RBC Brooklyn Half: a net downhill point-to-point course in Brooklyn, New York City. Pacing by section, fueling, and race-day tips.
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The RBC Brooklyn Half is run by New York Road Runners and started in 1983. It goes from Prospect Park to the Coney Island Boardwalk. Wikipedia describes it as the largest half marathon in the United States by number of runners.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Location | Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA |
| Distance | 21.1 km (half marathon) |
| Usually held | May |
| Course | net downhill, point-to-point |
| Official site | https://www.nyrr.org/ |
The hills are in Prospect Park, mostly uphill on the east side at miles 4–5 and mostly downhill on the west side at miles 6–7. Ocean Parkway is flat and wide. Hold back in the park and use the flat road to run faster.
| Section | Terrain | Advice |
|---|---|---|
| mile 1–4 | Washington Avenue, Grand Army Plaza and the start of the park loop | Run a little slower than goal pace and stay patient in the crowd. |
| mile 4–5 | East side of Prospect Park, mostly uphill | Run by effort and accept a slower mile. |
| mile 6–7 | West side of Prospect Park, mostly downhill | Let the pace rise a little without pounding your legs. |
| mile 7–12 | Ocean Parkway, predominantly flat | Settle into goal pace here and build if you feel strong. |
| mile 12–13.1 | Surf Avenue, then the Coney Island Boardwalk | Keep a steady effort; the last 200 metres are on wood slats. |
No aid-station positions were found in the sources we checked. Take a gel before the park hills if you use them, and check the current race guide for water points.
Only after Prospect Park. The park section (about the first 7 miles) holds the climbs. Ocean Parkway, about 5.5 miles, is predominantly flat.
It finishes on the Coney Island Boardwalk. Runners join the boardwalk at W 10th Street, and the last 200 metres are on its wood surface.
It is usually held on the third Saturday in May.
Facts checked 2026-10 against the sources below. Race details change from year to year — confirm with the official site before race day.
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