with different waves of runners starting at different times. Participants are advised to arrive early and plan accordingly for transportation and parking.
Are there any hills on the Brooklyn Half Marathon route?
Yes, the course includes some hills, particularly in the early stages of the race through Prospect Park. However, the majority of the course is relatively flat and fast, with a long stretch along Ocean Parkway.
Have you ever run the Brooklyn Half Marathon Route? I would love to hear your experience in the comments. I’m sure you are also intrested in reading about Half Marathons in Utah or Half Marathons in Texas.
