NSRF Polar Bear Half Marathon
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Event overview
The Polar Bear Half Marathon & 5K is part of the NYC Parks Winter Series and takes place on January 24, 2026, at Prospect Park in Brooklyn. It is the fourth and final stop in the series. The event is offered as in-person and virtual options. Proceeds benefit the Never Stop Running Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit.
Distances:
- 5K
- Half marathon (13.1 miles)
Registration options include in-person and virtual entries for both distances. A bib mailing add-on is available for an extra fee if registered in advance. Early bird, regular, and race day pricing tiers are listed for in-person entries; virtual pricing is shown as a separate category.
Course, logistics, and amenities
Both routes use a USATF certified circuit inside Prospect Park. The start is south of Duck Island adjacent to St. Paul’s Place, about 365 meters northeast of the finish. The finish is at the Grecian Shelter historic landmark, the Peristyle. The 5K is one loop; the half marathon is four loops. Half marathon runners must pass through the finish on each loop for accurate split times and photos. Course support for the half marathon ends after 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Amenities include an informal bag check area, nearby bathrooms and porta-johns by the finish, hydration at the finish, and refreshments provided by event vendors. Live online results and same-day finish-line photos are available. Virtual participants have a one-week window to log a time and may upload up to five photos. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
