{"id":283649,"date":"2026-07-01T15:22:02","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:22:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/283649\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T15:22:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T15:22:02","slug":"hundreds-of-runners-raced-across-boroughs-at-brooklyn-queens-brewery-express-half-marathon-qns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/283649\/","title":{"rendered":"Hundreds of runners raced across boroughs at Brooklyn Queens Brewery Express Half Marathon \u2013 QNS"},"content":{"rendered":"

Amid warmer temperatures on Saturday, June 13 at 5 p.m., racers from all corners of the boroughs pushed their strides through various neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Queens for 13.1 miles. The afternoon\u2019s participants ended their journey at Ridgewood<\/a>\u2018s Bridge and Tunnel Brewery<\/a> over a pint, bringing together the running community that spanned from novice to seasoned.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"Photo by Andy (@workrunrepeat)<\/p>\n

Organized by Queens Rebels Run Crew<\/a>, the unsanctioned street race challenged runners on an interborough adventure through constantly changing urban scenery. Once past the start line at 78-60 73rd Pl., the participants traversed three main avenues: Myrtle Avenue, Bushwick Avenue and Jamaica Avenue. Several corners were filled with spectators cheering the participants on, showcasing a sense of camaraderie that Adam Golovizki, the founder of Queens Rebels Run Crew and race director of the BQBE Half Marathon, sought to cultivate.<\/p>\n

In spite of the hot weather that hovered over 85 degrees, scores of runners were more than ready to trot the boroughs\u2019 streets armed with hydration bottles and energy gels. In terms of hydration, there were opportunities to replenish at aid stations marked at certain points. In various turns, stationed volunteers provided much-needed directions for runners to heed. Because of the field size, plenty of fellow runners of similar pace were beside or behind other racers, ensuring no one was left behind.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin
\n\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

The course also wound past the following neighborhoods: Glendale, Ridgewood, Bushwick, East New York, Jamaica<\/a>, Woodhaven<\/a> and Richmond Hill<\/a>. The ever-changing landscape, paired with steep elevation and climbs, adds a rigorous edge to the physically demanding course.<\/p>\n

At roughly a quarter mile before the finish line, runners were met with unabashed cheers from fellow racers and organizers \u2014 complete with a finisher\u2019s medal to be placed over one\u2019s head and a limited edition pint glass (and a slice of pizza) in hand.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Huy Duong (@huyduong99)<\/p>\n

Reflecting on the half marathon\u2019s tenth anniversary, Golovizki found it a rewarding experience to bring the sport to locals.<\/p>\n

\u201cReaching Year 10 is a milestone that I\u2019m proud of. I never felt any pressure to keep going with it, and it is always something I really enjoy doing,\u201d said Golovizki to QNS. \u201cEach year, people start mentioning the race to me before I\u2019m even thinking about it, so I find that very motivating.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I founded the race in 2016, I knew almost every racer personally,\u201d added Golovizki. \u201cAs we started attracting runners from all over for years two and three, I was always sure the race would become a victim of its own success by becoming too overblown. However, the past four years have been somewhat the same, with close to 300 registered and almost 200 racing each time. I\u2019m happy about that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Paulina Albarracin<\/p>\n

\u201cFor me to get the running community together from all over the city is my greatest contribution,\u201d shared Golovizki. \u201cI\u2019m always happy to see people come from all across the boroughs to participate. I\u2019m always grateful for my out-of-state and people from other countries joining, but my real joy is in getting the city together. Previously, when there was less saturation of running groups, people had to travel to get together, which made it more special. I was happy to see that old school vibe at the finish [line] this year.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Huy Duong (@huyduong99)<\/p>\n

In terms of goals for the BQBE Half Marathon\u2019s future installments, he stated that it would be \u201cmore of the same.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf it ain\u2019t broke, don\u2019t fix it,\u201d asserted Golovizki. \u201cI just keep adding little tweaks like chip timing [and] real custom medals. The race is only a success because of what the racers bring to it, I just lay the framework.\u201d<\/p>\n

Approximately 2,000 runners have raced the BQBE Half Marathon since its first year, cementing itself as a local fixture in the Queens running scene.<\/p>\n

\"\"Photo by Andy (@workrunrepeat)<\/p>\n

The Brooklyn Queens Brewery Express Half Marathon winners were Nia Holden (women\u2019s winner in one hour, 32 minutes and 57 seconds) and Chinedu Ogueri (men\u2019s winner in one hour, 35 minutes and 45 seconds).<\/p>\n

For more information about Queens Rebels Run Crew and upcoming races, follow their Instagram<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n