The streets of Brooklyn came alive this weekend as 29,000 runners took on the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile celebration that kicked off the unofficial start of summer. Organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR), this iconic race has been a borough staple since 1981 and has grown into one of the largest half marathons in the country.

The course offered a scenic tour of the Borough of Kings, starting in the lush greenery of Prospect Park and finishing on the legendary Coney Island boardwalk. Runners of all ages and abilities—including local news anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza—took part in the event, which blended athletic achievement with a vibrant community festival.

"The RBC Brooklyn Half is more than a single-day race," said Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners. "From programming and activations to family-friendly experiences before, during, and after the race, we're excited to give 29,000 athletes the ultimate Brooklyn experience."

The borough's deep running roots were on full display, with about 20% of the field hailing from Brooklyn itself. The most represented neighborhoods included DUMBO and Cobble Hill (zip code 11201), Park Slope (11215), Prospect Heights and Clinton Hill (11238), Boerum Hill (11217), and Greenpoint (11222). For the younger crowd, over 1,000 kids joined the fun in the accompanying Boardwalk Kids Run, proving that running is a family affair.

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, events like the RBC Brooklyn Half remind us why we love this sport: it's about community, determination, and celebrating the journey—one mile at a time.