Brooklyn Half Marathon Canceled Over Coronavirus

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — The Brooklyn Half Marathon won't make it to the finish line thanks to the coronavirus.

Organizers for the event — officially known as the Popular Brooklyn Half — announced its cancelation Friday. Mayor Bill de Blasio that morning made clear City Hall would not issue permits for large events in May to halt the coronavirus' spread.

"We're canceling those events," he said.

The Half Marathon was scheduled for May 16.

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An anticipated 27,000-plus runners were expected to race in what is the largest half-marathon in the country, according to New York Road Runners.

The cancelation also affects the accompanying Rising New York Road Runners youth event, a release states.

"Registered runners will have the option of choosing either a full refund of their entry fee or guaranteed non-complimentary entry for next year’s Brooklyn Half in May 2021," the release states.

But the cancelation doesn't mean runners won't stop running. Organizers have set up the NYRR Virtual Brooklyn Half, during which socially-distanced runners can participate from May 1 to May 17.

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