NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon 2025

As I write this, it is 10:25 AM on a Saturday morning. I am about to go run seven miles, and frankly, I can’t wait. It’s a little cloudy outside, which I love. My running route, the Brooklyn Bridge Park piers, gives a perfect view of the Manhattan city skyline. Hopefully the clouds will not disrupt that view, but even if they do, even if I can only see the tips of the buildings through the mist over the water, I will be happy. I went for my first “real” runs in Albuquerque, New Mexico while visiting my grandparents. They sucked. It was hot and I was out of shape, but the clear view of the mountains in the distance enamoured me. I am not saying that good views make or break my runs. I will run wherever, even if it is a treadmill in front of a mirror at my gym. But even on that sad treadmill, running has become an art form for me. Not in the sense that I am the artist, creating some tapestry of athletics. Rather, everytime I run, I am appreciating something new. Whether it be how my body is feeling, how I am breathing, how the sunset looks today or a new jogger I keep passing, running allows me to sort of sit back and enjoy what life will bring. These are all very mundane things, yes, but I still find myself fascinated. Brooklyn is the perfect sandbox for this fascination. If it weren’t for the people, roads and neighborhoods that I run with every day, I may not be the runner I am now. As much as I am a runner, I am a Brooklynite. I want to give back to Brooklyn. That is why I am supporting Brooklyn Org. Whether it be youth development, immigrant rights or fair housing, Brooklyn Org is making Brooklyn a better place every day. If I can help support the beautiful borough that has allowed me to pursue my passions, I will be happy. I hope you will join me.