NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix Presented by Continental Airlines: BrooklynMay 30, 2009 [Results] |
| This race has been on the NYRR annual calendar since 1981, but the 2009 running was something really special: a new course from Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk delivered thousands of runners—and their fans—to “America’s playground.” An event-record 9,629 people completed the 13.1-mile course, and thousands more joined them post-race for fun and frolicking at the beach and at area attractions. Brooklyn politicians joined the festivities on a day that celebrated the best of NYC’s most populous borough. | |||
 The race started early on a sparkling summer morning in Prospect Park. |
 Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz posed with runners on the starting line. |
 The leaders awaited the starting horn under a brilliant green canopy. |
 Most runners felt fresh in Prospect Park… |
 …but they were wise to conserve their energy for the miles ahead. |
 A whopping 61 members of Prospect Park Track Club finished the race. |
 Spectators lined the roadways to show their support. |
 The course exited the park onto Ocean Parkway for the middle miles. |
 Abderrahim Ezzyani (#1181) ran 1:37:14; John Whitfield (#718) finished in 1:35:27. |
 There was entertainment aplenty in the finish area. |
 Men’s winner Hector Rivera celebrated his 1:08:20 finish. |
 The women’s winner was an exuberant Heidi Hullinger in 1:19:40. |
 Runners covered just over half a mile on the fabled Coney Island boardwalk. |
 Lindsay Caruso cruised past the amusement park on the way to a 1:56:05 finish. |
 NYC politicians handed out water to thirsty runners at the finish. |
 The sight of the Parachute Jump drew tired runners to the finish line. |
 Ringling Bros. circus entertainers made sure there was no post-race letdown. |
 After a hot run, a few runners cooled off in the dunk… |
 …while others seemed to be just warming up. |
 NYC Sports Commissioner Ken Podziba joined his family for the kids’ races. |
 Kids’ races took place in KeySpan Park... |
 …and attracted hundreds of finishers ages 2-12. |
 Other kids’ activities included a tug-of-war in the sand. |
 On this day, at this race, corn dogs made the perfect post-race snack. |
 Members of Hellgate Road Runners relaxed on the boardwalk after their 13.1 miles. |
 Miles logged, feet up, sunscreen on…ahhhhh! |
 Planning Sunday’s training run—not! |
 Life’s a beach! |
