Due to my sprained ankle, subsequent pain in my neck and shoulder from realigning (misaligning my body) and a whole lot of other reasons, I won’t be running in this year’s Brooklyn Half-Marathon.
When I did run in 2006, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. What exhilaration? What a sense of accomplishment!
Back then the race started on the boardwalk and ended in Prospect Park. Now they’ve reversed the course: the race begins in our great park and ends in glorious Coney Island.
On the boardwalk, by the ocean.
The race starts at Prospect Park’s Well House Drive (directions and loads of information here). Turn left onto West Drive and complete two counterclockwise loops of Prospect Park. Exit the park at the southwest corner (the second exit), turn right onto Park Circle, and continue to the Fort Hamilton Parkway/Ocean Parkway entrance ramp. A fork to the left of the road will take you to the Ocean Parkway entrance ramp. Continue south on Ocean Parkway, turn right (west) on Surf Avenue, turn left onto the boardwalk entrance ramp near West Fifth Street (between the handball courts and the Aquarium), and then make an immediate right onto the Coney Island Boardwalk. The finish line is located on the boardwalk between Fifteenth and Sixteenth streets.
Here’s the Brooklyn Half Checklist for those who are running. It’s what you need to know about the race.
* The race starts at 7:00 a.m. Runners should be in their corrals by 6:50 a.m.
* The weather forecast predicts a warm day. Read our heat tips.
* There are NO shuttle buses from Coney Island to the start. While parking is available at MCU Park in Coney Island, runners must take the subway to start. [Transportation Info]
* Make sure your scoring D-Tag is attached correctly. The D-Tag should be shaped like a D and looped through one lace only.
* Runners must use the clear plastic drawstring bag given to them at number pickup for baggage service. No other bags will be accepted. Runners are advised to check their bag by 6:30 a.m.
* Join us after the race for the Brooklyn Beach Party.
* And don’t forget to grab your Brooklyn Half coupon book and get beautiful, baby! Brooklyn rocks!