Overall Rating
Overall Rating (18 Reviews)
4.3
(18 Ratings)  (18 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.8
SCENERY
3.5
PRODUCTION
4.6
SWAG
3.8
Take a 13.1-mile tour through the Borough of Kings, from Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk, at the RBC Brooklyn Half. Celebrate the Brooklyn way by touring the iconic borough. Kick off the celebration at The RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance. Experience the magic of being … MORE
Local Historical Weather (May 18):
  2023 2022 2021 2020 2019
 
H (°F)  60  73  80  69  68
L (°F)  48  57  59  56  54
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Recent reviews

    bigfellarunner FIRST-TIMER '23

    Rain rain go away…despite the weather I enjoyed the event and NYRR put on another first class run. The crowd support was crazy and featured every genre of music. The … MORE

    Rain rain go away…despite the weather I enjoyed the event and NYRR put on another first class run. The crowd support was crazy and featured every genre of music. The hills everyone talked about in Prospect Park was nothing compared to the Hood Hills I run and Rosaryville State Park in Maryland.

    Running wise, I felt great and finally figured out my mid-run fueling. I maintained my training pace and clipped more time off from my last Half. I doubt I’ll ever get near my 2:12PR from over 10yrs ago but we can all dream.
    Due to the rain, I left and didn’t partake in the post-race festivities.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    NurseLisaRN FIRST-TIMER '23

    Beautiful scenery and awesome crown support. The pre race party the day before was amazing as well. Did not see many pacers but sure they were there. Overall I would … MORE

    Beautiful scenery and awesome crown support. The pre race party the day before was amazing as well. Did not see many pacers but sure they were there. Overall I would highly recommend

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    LBCgirl FIRST-TIMER '23

    A new addition to my list of favorite half marathons! Having run the NYC Marathon and NY Half I figured I had to add check this one off my list … MORE

    A new addition to my list of favorite half marathons! Having run the NYC Marathon and NY Half I figured I had to add check this one off my list and so happy I got in via lottery and made my way to NY to run the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half! Well organized, the race starts next to the museum and takes you up and around Prospect Park (about first 6 miles) before you make your way down the road to Coney Island. The finish felt a bit chaotic, wasn’t sure if there was any organized finish area or any signage to guide us but it rained so I’m sure that impacted what they had planned (not anything within the organizers control) still despite the rain I had a BLAST and would definitely recommend this one.
    Shirt – eh, I’d give it a 7 out of 10 (personal style) medal – I love any medal I earned!
    Expo, beautiful location especially for those of us traveling out of the area (view of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Skyline) and though I was too tried from travel to join the fun they had food trucks, etc. out there to create a party atmosphere.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    RunBillie FIRST-TIMER '23

    The packet pickup and Expo were great. It was held on a pier 2 , across from the city. It ran very smooth. There was plenty of information given on … MORE

    The packet pickup and Expo were great. It was held on a pier 2 , across from the city. It ran very smooth. There was plenty of information given on transport to the race and race day instructions. The first part of the course was rolling hills up until mile 7, then slight down hill to the end. Post- race party was great. My only cons were the thin race shirts and medal design. The ribbon was nice, though.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    brizy FIRST-TIMER '22

    Cool expo with lots of photo ops and yard games- but sort if a pain to get to depending on where you’re staying. I underestimated the size of the race … MORE

    Cool expo with lots of photo ops and yard games- but sort if a pain to get to depending on where you’re staying. I underestimated the size of the race and how long it would take me to get to and through security after getting off the subway (pay attention to which stops are closed!). There are plenty of portable toilets, but there will be lines so give yourself adequate time. Couldn’t make it to my corral in time so got stuck running slower than I normally would for several miles with no way to make it through the pack on the course as it is a huge rece. The fog was thick with hot humid air that morning so couldn’t really see beyond the street even down on Coney Island 🙁. I’m sure it’s cooler when you can see around. There are lots of people so if you like cheering- you’ll appreciate that aspect. I appreciated the wet towels at the finish and glad I finished early as it got hit as soon as it all burned off and the sun came out.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    sdalessio FIRST-TIMER '22

    Brooklyn is a fun place to go to a race. This is a great race put on by a very professional group (NYRR) and has a fun finish at Coney … MORE

    Brooklyn is a fun place to go to a race. This is a great race put on by a very professional group (NYRR) and has a fun finish at Coney Island. I have several tips and notes:
    – take the subway to and from the face. It’s easy to navigate and puts you right at the start and finish.
    – the getting through security and into the start area is a pain in the a$$. Leave enough time to do that. And walk down past the initial port-a-potties for more options and less people.
    – It can be hot and humid and the race course is not flat.
    – Coney Island opens later in the day so plan on waiting around a few hours after the race if you want to check it out.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    mikifo FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is a huge and very well organized race. I was really impressed by the preparation that went into this and the communication from the organizers was great. I ran … MORE

    This is a huge and very well organized race. I was really impressed by the preparation that went into this and the communication from the organizers was great. I ran this race in Wave 2 and by the time I got to the second half the sun was blaring with 100% humidity. There is very sparse tree cover on the second half of the course and the concrete you’re running on reflects all that heat making you feel even hotter. I am not surprised I saw a lot of people showing signs of heat stroke at the finish. Amenities and volunteers were great despite this. I wanted to be covered in those ice towels. I would run again but definitely if the conditions are like this I don’t expect that my PR is going to be even close to what I trained for. Those last three miles I was just really focused on finishing without passing out.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    5

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    jus10 FIRST-TIMER '22

    So this was the first Brooklyn Half since 2019 and this year's even was a humid foggy affair. Of the 18,000 or so finishers there are two waves and I … MORE

    So this was the first Brooklyn Half since 2019 and this year’s even was a humid foggy affair. Of the 18,000 or so finishers there are two waves and I was in Wave 1. There was extra water available at the start and everyone tried to prepare for unexpected heat early in the season. This was by far the largest race I’ve participated in and my plan of following the pacer for one corral slower than “goal” and speeding up when I left Prospect Park didn’t happen. The sea of humanity that surged forth at the start meant I didn’t see the pacer until after the finish (behind me thankfully). As I’m sure other reviews have said, the race really has two parts. The first is through Prospect Park and beautiful. Other than Battle Pass Hill at about Miles 5-6. It’s noticeable and it’ll slow everyone down. The second half is on the flat, slightly downhill highway to Coney Island. In theory this is fast, but with the heat and the sun coming out I faded a bit between miles 11 and 12 coming in about 20 seconds behind my PR time. It’s also boring and feels like a grind until you get close to the boardwalk. Still I had a lot of fun with this. If you race this and you end up in Wave 2 (which for this year was roughly a finish time over 2 hours), you may want to consider bringing a handheld water bottle for after the park. If it’s hot, the volunteers generating water cups can’t always keep up with demand later on. I would absolutely run this race again.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    HeatherT FIRST-TIMER '19

    Ah, Brooklyn. It was tough to get in (refresh the registration page and give NYRR all your money before it sells out) and a challenge to get to on the … MORE

    Ah, Brooklyn. It was tough to get in (refresh the registration page and give NYRR all your money before it sells out) and a challenge to get to on the subway from Manhattan to get there in time with the massive crowds (crowds! remember them?), but it was beautiful. Prospect Park’s hills weren’t too bad and the long straight stretch for miles in the later part of the race took some focus, but you were in good company the whole way. When you hit that boardwalk, the fun begins and there were plenty of Coney Island establishments to celebrate in. I hope this race, and all events, can come back strong when we are done with the pandemic. Put Brooklyn on your bucket list!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    libertypenguin FIRST-TIMER '19

    I got into the Popular Brooklyn Half by virtue of the NYRR Virtual 6 program. Race starts in Prospect Park with some rolling hills before a nice straight path to … MORE

    I got into the Popular Brooklyn Half by virtue of the NYRR Virtual 6 program. Race starts in Prospect Park with some rolling hills before a nice straight path to Coney Island. The finish goes up a ramp to the Board Walk. Unfortunately I didn’t get to celebrate with a Nathan’s Hot Dog – the line was crazy long.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    4

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    mavenugo FIRST-TIMER '18

    After multiple local races, I signed up for this race with the hope of hitting my goal of sub-2 HM (Thanks Strava). With 25000 runners and non-stop rain, it was … MORE

    After multiple local races, I signed up for this race with the hope of hitting my goal of sub-2 HM (Thanks Strava). With 25000 runners and non-stop rain, it was a challenge to navigate through the pre-race area after a 1 hr subway ride from Manhattan. But kudos to the NYRR and other volunteers for making it as smooth as possible. It is ofcourse a very popular race and a very easy one if you are aiming for a PR.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    My Report
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3

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    jscoope213 REPEAT RUNNER '18

    The Brooklyn Half touts itself as the largest half marathon in the world- and it would not surprise me that this is true! The course, while not super easy at … MORE

    The Brooklyn Half touts itself as the largest half marathon in the world- and it would not surprise me that this is true! The course, while not super easy at the beginning due to the hills in Prospect Park (and then followed by monotonous miles on Ocean Parkway) is still one of my favorite races of the year. This year it POURED, and crowd support was still amazing, and you cannot beat finishing on the Coney Island boardwalk. I am hoping for a rain-free race next year, but I will be back regardless.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    jscoope213 FIRST-TIMER '17

    The NYRR Brooklyn Half is a great race- after you leave Prospect Park, it is predominantly flat and cruises to a fun finish on the Coney Island boardwalk. However, since … MORE

    The NYRR Brooklyn Half is a great race- after you leave Prospect Park, it is predominantly flat and cruises to a fun finish on the Coney Island boardwalk. However, since this has become such a popular race, it is a favorite of new runners who have never done a half marathon before- and tend not to know runner etiquette as a result. I was about 2 miles from the finish when I had to pull up short behind 4 women who stopped short, in a line across the race course, and in the process rolled my ankle. As a result, I have something to prove this year and will definitely be back!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    ivy164 FIRST-TIMER '17

    I'm not a huge fan of NYC because of crowds so I was thinking this race wouldn't be good initially. However I was pleasantly surprised. Nice course, well organized, and … MORE

    I’m not a huge fan of NYC because of crowds so I was thinking this race wouldn’t be good initially. However I was pleasantly surprised. Nice course, well organized, and easily accessible. At the time I PRed for a half at 2:39…since then I’ve gotten it down to 2:35. Fun post party at Coney along beach! I don’t have any recommendations…NYRR keep doing what you are doing.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    brooklynmom52 FIRST-TIMER '17

    A very popular half marathon and the largest in the country (33,000+). This is one of the "5 Borough Series" organized by the NYRR. The race is done in two … MORE

    A very popular half marathon and the largest in the country (33,000+). This is one of the “5 Borough Series” organized by the NYRR. The race is done in two “Waves”. The second Wave leaves about an hour after the Wave 1. I don’t think Wave 2 gets as much pomp. But whatever. The start area is well organized and potties are conveniently located adjacent to each corral. Ideal for going immediately before the start! The course is a bit boring…Prospect Park has a few hills but nothing difficult and this takes up the first 7 miles of the race about. The last part of the race is straight down Ocean Parkway–can I say even more boring??? Fans leave after Wave 1 goes by. The course elevation map reads this section as flat, but I believe it runs on a slight incline through mile12. There is also an uphill the last 800 meters, not noted on the course map either. The turn onto the boardwalk is a tiny narrow ramp and so crowded you have to bascially walk it. The last 200 meters on the Boardwalk is kind of cool, but it is very short. The volunteers handing out medals were not too cheerful and there was no one telling you where to go to pick up stuff. The finish was a bit chaotic. Also no one knows directions to the subway! The medal and T-shirt are really cool though! The finisher gear is nice too. Certainly a bucket list half but I don’t think I would run it again. It’s a bit over-hyped. Water and gatorade stations plentiful and one gel station at mile 8. Post race food bag is just water, gatorade, pretzels and a power bar. They handed out apples also. If you are beer drinker you will love this race–seems t o be a big party race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    3
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    nadja FIRST-TIMER '16

    Fun race that starts in prospect park and ends on Coney Island boardwalk. Stay for a hot dog and a beer on the boardwalk and watch the other runners cross … MORE

    Fun race that starts in prospect park and ends on Coney Island boardwalk. Stay for a hot dog and a beer on the boardwalk and watch the other runners cross the finish line!! Sells out fast!!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    maxtonmcd FIRST-TIMER '15

    The first half of the course is fun. Meandering through Prospect Park. The second half of the course gets a little boring. You come out of the Park and head … MORE

    The first half of the course is fun. Meandering through Prospect Park. The second half of the course gets a little boring. You come out of the Park and head to Coney Island. The course is on a Parkway for this section and it gets quite boring. The finish on the boardwalk is well worth it however. Great finish area. The Parkway has no character however.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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    AveTheWave REPEAT RUNNER '14

    Seriously - port-a-potties IN THE STARTING CORRALS is the best thing I've ever experienced. I don't know why more races haven't done this, but it made for a genius setup, … MORE

    Seriously – port-a-potties IN THE STARTING CORRALS is the best thing I’ve ever experienced. I don’t know why more races haven’t done this, but it made for a genius setup, and a relaxing and delightful start to the race. The course was awesome, the aid stations were spot on, and the finish line was a big party.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    3
    SWAG
    3

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  2. NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon