NSRF Polar Bear Half Marathon
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Event overview
The Prospect Polar Bear Half Marathon & 5K is part of the NYC Parks Winter Series and is set for January 24, 2026. The event takes place in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, and is the fourth and final stop of the series. Proceeds benefit the Never Stop Running Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Race details
Both routes use a USATF certified circuit in Prospect Park. The start is located south of Duck Island adjacent to St. Paul’s Place, about 365 meters northeast of the finish. The finish is at the Grecian Shelter, the Peristyle historical landmark. The race offers live time tracking and split photos for the half marathon.
- 5K: one loop of the Prospect Park circuit
- Half marathon (13.1 miles): four loops of the same course
The half marathon has a course support cutoff and requires runners to begin the final loop by a specified time.
Amenities and registration
Registration options include in-person and virtual entries for both distances; bib mailing is available for an additional fee if requested in advance. Participants receive a Polar Bear T-shirt and medal. On-course and finish-line services include hydration at the finish, refreshments provided by event partners, bathrooms within a few minutes’ walk of the start and finish, porto-johns near the finish, and an informal bag-check area. Virtual participants may log times and upload photos during the event window. Age-group recognition is given across multiple categories up to 90+. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
