New York, May 19, 2009—Nearly 10,000 runners plan to take part in the NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix Presented by Continental Airlines: Brooklyn, a 13.1-mile journey that starts in Prospect Park and finishes on the iconic boardwalk at Coney Island, on Saturday, May 30, it was announced today by New York Road Runners president and CEO Mary Wittenberg. The race is executed in partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the Council Member’s office of Coney Island, and the Coney Island Development Corporation.

“What a fabulous and unique opportunity for runners to celebrate the great people and sites of Brooklyn by participating in the Brooklyn Half-Marathon,” said Wittenberg. “And, what better location to finish than on one of New York’s most beloved attraction sites, the Coney Island boardwalk.”

New this year, runners will be finishing on the famous Coney Island boardwalk and more than 29 shops, restaurants, and attractions nearby will be offering discounts in connection with the event, including the famed Cyclone Roller Coaster, Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park, and the Ringling Bros. Circus. Runners will be able to show their race (bib) numbers to participating merchants to receive the race-day discounts, and spectators can partake by printing a special race number at www.nyrr.org. Families are urged to participate in race-day events, including free kids’ beachfront activities and a kids’ run held at Keyspan Field.

“New York City is the greatest running city in the world and Coney Island offers some of the most unique and exciting views anywhere,” said New York City Deputy Mayor Robert Lieber. “As we work to enhance and grow Coney Island’s iconic amusement district and the burgeoning neighborhood, I’m pleased we can celebrate this unique asset with one of the most special runs New York Road Runners puts on.”

Registration numbers are expected to reach an all-time record high and race officials anticipate almost double the 2008 finisher total of 5,832.

“On behalf of the Coney Island community, we are all very excited to welcome New York Road Runners,” said Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. “I’m thrilled that we’re starting off the summer season by hosting the finish line of such a prestigious race. To celebrate, more than 29 businesses have stepped up to the plate to offer special discounts for the runners and their families and friends. This promises to be an exciting day, and I’m confident that everyone who comes to Coney Island for the race will have such a good time, they’ll be back before the summer is over.”

The third race in the NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix Presented by Continental Airlines series brings runners to one of the most fan-filled boroughs of New York—Brooklyn. The Grand Prix welcomes runners of all abilities to race the popular half-marathon (13.1-mile) distance in each of New York City’s scenic five boroughs: Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

Approximately 11 miles of the ING New York City Marathon course is run through Brooklyn. The race takes nearly 40,000 runners every year through all five boroughs.

“Let’s face it, Brooklynites are never shy. And every year, runners in the ING New York City Marathon can count on loud, enthusiastic cheers from supporters lining the Brooklyn leg of the course. It will be no different on May 30,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz. “I will be joining thousands of excited fans cheering runners as they make their way from our gorgeous Prospect Park to ‘America’s Favorite Playground.’”

New York Road Runners
New York Road Runners, founded in 1958, is dedicated to promoting the sport of distance running, enhancing health and fitness for all, and responding to community needs. Our road races and other fitness programs draw upwards of 300,000 runners annually, and together with our magazine and website support and promote professional and recreational running. A staff of more than 100, assisted by thousands of volunteers, stages the ING New York City Marathon, as well as a road race nearly every weekend plus many track and cross country events. NYRR’s home base in New York, and its lifelong identification with Central Park, have given many of its events iconic status, attracting the world’s top professional runners. Our youth programs provide running to some 75,000 schoolchildren in New York City around the country, and in South Africa who would otherwise have few or no fitness opportunities. For more information, visit www.nyrr.org.

Brooklyn Borough President’s Office
The Brooklyn Borough President’s Office advocates for the needs of Brooklyn and its nearly 2.6 million residents, including affordable housing, public health, economic development, education, senior services, youth issues, zoning and uniform land use. The borough president also monitors the delivery of City services in Brooklyn, helping ensure Brooklynites have access to the help they need. In addition to serving as chair of the Borough Board and the Borough Service Cabinet, the borough president makes an appointment to the NYC Department of Education’s Panel for Educational Policy and appoints a member to the City Planning Commission. For more information on the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, visit www.brooklyn-usa.org.

Coney Island Development Corporation