On Saturday, May 30, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz joined nearly 10,000 runners at the Prospect Park start line for the NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix Presented by Continental Airlines: Brooklyn, a 13.1-mile journey that took participants through the streets of Brooklyn. New this year, runners finished on the famous Coney Island boardwalk, and shops, restaurants and attractions offered discounts in connection with the event, and families participated in race-day events, including free kids beachfront activities and a kids run held at KeySpan Park. New York Road Runners presented the race in partnership with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the Council Member’s office of Coney Island and the Coney Island Development Corporation.

The men’s winner was Hector Rivera of Clifton, NJ, who finished with a time of 1:08:22 (Brooklyn’s own Felipe Garcia came in second with 1:08:59), and leading the women was Heidi Hullinger of the New York Athletic Club with a time of 1:19:40.

“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 Mary Wittenberg, president and CEO of the New York Road Runners. “And, what better location to finish than on one of New York’s most beloved attraction sites, the Coney Island boardwalk.”

“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 was no different for today’s half-marathon,” said Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, who cheered on thousands of runners as they began their journey in Prospect Park. “Congratulations to all those who made their way from our gorgeous Prospect Park to ‘America’s Favorite Playground.’”

“Coney Island is the best destination in New York City, and nothing demonstrates that like the thousands of runners who finished the New York Road Runner’s half-marathon on our boardwalk today,” said Councilman Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. “This is an exciting day for a community on the verge of a rebirth, and a fantastic way to start the summer season. I’m particularly thankful for the local businesses who stepped up to offer special discounts for the runners, their families and friends.  For some of the runners who arrive here today, this could be their first time in Coney Island, but I’m sure it won’t be their last.”

“Year after year, the Brooklyn Half-Marathon offers runners a unique tour of this vibrant borough,” said New York City Sports Commissioner Kenneth J. Podziba. “This year, I think the Brooklyn Half participants were especially excited to have the opportunity to finish their 13.1-mile journey on Coney Island’s famous boardwalk. Featuring a host of family friendly attractions, Coney Island’s famous amusement district offered myriad options for runners to celebrate after the race. I hope the runners and their families enjoyed a fun-filled day experiencing all that Coney Island has to offer.”

“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.”

Participating Coney Island businesses included Rock and Ride at the Polar Express; The New York Aquarium; Astella Development Corporation; Sneaker Town Sport Gear; Cosme’s Electronics; Pizza On the Run; Mermaid Food Plaza; Golden Krust Bakery and Grill; Footprints Café South; Gargiulo’s Restaurant; Peggy O’Neill’s Bar; The Brooklyn Cyclones; Ringling Bros. Circus; Ragazzi Pizza; Nathan’s Hot Dogs; Coney Island Beach Shop; Cha Cha’s Nightclub; Cyclone roller coaster; Coney Island History Project; Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park; and El Dorado’s Bumper Cars.

Park Slope/Windsor Terrace/Prospect Heights restaurants that offered runners a “carb loading” the night before the race included Sotto Voce; Alta Voce; Aperitivo Café; Melt; Blue Ribbon; Barrio; Playa; Gialeti’s Café; 12th Street Bar & Grill; Cataldo’s; and DUB Pies.

Community groups Coney Island Generation Gap and Horizons/Jewish Community Council also took part in the festivities.

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.

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