Course Preview: Synchrony Financial Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn Half Marathon
Did you know that the month of October is the busiest month of the year for runners? Yup. There are more half marathons and marathons in October than any other month of the year. With, hopefully, ideal weather conditions, October is when many runners may experience a PR. And if you happen to running the Rock’n’Roll Brooklyn on October 14th, there’s a chance you could see your fastest half as well. Here are some notes on the course and what you can expect:
Arrive early. Security is tight so allow for some extra time to have your bags checked and get through some lines. If you arrive late, you may unnecessarily raise your heart rate because you’ll be nervous about missing your start time and that’s no way to go into a race.
This is a relatively flat course, but I’d still approach your first 5k somewhat cautiously because you’ll need your legs for the final 5k. Around mile 3, you have a quick climb and then it levels out for the next 6 or so miles.
What surprised me when I ran last year, was how much I enjoyed seeing runners on both sides of the street from miles 4.2 - 10. I saw the elites whiz by on the other side and cheered them on and loved hearing friends cheer me on as we passed each other as well. This is a great course to spread some love as you run.
Prospect Park is where you’ll either make or break your race. The hill from mile 12 - 13 is most definitely a hill and you’ll want to save your legs for this part of the course.
It’s a nice finish line chute and you’ll end up in the middle of Prospect Park for a great show by Brooklyn’s very own “Here We Go Magic.”
Enjoy Brooklyn. It’s a fantastic city with plenty to do and see.