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The RBC Brooklyn Half is one of the largest half marathons in the United States, taking runners on a scenic 13.1-mile journey from the Brooklyn Museum to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk.
Course Highlights
The RBC Brooklyn Half offers a tour of New York City’s most populous borough, beginning at the steps of the majestic Brooklyn Museum. Runners start their 13.1-mile journey on Washington Avenue, heading south before making a right onto Empire Boulevard and another right onto Flatbush Avenue. This opening stretch leads participants toward Grand Army Plaza, a historic landmark that marks the 1.5-mile point. After circling the plaza, the course heads south back down Flatbush Avenue, providing a wide, cheering-lined thoroughfare for athletes to find their rhythm.
One of the most scenic portions of the race occurs as runners enter Prospect Park at Machate Circle. Participants complete a counter-clockwise loop of the park’s tree-lined East Drive and West Drive, facing some rolling hills that challenge their endurance. Exiting the park near the southwest corner, the course transitions onto Ocean Parkway. This legendary stretch is a straight, flat, and fast multi-mile run that heads directly toward the Atlantic Ocean. The final mile takes a dramatic turn as the route enters Surf Avenue and finally the world-famous Coney Island Boardwalk, where runners cross the finish line with the Atlantic breeze in their hair and the iconic Wonder Wheel in sight.
Race Details
Organized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the RBC Brooklyn Half is the largest half marathon in the United States, typically hosting over 25,000 finishers. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with a primary start time of 07:00 AM. To accommodate the massive field, the race utilizes a wave start system, with four distinct waves departing between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Runners are assigned to waves and corrals based on their verified past performance or estimated finish times to ensure a smooth flow of traffic along the course.
The race experience begins long before the starter’s pistol sounds. The RBC Brooklyn Half Expo, held at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, serves as the hub for bib pickup and pre-race excitement. Here, participants can attend course strategy sessions led by NYRR coaches, shop for official New Balance gear, and meet fellow runners. On race day, amenities such as Gatorade hydration stations, Maurten gel points, and the NYRR Pace Team help athletes achieve their personal goals. The event also features a Virtual RBC Brooklyn Half, allowing runners globally to participate from their own locations during the race week.
Why Runners Love It
Runners return to the RBC Brooklyn Half year after year for its unparalleled energy and the chance to experience Brooklyn’s vibrant culture on foot. The race is celebrated for its “party on the pavement” atmosphere, with local bands, cheer squads, and thousands of spectators lining the streets of Prospect Park and the sidewalks of Ocean Parkway. The transition from the urban density of central Brooklyn to the open, salt-aired expanse of the coast provides a unique psychological boost in the final miles.
The finish line experience is widely regarded as one of the best in the sport. Crossing the finish on the Coney Island Boardwalk is a bucket-list moment for many, offering a sense of triumph against the backdrop of the historic amusement park. After the race, the celebration continues at Maimonides Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, for the official After-Party. Runners can enjoy food, music, and the satisfaction of their accomplishment while soaking in the classic Americana vibes of Coney Island. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner chasing a personal best on the fast Ocean Parkway stretch or a first-timer looking for a high-energy introduction to the distance, the RBC Brooklyn Half delivers an unforgettable New York City experience.
Registration for the RBC Brooklyn Half is highly competitive and usually conducted through a drawing process in early January. To secure your spot or learn more about guaranteed entry methods, visit the official RBC Brooklyn Half website.
At a Glance
- Location: Brooklyn, NY — United States
- Next Date: 2026-05-16
- Distances: [‘Half Marathon’]
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://events.nyrr.org/rbc-brooklyn-half
The RBC Brooklyn Half is one of the largest half marathons in the United States, taking runners on a scenic 13.1-mile journey from the Brooklyn Museum to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk.
Course Highlights
The RBC Brooklyn Half offers a tour of New York City’s most populous borough, beginning at the steps of the majestic Brooklyn Museum. Runners start their 13.1-mile journey on Washington Avenue, heading south before making a right onto Empire Boulevard and another right onto Flatbush Avenue. This opening stretch leads participants toward Grand Army Plaza, a historic landmark that marks the 1.5-mile point. After circling the plaza, the course heads south back down Flatbush Avenue, providing a wide, cheering-lined thoroughfare for athletes to find their rhythm.
One of the most scenic portions of the race occurs as runners enter Prospect Park at Machate Circle. Participants complete a counter-clockwise loop of the park’s tree-lined East Drive and West Drive, facing some rolling hills that challenge their endurance. Exiting the park near the southwest corner, the course transitions onto Ocean Parkway. This legendary stretch is a straight, flat, and fast multi-mile run that heads directly toward the Atlantic Ocean. The final mile takes a dramatic turn as the route enters Surf Avenue and finally the world-famous Coney Island Boardwalk, where runners cross the finish line with the Atlantic breeze in their hair and the iconic Wonder Wheel in sight.
Race Details
Organized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the RBC Brooklyn Half is the largest half marathon in the United States, typically hosting over 25,000 finishers. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, with a primary start time of 07:00 AM. To accommodate the massive field, the race utilizes a wave start system, with four distinct waves departing between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. Runners are assigned to waves and corrals based on their verified past performance or estimated finish times to ensure a smooth flow of traffic along the course.
The race experience begins long before the starter’s pistol sounds. The RBC Brooklyn Half Expo, held at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside in Prospect Park, serves as the hub for bib pickup and pre-race excitement. Here, participants can attend course strategy sessions led by NYRR coaches, shop for official New Balance gear, and meet fellow runners. On race day, amenities such as Gatorade hydration stations, Maurten gel points, and the NYRR Pace Team help athletes achieve their personal goals. The event also features a Virtual RBC Brooklyn Half, allowing runners globally to participate from their own locations during the race week.
Why Runners Love It
Runners return to the RBC Brooklyn Half year after year for its unparalleled energy and the chance to experience Brooklyn’s vibrant culture on foot. The race is celebrated for its “party on the pavement” atmosphere, with local bands, cheer squads, and thousands of spectators lining the streets of Prospect Park and the sidewalks of Ocean Parkway. The transition from the urban density of central Brooklyn to the open, salt-aired expanse of the coast provides a unique psychological boost in the final miles.
The finish line experience is widely regarded as one of the best in the sport. Crossing the finish on the Coney Island Boardwalk is a bucket-list moment for many, offering a sense of triumph against the backdrop of the historic amusement park. After the race, the celebration continues at Maimonides Park, home of the Brooklyn Cyclones, for the official After-Party. Runners can enjoy food, music, and the satisfaction of their accomplishment while soaking in the classic Americana vibes of Coney Island. Whether you are a seasoned marathoner chasing a personal best on the fast Ocean Parkway stretch or a first-timer looking for a high-energy introduction to the distance, the RBC Brooklyn Half delivers an unforgettable New York City experience.
Registration for the RBC Brooklyn Half is highly competitive and usually conducted through a drawing process in early January. To secure your spot or learn more about guaranteed entry methods, visit the official RBC Brooklyn Half website.
At a Glance
- Location: Brooklyn, NY — United States
- Next Date: 2026-05-16
- Distances: [‘Half Marathon’]
- Start Time: 07:00
Register & Learn More
Visit the official race website for entry details, course maps, and registration: https://events.nyrr.org/rbc-brooklyn-half