Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon Draws Record Crowd And Inspires Runners

Brooklyn is gearing up for a running spectacle unlike any other this spring as the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon returns with a fresh twist and a record-breaking crowd. The pre-race Expo, now relocated to the historic Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse, promises to be a vibrant hub for more than 80,000 running enthusiasts from April 23 to April 25, 2026. With over 25,000 runners expected to hit the streets on race day, Sunday, April 26, this half marathon is officially the fastest-growing race in the United States.

For those who have followed the Brooklyn running scene, this event’s meteoric rise is nothing short of extraordinary. Launched in 2011 as the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Marathon with just 262 finishers in Prospect Park, the event has evolved rapidly. The half marathon joined the lineup in 2018 and, by 2023, had become a standalone event. Last year, a staggering 24,603 runners crossed the finish line, making it the third largest half marathon nationwide. As Steve Lastoe, Founding CEO of NYCRUNS, puts it: “Moving the Brooklyn Experience Expo to the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse allows us to focus even more on our mission to support small businesses in Brooklyn. We’re constantly looking for ways to connect our community to all that Brooklyn’s small businesses have to offer, from visiting a unique local shop on the way to the Expo to grabbing a meal at a cozy neighborhood restaurant afterward.”

The Expo’s new home at 73 West Street in Greenpoint is not just a logistical move—it’s a statement. Runners will pick up their bibs and race shirts, check their bags, browse official Brooklyn Experience gear, and get last-minute tips on course strategy. The event will also spotlight local businesses, with exhibitors and vendors offering everything from running essentials to post-race treats. The Expo runs Thursday, April 23 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday, April 24 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The course itself is a love letter to Brooklyn. It kicks off at McCarren Park, straddling the trendy neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Greenpoint. From there, runners will wind along the East River waterfront, darting under the iconic Williamsburg, Manhattan, and Brooklyn Bridges—each offering jaw-dropping views of the Manhattan skyline. The journey continues through downtown Brooklyn, up the historic stretches of Fulton Street and Flatbush Avenue, past the grandeur of Grand Army Plaza, and finally, a triumphant finish in the lush expanse of Prospect Park. For both seasoned marathoners and first-timers, this is a route that’s as challenging as it is inspiring.

But what does it take to cross that finish line? For many, the journey begins months in advance. Take Michaela Dickson, a fitness enthusiast who, after years of watching the New York City Marathon, finally took the plunge and signed up for the Brooklyn Half. “Every year since 2016, I’ve always said, ‘My New Year’s resolution is to run a 5k or to get into distance running,’” she recalls. Once her spot was confirmed, the clock was ticking—she had just six months to transform from a casual gym-goer to a half marathon finisher.

Michaela’s story is one of persistence, setbacks, and ultimately, triumph. Despite her active background, running proved unexpectedly tough. “I started on a track and I would break down in tears because I could not finish a mile. I thought to myself, ‘How on earth are you going to do a 26-mile marathon? You can barely even run 0.7 of a mile.’” Her early weeks involved two to three short runs, often totaling just three to five miles a week. Progress was slow and, at times, demoralizing. “It took about 25 runs to feel good. I felt like I was making zero progress.”

Her breakthrough came with run/walk intervals. “I swear by this. It’s the best way to build your endurance. I would run for seven minutes, walk for three, run for seven, walk for three, and I could get to four miles. I thought, ‘This is amazing.’” As her fitness improved, she gradually increased her running intervals and reduced the walking breaks, eventually running two miles before needing a rest. The process, she says, was surprisingly effective.

Of course, the road to race day is rarely smooth. Michaela’s 17-week training plan was interrupted by injuries and illness, including sharp foot pain and a severe chest illness that sidelined her for weeks. “The biggest thing that I had to learn was sometimes you have to take breaks.” Despite these setbacks, she learned to prioritize recovery and consistency, key lessons for anyone preparing for a distance race.

Accountability was crucial. “The biggest thing was just signing up and booking the race,” Michaela says. Watching the New York Marathon inspired her to enter the Brooklyn Half lottery. Once accepted, there was no turning back. “I got accepted with just under five months to train. My credit card [got charged]. I thought, ‘There are no excuses now. I have to do this because I can’t get out there and embarrass myself.’”

Alongside personal stories like Michaela’s, the running community is full of adventurous spirits seeking new ways to keep training fresh. Theo Kahler, news editor at Runner’s World and a former collegiate runner, took a novel approach during his New York City Marathon build-up last August. On a hot morning near Easton, Pennsylvania, Kahler was blindfolded by a friend and dropped off nine miles from home, then challenged to navigate back without GPS. “I felt confident during the ride. I pride myself on my sense of direction,” he wrote. The experiment, though, proved humbling. After a series of wrong turns and a few brushes with busy highways, Kahler finally recognized familiar landmarks and made his way home, clocking 16.88 miles—almost two miles more than planned. “Was it a resounding success? Debatable. But did I achieve my goal of mixing things up and discovering new roads? One hundred percent.”

For both experienced runners and newcomers, the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon is more than a race—it’s a celebration of perseverance, community, and the ever-evolving spirit of Brooklyn. As the city’s running clubs, local businesses, and thousands of athletes prepare for race weekend, the anticipation is palpable. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running for fun, or just soaking up the electric atmosphere, Brooklyn is ready to welcome you this April.

With the Expo set to bring together tens of thousands in Greenpoint, and the race promising unforgettable views and a festival-like finish in Prospect Park, the 2026 Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon looks poised to set new records and inspire countless more stories of grit, growth, and joy on the run.