More Than 30,000 Finish the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half
More than 30,000 runners finished the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half, making the race the largest half marathon in New York Road Runners history. The RBC Brooklyn Half is Brooklyn's original premier running event since 1981; this year marked the 44th running.
The Boardwalk Kids Run at the RBC Brooklyn Half, a free youth event, also set a record with over 1,400 kids ages 2–18 running short dashes and 1-mile races along Ocean Parkway and showcasing the future of the sport.
The top finishers were Abraham Longosiwa of elitefeats Sports in 1:04:32 (men), Fatima Alanis of Central Park Track Club Tracksmith in 1:13:11 (women), and Danica Reinicke of Brooklyn Track Club in 1:18:17 (nonbinary). Find complete results here and a press release here.
Cool temperatures at the start near the Brooklyn Museum gave way to warmer conditions at the finish on the Coney Island boardwalk. Due to forecasted warm weather, race officials started the RBC Brooklyn Half with a yellow event flag, indicating that runners should be prepared for significantly warmer conditions as the day progressed and slow down their pace accordingly.
The RBC Brooklyn Half takes runners on a tour of the unique and diverse neighborhoods of Brooklyn—through Prospect Park and down Ocean Parkway to the Coney Island finish line.
“The RBC Brooklyn Half is more than a single day race for New York Road Runners,” said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. “From programming, activations, and family-friendly experiences before, during, and after the race, we’re excited to give athletes the ultimate Brooklyn experience to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer and believe in every step.”
While the RBC Brooklyn Half is New York Road Runners’ marquee event in the borough, an additional six NYRR races run in Brooklyn, and free year-round programming is offered for Brooklynites of all ages.
Along the route, local clubs and crews cheered for not only their teammates but all the runners making their way through 13.1 miles. Many spectators showed their support with inspiring and entertaining signs. Thousands of volunteers supported runners from start to finish.
Hundreds ran the RBC Brooklyn Half to raise funds for NYRR Team for Kids (TFK), NYRR’s premier charity that supports the nonprofit’s free youth and community programs. TFK has raised over $110 million since 2002.
A live taping of Set the Pace Presented by Peloton, NYRR's official podcast, took place at the RBC Brooklyn Half After-Party at Maimonides Park and featured special guest Camila Ramón, a Peloton Instructor. Broadway stars Keri René Fuller and reality TV personality Matt James were among the notable finishers of the RBC Brooklyn Half.
The event's title partner is Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), a purpose-driven global financial institution that, similar to NYRR, is strongly committed to giving back to communities.
As part of New York Road Runners’ commitment to ensuring future generations have access to clean air, green spaces, and a healthy environment to run in, nearly 50 participants ran and fundraised for NYRR Team for Climate, an entry method for NYRR’s marquee races by which runners raise funds to help support NYRR’s carbon offsetting and insetting initiatives. Learn more about Team for Climate here.
The RBC Brooklyn Half is the third of six races in the NYRR Five-Borough Series, which showcases New York Road Runners’ commitment to the individuals and communities in each borough and celebrates what makes each borough unique and inspiring. The other races in this series include the NYRR Manhattan 10K in February, the United Airlines NYC Half in March, the Citizens Queens 10K in June, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile in September, and the NYRR Staten Island Half in October. Throughout this year, New York Road Runners is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the original five-borough New York City Marathon, which first brought the race to the city’s streets, including miles 2 through 13 in Brooklyn.
Runners around the world celebrated the Brooklyn spirit by running virtually between May 9 and May 17. Those registered for the Finisher Medal tier will collect credit for the NYRR 4 Out of 6 program to help earn guaranteed entry to the 2027 RBC Brooklyn Half.
Congratulations to all finishers, and thank you to our partners, New York City agencies, volunteers, NYRR staff, and supporters.
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