The RBC Brooklyn Half on May 16, 2026 is one of the largest half marathons in the country. Here is what to expect from the course, the vibe, and race day.
The RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon on May 16, 2026 is one of the largest and most popular half marathons in the United States, drawing over 27,000 runners through Prospect Park and along the Ocean Parkway bike path to a finish on the Coney Island Boardwalk.
Miles 1-3 (Prospect Park): The race starts inside Prospect Park and does a loop of the park's main drive. The park roads are rolling with a few moderate hills — nothing steep, but enough to challenge runners who go out too fast. The trees provide shade, which is welcome if it is a warm morning.
Miles 3-5 (Grand Army Plaza to Ocean Parkway): You exit Prospect Park near Grand Army Plaza and head south onto Ocean Parkway. The wide, tree-lined median of Ocean Parkway is one of the most unique race settings in New York. The crowd here is a mix of local residents, families, and runners cheering from their stoops.
Miles 5-11 (Ocean Parkway): This is a long, straight, flat stretch south toward Coney Island. The shade disappears and if it is a warm day, this section can feel exposed. Find a group running your pace and tuck in. The course is wide enough that you will not feel crowded.
Miles 11-13.1 (Coney Island Boardwalk): The course turns onto the Coney Island Boardwalk for the final two miles. Running on the boardwalk with the ocean on your right and the amusement park on your left is one of the best finishes in any half marathon. The boardwalk surface is slightly uneven — watch your footing but enjoy the moment.
The Brooklyn Half is extremely popular and uses a lottery drawing system. The drawing window typically opens in January, with results announced shortly after. There are also guaranteed entry pathways through qualifying times and NYRR volunteering.
The Brooklyn Half is also a qualifier for the NYC Marathon through the 9+1 program. Completing this race counts as one of your qualifying races.
Start: The race starts early — typically 7 AM. Getting to Prospect Park is easy via the B, Q, or 2/3 trains to Grand Army Plaza or Eastern Parkway.
Gear check: NYRR provides bag check at the start in Prospect Park. Your bag will be transported to the finish area at Coney Island — a different location from the start. Plan accordingly.
After the finish: You finish at Coney Island. Grab a post-race Nathan's hot dog (it is tradition), ride the Cyclone if your legs can handle it, or take the D/F/N/Q train back to Manhattan.
Mid-May in New York can be anything from 50 to 85 degrees. The 2018 Brooklyn Half saw temperatures above 80 degrees and NYRR added medical stations along the course. If it is warm, slow your pace, take water at every station, and douse yourself at the sponge stations.
The Prospect Park loop at the start has rolling hills, so do not chase your goal pace in the first 3 miles. Settle in on Ocean Parkway and run even effort. Save something for the boardwalk — you want to enjoy that finish.
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