05.22.11
As Good as Races Get: Brooklyn Half Marathon 2011
The Brooklyn half, my favorite NYC half marathon, was run on Saturday May 21. The course involves two-plus quite hilly laps of Prospect Park, followed by a straight and level run down Ocean Parkway to Coney Island, with a finish on the famous boardwalk.
It was a perfect day for such a race. The weather was friendly. There was no rain (surprising for NYC this spring). The 7:00 am start at Prospect Park is nevertheless a challenge for all participants, given the questionable nature of MTA transit at that time of day on a weekend.
The organization was excellent and the festivities at Coney Island at the finish most appropriate.
The biggest problem was that many budding entrants were not able to register. The cap on the race allowed only 6,000 finishers this year compared with over 7,000 in 2010. Many of my teammates were disappointed with simply not being able to register.
Personally, I ran and greatly enjoyed the 2009 and 2010 Brooklyn half marathons. Unfortunately an Achilles tear has me sidelined at present. However, that did not keep me away from cheering and partying at Coney Island.
Congratulations to all finishers! Be sure to diary this event for next year and do whatever it takes to secure an entry!
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