Every May, thousands of runners lace up their shoes and hit the streets for the Brooklyn Half Marathon, one of the most iconic road races in New York City. Whether you're a seasoned half marathoner or tackling your first 13.1 miles, this guide provides everything you need to know to make the most of your 2025 race day in Brooklyn.

What is the Brooklyn Half Marathon?

The Brooklyn Half Marathon is organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) and is celebrated for its scenic route. This popular spring event attracts more than 28,000 participants, all eager to race from the heart of Prospect Park to the legendary Coney Island Boardwalk. The race promises a vibrant atmosphere, with energetic crowds cheering along many of Brooklyn's most famous streets.

2025 Brooklyn Half Marathon Route & Highlights

The 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon follows a well-loved course. The race kicks off beside the Brooklyn Museum, swings past the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and loops around Grand Army Plaza. Runners then enter Prospect Park for a full circuit before heading out onto Ocean Parkway. The final stretch leads participants to the finish line on the Coney Island Boardwalk, where the celebrations truly begin.

For a detailed description of each mile, expected start wave times, and important transit and drop-off info, CBS New York provides an excellent breakdown of the race logistics, including road closures, start waves, and finish line festivities.

Road Closures and Race Day Logistics

Race day always brings excitement—and some travel challenges! Several significant Brooklyn streets will be closed for the race, including Eastern Parkway, Flatbush Avenue, Ocean Parkway, and the entirety of the Grand Army Plaza circle. If you're coming to cheer or planning your commute, be sure to review the full list of 2025 road closures and security screening locations to avoid surprises.

Pro tip: The New York City subway is often the best way to reach the start. The 2/3 trains are your main options on race morning.

Beyond the Finish Line: Celebrate Brooklyn-Style

Completing the Brooklyn Half Marathon is a huge achievement—so why not make a weekend of it? NYRR has teamed up with some of the city’s top cultural venues to offer exclusive perks for runners. Show your race medal at the Museum of Modern Art for free entry and a special discount at MoMA’s stores. Looking for post-race entertainment? Check out discounts and special events with the New York City Football Club and the Brooklyn Cyclones baseball team. These extras create a memorable experience for runners, friends, and family. Read more about these unique offers in NYRR's official program for 2025 finishers.

Essential Tips for Brooklyn Half Marathon Participants

• Arrive Early: Know your wave start time and allow extra time for security screenings.
• Pack Smart: Plan for Brooklyn’s spring weather, which can be unpredictable.
• Plan a Meet-Up Location: Cell service near the finish can be spotty. Pick a spot to reconnect with friends and family.
• Download the NYRR App: Track your results live and keep up to date with race announcements.

Tracking Results and Finding More Info

All runners can check unofficial live results via the NYRR App. Awards are up for grabs for top finishers in multiple categories, including special prizes for the first Brooklyn residents to cross the finish line.

If you want to track runners, catch up on race stories, or get more information on the event itself, don’t miss the Brooklyn Paper’s local guide to the Brooklyn Half Marathon.

Conclusion

The Brooklyn Half Marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of the borough’s energy, diversity, and community spirit. Whether you’re running, cheering, or volunteering, you’ll be part of a Brooklyn tradition that keeps growing every year. Good luck on your 13.1-mile journey, and enjoy everything Brooklyn has to offer before and after the race!