Sustainability at the RBC Brooklyn Half
Over 26,000 runners are expected to hit the streets of Brooklyn at the RBC Brooklyn Half on Saturday, May 18. In the days leading up to the race and on race day, NYRR will be rolling out sustainability efforts that will help minimize the environmental impact of one of the largest half marathons in the country. New York Road Runners works hard to embed sustainability in all that we do and commit to net zero emissions by 2040 and to be a leader in sports sustainability.
During Race Week
Join the NYRR RBC Brooklyn Half Plogging Event with NYRR coaches and staff on Friday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m. The word "plogging" comes from the Swedish term "plocka upp" meaning "to pick up" and is combined with the English term “jogging.” Participants will meet at the RBC Brooklyn Half Pre-Party Presented by New Balance located at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 2. The event is open to the public and no plogging experience is required. Runners and walkers of all paces are welcome to join! Sign up here.
On Race Day
- The 27,000 finisher medals will be made in the U.S.A. from 100% recycled steel and recycled PET ribbon.
- Discarded runner clothing at the start will be collected and donated to All of Us Clothing. Last year, 8,775 pounds of clothing was donated from the 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half.
- Green Team volunteers will be stationed at six Waste Diversion Stations sorting waste into separate categories (recycling, compost, heat sheets, and waste).
- Leftover food and recovery bags will be donated to City Harvest. Last year, 15,500 pounds of food was donated from the 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half.
- Gatorade and water cups will be composted at a compost farm in upstate New York.