Brooklyn Half Marathon
The Lowdown
The Brooklyn Half Marathon, known since 2016 as the RBC Brooklyn Half for title sponsor Royal Bank of Canada, is organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) and has run since 1981. It starts in Prospect Park, winds through central Brooklyn, and finishes on the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk after a long stretch down Ocean Parkway. Long considered the unofficial kickoff to New York City's summer racing season, the 2026 edition on May 16 drew a record 30,341 finishers, making it the largest half marathon in United States history. Entry is available through NYRR's 9+1 guaranteed-entry program, a non-guaranteed drawing, and charity or international entry programs; 2026 fees were $100 for NYRR members and $120 for non-members. No 2027 date has been announced yet.
Race Day
Weather Forecast
Elevation
Terrain Profile
Relatively flat course
Participants
Field Size
World-class event
Crowd Rating
Spectator Support
Legendary crowd support
Prospect Park
Grand Army Plaza
Ocean Parkway
Coney Island Boardwalk
Luna Park
Brooklyn, New York, United States
US
Average rate for 3-star accommodations near the start line
Eligibility
- Open to runners 18 and older
- Guaranteed entry available via NYRR's 9+1 program (9 qualifying NYRR races + 1 volunteer event)
Required Documents
- Government-issued photo ID for bib pickup at the NYRR RunCenter or race expo
Entry Methods
- 9+1 guaranteed entry
- Non-guaranteed entry drawing
- NYRR Team for Kids / Team for Climate charity entry
- International entry program
Cancellation & Refund Policy
2026 entry fees were non-refundable
NYRR offered a separate deferral/cancellation process detailed on its event cancellation page
Race organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR)
Widely regarded as the unofficial kickoff to NYC's summer racing season
2026 edition set an NYRR record with 30,341 finishers, the largest half marathon field in U.S. history
A free Boardwalk Kids Run (ages 2-18) is held alongside the main event
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