Spring 2025 in Brooklyn: A Celebration of Running
Brooklyn was the heart of the running world this spring as two major half marathons brought tens of thousands of runners to its streets. From the world-famous RBC Brooklyn Half to the growing NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half, the borough celebrated fitness, community, and New York City pride.
🌟 RBC Brooklyn Half 2025: A Race to Remember
On Saturday, May 17, over 28,000 runners laced up their shoes for the 2025 edition of the RBC Brooklyn Half, organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR). Known as one of the largest half marathons in the U.S., the event drew participants from across the globe.
📍 Course Details
The race covered 13.1 miles, beginning near the Brooklyn Museum. Runners passed sights like the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and made their way through Prospect Park. From there, the course followed Ocean Parkway and ended with a beautiful finish on the Coney Island Boardwalk, where crowds cheered and ocean waves added to the lively atmosphere.
⏰ Start Time and Waves
To keep things smooth and safe, runners were grouped into waves:
Wave 1: 7:00 AM
Wave 2: 7:25 AM
Wave 3: 7:50 AM
Wave 4: 8:15 AM
Participants were encouraged to arrive early—about 75 minutes before their start—to check in and warm up.
🎉 A Star Among the Runners
One runner who stood out this year was Alan Bersten, the professional dancer from Dancing With the Stars. Alan ran his first-ever half marathon to raise money for Team for Kids, a NYRR program that supports youth fitness across New York City schools.
🏃 NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half: A Spring Warm-Up
Before the RBC race, Brooklyn saw another successful event on April 27—the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon. This race welcomed a record 24,461 finishers, showcasing just how popular running has become in the city.
📌 Route and Highlights
The NYCRUNS course began near McCarren Park in Williamsburg and ended in Prospect Park. Runners passed through some of Brooklyn’s trendiest and most historic areas, including DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene.
📊 How to See the Results
If you're looking to check your time—or follow a friend—you can view the official RBC Brooklyn Half results on the NYRR website. NYCRUNS results are available on their event page as well.
