Looking for a New York City running experience without the Manhattan crowds? Brooklyn, the city’s most populous borough, is home not only to artsy hipsters, iconic brownstones, and prolific arts and cultural institutions, but also to a variety of half marathon events. From scenic runs through Prospect Park to shoreline courses along Coney Island, experience a range of 2022 and 2023 Brooklyn Half Marathons as diverse as the city itself.
If you’re also interested in a full calendar of all the Brooklyn Half Marathons, we included an easy to navigate calendar at the end.
NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon
Join one of New York City’s most popular running events! The Brooklyn Half Marathon is held every spring by the New York Road Runners club, which also organizes the famous New York City Marathon.
More than 25,000 runners participate in the race, which tours half marathoners past many of Brooklyn’s most famous attractions, including Prospect Park, the New York Aquarium, and the Coney Island boardwalk, where the course ends. This is one of the most popular Brooklyn Half Marathons as it’s produced by the New York Road Runners.
May 20, 2023 | Race info & signup
NYCRUNS Prospect Park Half Marathon & 5k
If you’re looking for a half marathon through Prospect Park but prefer to run races that benefit the world philanthropically as well, this might be your spring Brooklyn half marathon. The race is produced by NYCRUNS in partnership with CAMBA, a non-profit that feeds the hungry, prevents homelessness, builds more affordable housing, provides legal services and workforce development programs, and helps low-income youth in New York City.
The race takes place in early April as Prospect Park starts to bloom once again. It’s also great timing to practice racing if you plan to run a fall half or full marathon.
April 2, 2023 | Race info & signup
NYCRUNS Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon
Run through history during the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon, which takes participants through the heart of Brooklyn and into a finish line at Prospect Park.
The race unfolds from the start at McCarren Park in Brooklyn’s trendy Williamsburg neighborhood. Then, you’ll tour past the Navy Yard and a section of the course that funnels runners under the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, offering a unique perspective on the bustling city.
The race wraps up in historic Prospect Park, which opened to the public in 1867 and now spans 585 acres (and offers Brooklynites and tourists alike thousands of activities!). Another one of the more popular Brooklyn Half Marathons.
April 23, 2023 | Race info & signup
Brooklyn Spring Half
The Brooklyn Spring Half takes runners on a tour of Prospect Park, with half marathoners encircling the park 4 times to hit their mileage.
Runners take off from the Lefrak ice skating rink and pass such notable sites as the Prospect Park Carousel, the Prospect Park Zoo, and the Prospect Park Parade Grounds before crossing the finish line near the Greek Shelter.
March 18, 2023 | Race info & signup
Verrazano Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
You’ll feel like you’re in a movie as you make your way through the Verrazano Half Marathon, which offers striking views of the 13,700-foot suspension bridge that connects Staten Island and Brooklyn.
Each of the race’s three loops departs from the American Veterans Memorial Pier, a well-loved Brooklyn fishing spot. Participants will run in a designated runner’s lane, so they won’t have to contend with traffic.
April 2, 2023 | Race info & signup
Brooklyn Beach Run Half Marathon 10K & 5K
The Coney Island boardwalk is a popular summertime destination for New Yorkers and tourists alike. As you tackle your half marathon, which begins and ends at the boardwalk’s Parachute Jump, you’ll join in this long tradition of summer promenades.
The half marathon course consists of three loops of 4.36 miles each. Friends, family, and aid station volunteers will cheer you on during each loop. (And all 12 water stations will have music to pump you up!)
When you finish your race, what better way to celebrate your accomplishment than with a Brooklyn bagel (or two or three) at the post-race party?
June 4, 2023 | Race info & signup
Coney Island Half Marathon
Seaside breezes will help prevent you becoming a Coney Island hot dog during this midsummer half!
Beginning and ending at the Riegelmann Boardwalk Parachute Jump, half marathoners will complete four 3.27-mile loops around the course, which passes such famous attractions as the Coney Island carousel and the New York Aquarium.
July 19, 2023 | Race info & signup
The Spring Half Marathon
Get in gear for a great running season with the Spring Half and Tax Day 5K, which is hosted by the Rockaway Track Club.
The half marathon is composed of two 6.5-mile loops, taking participants along the streets of Rockaway Beach, the largest urban beach in the United States. You’ll overlook the Atlantic Ocean and take in the sights and sounds of this popular destination gearing up for another seaside summer.
April 15, 2023 | Race info & signup
NYCRUNS Go Nuts for Donuts Half Marathon & 5K
Flushing Meadows Park, where this half marathon is held, was the site of both the 1939-1940 and 1964-65 World’s Fairs.
The Fair’s legacy is still imprinted upon the park, which boasts unique artwork and sculptures throughout—including the 1964 World’s Fair’s Unisphere—eight playgrounds, and New York City’s Queens Museum.
For all the attractions within the park, the race itself is a more low-key experience than your usual New York City bustle. The course is traffic-free, allowing runners to soak in the sights of the park in peace.
November 2023 | Race info & signup
Brooklyn Mother’s Day Half, 10K & 5K
Get ready to run like a mother at the Brooklyn Mother’s Day Half. All distances take off from the Lefrak ice skating rink in Prospect Park, with the course looping around to end at the park’s Greek Shelter.
Half marathon runners will complete 4 loops for the half marathon. If you’re looking for a shorter challenge, 10K (two loops) and 5K (one loop) options are also available.
May 14, 2023 | Race info & signup
NYC Lives Half Marathon
Take to the beach at the Riegelmann Boardwalk during this flat-and-fast late summer race.
The race starts at Steeplechase Pier, which is easy to spot because of its placement by the 1906 B&B Carousell, which delights riders with its 50 hand-carved painted horses.
Half marathoners will tackle a triple loop course, gaining motivation from the ocean breezes along the way. If you’re looking to tackle the early November New York City Marathon, this half offers the perfect tune-up race.
September 10, 2023 | Race info & signup
Complete Upcoming 2023 Brooklyn Half Marathon Calendar
- Brooklyn Spring Half, 10k & 5k | March 18, 2023
- Go Hard or Go Home Half Marathon | March 26, 2023
- Verrazano Half Marathon | April 2, 2023
- NYCRUNS Prospect Park Half Marathon | April 2, 2023
- NYCRUNS Brooklyn Marathon & Half Marathon | April 23, 2023
- Less Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon | May 6, 2023
- Brooklyn Mother’s Day Half, 10K & 5k | May 14, 2023
- NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon | May 20, 2023
- Brooklyn Beach Half Marathon, 10k & 5k | June 4, 2023
- NYCRUNS Ice Cream Social Half Marathon & 5k | August 26, 2023
- NYC Lives Half Marathon | September 10, 2023
- The Prospect Park Half Marathon | September 18, 2023
- Bay Ridge Half Marathon | October 7, 2023
- Brooklynite Half Marathon | October 2023
- NYCRUNS Falling Leaves Half Marathon & 5k | October 21, 2023
- Brooklyn Fall Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | November 2023
- NYCRUNS Cocoa Classic Half Marathon & 5K | December 2, 2023
- NYC Holiday Half Marathon, 10k & 5k | December 3, 2023
- World AIDS Running Event Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | December 2023
