NYRR's RBC Brooklyn Half features 29,000 runners

TL;DR

The 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half marathon featured 29,000 runners, marking the unofficial start of summer. This premier half-marathon has been a staple in Brooklyn since 1981.

Key points

29,000 runners participated in the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half
The race is a 13.1-mile tour of Brooklyn
It starts in Prospect Park and ends on Coney Island boardwalk
The event has been held since 1981
It marks the unofficial start of summer

The New York Road Runners welcomed 29,000 adult athletes of all ages and abilities for the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half marathon on Saturday morning.

The RBC Brooklyn Half marks the unofficial kickoff to summer and has been the borough's original and premier half-marathon since 1981, and is now one of the country's largest half marathons.

Nina Pineda has an update from Coney Island

The race took athletes on a 13.1-mile celebration and tour of the Borough of Kings, beginning in Prospect Park and ending on the iconic Coney Island boardwalk.

RELATED: RBC Brooklyn Half participant says running has profoundly changed his life

"The RBC Brooklyn Half is more than a single-day race for New York Road Runners," said Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO. "From programming, activations, and family-friendly experiences before, during, and after the race, we're excited to give 29,000 athletes the ultimate Brooklyn experience to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer."

Brooklyn's vibrant and diverse running community was on full display at the RBC Brooklyn Half, as about 20% of the field calls the borough home.

RELATED: RBC Brooklyn Half runner channeling the spirit of his loved ones during his races

The most represented zip codes and neighborhoods in the race included: 11201 (DUMBO, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights), 11215 (Park Slope), 11238 (Prospect Park, Clinton Hill, Crown Heights, Fort Greene), 11217 (Boerum Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights), and 11222 (Greenpoint).

More than 1,000 youth also participated in the accompanying Boardwalk Kids Run.

RELATED: Woman running RBC Brooklyn Half reclaims joy and purpose after losing part of leg

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Q&A

How many runners participated in the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half marathon?

The 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half marathon had 29,000 participants.

Where does the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon start and finish?

The race starts in Prospect Park and finishes on the Coney Island boardwalk.

What is the significance of the RBC Brooklyn Half marathon?

The RBC Brooklyn Half is considered the unofficial kickoff to summer and is one of the largest half marathons in the country.