RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon 2026 Route & Closures Guide

Record Participation in the 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon

The 2026 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon saw an impressive turnout, with over 30,000 runners participating in the event. The 13.1-mile race route took participants through some of Brooklyn’s most iconic landmarks, including Prospect Park and culminating at the Coney Island boardwalk.

Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, emphasized the significance of the event beyond just the race itself. “The RBC Brooklyn Half is more than a single-day race for New York Road Runners,” he said. “From programming, activations, and family-friendly experiences before, during, and after the race, we're excited to give 29,000 athletes the ultimate Brooklyn experience to mark the unofficial kickoff to summer.”

Route Overview

The marathon route was carefully planned to showcase the best of Brooklyn:

• Mile 1: Runners began by heading south on Washington Avenue, then turned right onto Empire Boulevard and Flatbush Avenue heading north. Grand Army Plaza marked the halfway point at mile 1.5.
• Mile 2: Participants continued around Grand Army Plaza, heading south on Flatbush Avenue, reaching mile 2.
• Mile 3: A right turn onto Ocean Avenue followed by another right onto Parkside Avenue brought runners to mile 3.
• Mile 4: Proceeding into Prospect Park via Machate Circle onto East Drive.
• Miles 5-6: Runners made a full counter-clockwise loop of Prospect Park before exiting onto Prospect Park Southwest, passing the 10K-mark.
• Mile 7: Heading south down Fort Hamilton Parkway onto Ocean Parkway.
• Miles 8-12: Continuing onto Ocean Parkway toward Coney Island.
• Mile 13-Finish: Turning right as Ocean Parkway becomes Surf Avenue, taking a left on West 10th Street toward the Coney Island Boardwalk. A sidewalk ramp leads up to the boardwalk, where the finish line is located near the entrance to Leti's Treasure.

Race Timing and Logistics

The race began at 7 a.m., with three additional waves starting at 7:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. Participants were advised to plan their arrival based on their wave. The first wave arrived by 5:45 a.m., the second by 6:15 a.m., the third by 6:45 a.m., and the fourth by 7:15 a.m.

For those using public transportation, the 2, 3, or 4 train was recommended. Runners in the first and third waves were advised to get off at Franklin Avenue, while those in the second and fourth waves should disembark at Grand Army Plaza.

The car and taxi drop-off location was at Washington Avenue and Park Place. Security screenings for waves 1 and 3 were held at Eastern Parkway and Franklin Avenue, while waves 2 and 4 had screenings at Eastern Parkway and Underhill Avenue.

Live Tracker and Results

Spectators and supporters could track the race in real-time using the NYRR App, which provided live, unofficial results. Official results were posted online after the race concluded.

Prize money was awarded to top finishers, with first place receiving $2,000, second place $1,000, and third place $500. Additional prizes of $200 and $100 were given to fourth and fifth-place finishers, respectively.

Brooklyn residents who finished in the top positions in the men’s, women’s, and nonbinary categories received $500 each. Runners who broke the event record and finished under the standard time also earned $100 bonuses.

Top teams in each category won prize money ranging from $500 to $100, depending on their placement.

Road Closures and Parking Restrictions

Several roads were closed or restricted from Thursday through Saturday to accommodate the event. Key closures included:

• Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Bedford Avenue
• President Street and Union Street between Classon Avenue to Franklin Avenue
• Washington Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
• Empire Boulevard between Washington Avenue and Flatbush Avenue
• Flatbush Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Grand Army Plaza
• Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
• Ocean Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and Parkside Avenue
• Parkside Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Park Circle
• Ocean Parkway between Park Circle to Shore Parkway
• Ocean Parkway between Shore Parkway to Surf Avenue
• Ocean Parkway Service Road between Neptune Avenue to West Brighton Avenue
• Ocean Parkway Service Road between West Brighton Avenue to Sea Breeze Avenue
• West Brighton Avenue between Ocean Parkway to W Second Street
• Sea Breeze Avenue between West 5th Street to Ocean Parkway
• West 2nd Street between West Brighton Avenue to Sea Breeze Avenue
• West 5th Street between Surf Avenue to West Brighton Avenue
• Surf Avenue between Ocean Parkway to W 20th Street
• West 10th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk
• Stillwell Avenue from Surf Avenue to Boardwalk
• West 12th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk
• West 15th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk
• West 16th Street between Surf Avenue and Boardwalk