Brooklyn’s Progress Express
May 2009

BY JILL D’AMICO

The New York City Road Runners club, which organizes the annual NYC Marathon, has been hosting a Brooklyn Half Marathon for over 20 years. This might come as a surprise to the communities and businesses along the course, but this year, they are inviting the city to cheer on the finishers – as well as to meet Coney Island’s vendors, restaurants and retailers.

The NYRR Half-Marathon Grand Prix Presented by Continental Airlines: Brooklyn, takes place on Sat., May 30. The 13.1 mile course spans from one landmark to another: Prospect Park to Coney Island’s boardwalk.

In years past, runners crossed the finish line at Coney Island in the inhospitable months of February or March. By moving the event to a prime weekend after Memorial Day, the organization is looking to make the half marathon a season-long reason to come down to the beach, according to Ann Wells Crandall, senior vice president of marketing at NYRR. They already have surpassed their historic attendance of about 6,000 runners and are anticipating as many as 8,500 to take part.

“We altered the timing so we could be in Coney Island at a much better time for the runners, as well as the community,” said Ms. Crandall. “It’s really popular, and because of the fact that the timing was changed, it’s going to be even more popular.”

Business involvement
That push includes engaging businesses along the marathon route, especially at the finish line in Coney Island.

“In the past, you would go to the race, and you would run 13.1 miles and get back on the bus or in your car or on the subway and it was ‘see you next year’,” said Ms. Crandall. “A lot of people thought Coney Island was shut down this summer, so we’re partnering with the local community to say that’s not true at all – in fact, we have 8,500 people coming out and a number of opportunities for the local community to be engaged in the event.”

To that end, NYRR is partnering with groups like the Coney Island Development Corporation, as well as with local merchants and restaurants, to bring people out to learn about what Coney Island has to offer.

Several businesses in the area have already come together to promote the various other events taking place in Coney Island over the summer, including the arrival of the Ringling Brothers Circus, fireworks every Friday night, and the famous Mermaid Parade.

On May 30, runners who participate in the half marathon will be able to use their bibs to redeem special discounts at businesses throughout Coney Island. Non-runners will be able to print out bibs on the NYRR Web site to also take part in the discounts. Businesses who wish to participate should contact the NYRR by Friday to have their business listed on the “mock bibs.”

Already signed up for Race Day Discounts are the Coney Island Beach Shop and Deno’s Wonder Wheel Park.

“In a somewhat down economy this is an opportunity to have new people come out and see what you have to offer, whether it’s the Cyclones or Nathans hot dogs or Garguilo’s,” said Ms. Crandall. “You’re driving more people to your place, they’ll know about your establishment and they’ll tell other people.”

Word of mouth is also proving to help spread the word, and the NYRR are promoting the event with partnerships, through blogs and on posters they will be printing up for the occasion.

“That weekend there will be a buzz around in the community,” said Ms. Crandall. “It’s a real opportunity to galvanize around a purpose but we think that there’s lot of benefits before, during and after the event.”

Want to get involved? It’s not too late to add your business to the list – but you only have until Fri., May 8. For more information, go to www.nyrr.org or e-mail Ann Wells Crandall at acrandall@nyrr.org. For more information about Coney Island this summer, go to www.coneyislandfunguide.com or http://www.coneyislandisopen.com/.