NYRR's RBC Brooklyn Half sets new marathon record
BROOKLYN (WABC) -- Brooklyn's streets and shoreline came alive Saturday as a record 30,341 runners crossed the finish line of the RBC Brooklyn Half,making it the largest half-marathon in both New York Road Runners (NYRR) history and the United States.
The race, widely regarded as the unofficial start to summer, once again showcased the borough's vibrant running culture with a scenic 13.1-mile journey from Prospect Park to the iconic Coney Island boardwalk.
Organized by NYRR, the nonprofit behind more than 60 annual races and year-round community programs, the event highlighted Brooklyn's deep local engagement. More than 20 percent of participants were borough residents, with strong representation from neighborhoods including Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, and Crown Heights.
The men's race delivered a thrilling finish, with Abraham Longosiwa winning in his half-marathon debut. The Hofstra University senior crossed the line in 1:04:32, edging out Ryan Kutch by just three seconds. Owen Ritz followed close behind, only eight seconds off the lead. For Longosiwa, the victory capped an already memorable weekend.
"This is a good step in my long-distance running career," he said. "Tomorrow I'll be celebrating two things-my graduation ceremony and my win."
On the women's side, Fatima Alanis of Central Park Track Club made an equally impressive debut, finishing in 1:13:11. Alanis, who moved to New York City just a year ago, credited both her training and the race-day environment. "The people cheering and running the streets of Brooklyn made it so special," she said. Her club dominated the podium, sweeping the top four positions.
Brooklyn Track Club's Danica Reinicke led the nonbinary division, winning in 1:18:17.
"The vibes were amazing," they said after the race. "It's such a pretty course - and now I'm about to go jump into the ocean."
Beyond elite competition, the event underscored NYRR's commitment to community and inclusivity. Around mile 12, runners passed 1,456 young participants competing in the largest-ever Boardwalk Kids Run, part of NYRR's free youth programming that serves thousands of children across the city.
This year, NYRR also expanded its focus on runner safety. For the first time, the organization offered free hands-only CPR training during race week at the event expo. The initiative is part of a broader push to equip runners, volunteers, and spectators with life-saving skills and emergency preparedness knowledge.
The field itself reflected a wide range of personal stories.
Among the finishers were first-time runners, professional athletes, Broadway performers, and individuals overcoming personal challenges. Coney Island resident Jessica Aguilar, who was once told she might never run again after a serious accident, completed the race alongside her daughter's participation in the youth run. "I realized I never lost the runner in me-I rebuilt her," she said
RELATED: Woman running RBC Brooklyn Half reclaims joy and purpose after losing part of leg
Meanwhile, Brooklyn runner Kenneth Serrano ran in memory of a friend lost last year, and Broadway star Keri René Fuller finished her first race before heading straight to perform in Wicked that same day.
RELATED: RBC Brooklyn Half runner channeling the spirit of his loved ones during his races
Eyewitness News anchors Liz Cho and Mike Marza completed the half-marathon on Saturday.
The RBC Brooklyn Half is one of six races in NYRR's Five-Borough Series, which celebrates each borough's unique character while bringing communities together through running. With record participation and a powerful mix of competition and personal triumph, this year's event reaffirmed its status as one of New York City's most beloved traditions.
RELATED: RBC Brooklyn Half participant says running has profoundly changed his life
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
