One runner is dead, sixteen injured at Brooklyn Half Marathon

Michelle Bocanegra

Published May 21, 2022

Modified May 21, 2022

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

Never miss a story

Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .

Photograph of a finish line for a race

a katz/Shutterstock

Michelle Bocanegra

Published May 21, 2022

Modified May 21, 2022

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail

We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

A runner who collapsed at the finish line after completing the Brooklyn Half Marathon died Saturday morning, according to police and fire department officials.

The runner, who has not been identified, was pronounced dead at Coney Island Hospital shortly after 9:40 a.m., according to police. Police cited possible cardiac arrest, but are currently investigating the situation.

Sixteen people were taken to the hospital, according to a final count from the fire department. Five people were reported to have serious injuries.

Eight people had injuries that were not life threatening, and four others had minor injuries, the department said.

The half marathon, presented by New York Road Runners, covers more than 13 miles. Today’s race came on the first hot day of the season in New York City. A heat advisory is in effect from noon until 8 p.m. on Saturday, with heat index values of 95 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit expected.

Trina Singian, a spokesperson from New York Road Runners, said in a statement that the organization had “medical staff placed from start to finish throughout the race course, who are ready to respond immediately to the medical needs of all runners, spectators, volunteers and staff."

The statement also addressed weather concerns: “In coordination and consultation with the city agency partners and weather experts, NYRR was closely monitoring weather conditions leading up to and during the race. Throughout the race, weather temperatures ranged from the low 60s to high 70s.”