Runners Rejoice; Drivers Beware: Ocean Pkwy to Close For Marathon

We just got wind of this today, so this article is geared more towards the “Driver’s Beware” part of the headline. New York Road Runners has planned a mini-marathon tomorrow that will close down a large section of Ocean Parkway, making a cross-Brooklyn commute quite a hassle. The marathon begins on Center Drive in Prospect Park and runs down Ocean Parkway until the Coney Island boardwalk. NYC.gov has issued the following information about closings (though they describe the course in reverse):

The following streets in Brooklyn will be closed from 9:00 am to noon for the Brooklyn Half Marathon: Start on the Coney Island Boardwalk at West 2nd Street, head west to a turnaround located at West 37th Street. Proceed east to West 10th Street. Exit off West 10th Street to Surf Avenue. East on Surf to Ocean Parkway. Left/north on Ocean Parkway to Prospect Expressway. Prospect Expressway to Park Circle. Enter Prospect Park at Park Circle onto South Lake Drive. Head east on the South Lake Drive. Follow to East Drive around the northern end of the Park, and then head south on the West Drive. Left/east onto Hill Drive to East Drive. Left/north onto East Drive to Central Drive. Left/west on Central Drive. Finish in Prospect Park, on Central Drive.

Because of the race – and normal weekend traffic conditions – expect the Belt Parkway to be backed up and plan accordingly.

On the upside: if you have no plans tomorrow, consider heading to Coney Island. As part of the promotion for the marathon, NY Road Runners has arranged discounts for many Coney Island businesses and attractions. Not a runner? Don’t worry – the organization has posted printable “bibs” that anyone can use to take advantage of the deals. (Click here to see participating businesses.)

There will also be a beach party and post-race festival near the finish line at the West 2nd Street boardwalk ramp.