Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) has announced the start of its 2020 Brooklyn Waterfront Challenge, a competition that invites participants to run, walk or cycle a 131-mile exploration of Brooklyn’s iconic shoreline.
In light of social distancing, the month-long endurance competition is a reimagined version of BGI’s annual marathon, half-marathon, and 5K.
“For this marathon season, we’re excited to organize a race like no other: a month-long celebration of Brooklyn’s iconic waterfront and collective challenge to increase waterfront access throughout the borough,” said Terri Carta, BGI executive director.
The event gives participants an opportunity to witness harbor sunsets and explore waterfront neighborhoods while competing against other athletes online. Competitors will be treated to views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty as they traverse parks and piers along the Greenway.
Carta added that the Challenge offers a chance to rethink how New Yorkers move around and experience the waterfront. “From Transmitter Park in Greenpoint to Floyd Bennett Field in Marine Park (and much more), participants will see how much of the Greenway has been completed — as well its potential to bring green space, protected bike lanes and pedestrian paths to each and every Brooklynite,” she added.
Participants can register for the event here. Runners, walkers and cyclists who participate in the Challenge will log their progress and compete on an online leaderboard, and will receive the official 2020 Brooklyn Waterfront Challenge event t-shirt, a finisher medal, a competitor bib and a BGI buff face covering.
Friends can sign up and compete as teams and there are distance options to match athletes at every skill level.
“HNY Ferry proudly supports this innovative and exciting version of BGI’s annual marathon,” said Jeff Brault, public affairs manager at HNY Ferry, operator of NYC Ferry, the main sponsor of the Challenge. “The 2020 Waterfront Challenge will allow New Yorkers from across the five boroughs to safely explore the city’s historic waterfront while practicing social distancing.”
The Waterfront Challenge is also sponsored by Con Edison, Greenpoint Landing, Kiwi Energy, Ample Hills Creamery, Sixpoint Brewery and Wegmans. Public funding for the Challenge was provided by NYC Councilman Stephen T. Levin.
Last month, BGI hosted 2020 Greenway Ride, inviting cyclists to explore of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway throughout September.
