How to Gain Entry Into the RBC Brooklyn Half

Runners who do not have guaranteed entry to the race have the opportunity to enter the non-guaranteed entry drawing between January 6—19, 2026. The drawing for these entries will take place on January 23, 2026.

The entries available to non-guaranteed applicants will be filled through three drawings, one in each of the following applicant pools:

1. “NYC metro area” applicants: Residents in and within 60 miles of New York City
2. “National” applicants: U.S. residents outside of the NYC metro area, including Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories
3. “International” applicants: Non-U.S. residents

Please note: Handcycle and push-rim applicants should apply to the non-guaranteed entry drawing.

Runners who registered for and completed six NYRR Virtual Racing Powered by Strava races at the Virtual 6 (Premium) level in 2025 are eligible to claim their guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half through their NYRR dashboard during the guaranteed entry claim window (January 6—19, 2026).

Eligibility for entry to the 2027 RBC Brooklyn Half will be guaranteed for participants that register for and complete six NYRR virtual races at the NYRR Virtual 6 program rate between January 1, 2026 and December 31, 2026.

Entrants (except as otherwise noted below) who canceled their entry for the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half by following the published instructions will have guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half.

In order to claim guaranteed entry, runners must register through their NYRR dashboard and pay the 2026 entry fees during the guaranteed entry claim period (January 6—19, 2026). Guaranteed entries not submitted during this time period are forfeited. 

Please note: Runners who earn guaranteed entry to the 2026 race because they canceled in 2025 cannot cancel a second time (in 2026) and become eligible for guaranteed entry in 2027.

Runners who volunteered at the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance or RBC Brooklyn Half can claim non-complimentary guaranteed entry to the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half. In order to claim guaranteed entry, runners must register through their NYRR dashboard and pay the 2026 entry fees during the guaranteed entry claim period (January 6—19, 2026).

NYRR Philanthropic Members at the Miler, 5K, and 10K levels receive guaranteed entry to the RBC Brooklyn Half and VIP runner hospitality among other annual benefits in thanks for their support of NYRR's vision to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running. Please visit the Membership Page for more details.

For Questions Email: philmembership@nyrr.org

Guarantee your entry by signing up to run with NYRR Team for Kids. Join Team for Kids to get guaranteed entry, expert coaching, and the opportunity to help keep kids physically active for life.

Runners from outside the United States can secure their guaranteed entry and travel package through one of our approved International Tour Operators. Visit our RBC Brooklyn Half International Tour Operators page for a list of ITOs available in each country.

Runners who meet qualifying time standards on any certified half-marathon course or at the TCS New York City Marathon course during the qualifying window are also eligible for guaranteed entry.

NYRR Time Qualifiers

Runners who achieved qualifying times at the following NYRR in-person races will automatically receive guaranteed entry to the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half.

• 2025 Fred Lebow Half Marathon
• 2025 United Airlines NYC Half
• 2025 Maybelline Women’s Half Marathon
• 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half
• 2025 TCS New York City Marathon

These runners are eligible to claim their guaranteed non-complimentary entry to the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half through their NYRR dashboard during the guaranteed entry claim window (January 6—19, 2026).

Non-NYRR Time Qualifiers

NYRR offers a limited number of entries to the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half to athletes who meet the time qualifying standards at a certified half marathon that is not held by NYRR during the qualifying window (January 6, 2025 – January 5, 2026). All athletes who meet the time qualifying standards are invited to apply, however submission of a qualifying time does not guarantee entry. Should the number of applications exceed the number of spots available, entry will only be granted to the fastest of each age and gender category. Those who do not meet the cut-off for their age and gender category will be placed into the non-guaranteed general entry drawing.

The application for Non-NYRR Time Qualifiers will be open from January 6 at 12:00 p.m. noon ET to January 11 at 11:59 p.m. ET. When applying for a Non-NYRR Time Qualifier entry, athletes must submit the name of the race they qualified at, the net (chip) time they achieved, and the URL for their results which NYRR can use to verify the qualifying time.

Once the application period for Non-NYRR Time Qualifier entries has closed on January 11, NYRR will review the applications submitted. If the number of applications exceeds the number of spots available, entry will be granted to the applicants in each age and gender category with the fastest qualifying times. Those accepted will have their credit card charged and will be notified of their acceptance via email before the drawing takes place on January 23, 2026. Those who are not accepted will be moved into the non-guaranteed general entry drawing for another chance to be accepted into the race.

Visit Time Qualifiers for NYRR Marquee Races for Qualifying Time Standards and more information.