131-mile road race supports development of green space and mobility in the borough
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) announces today the start of the 2020 Brooklyn Waterfront Challenge, a running and cycling competition to support its mission to connect a stronger, healthier and greener Brooklyn.
In light of social distancing, BGI reimagined their annual Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K this year as a month-long endurance competition that challenges participants to run or bike the entirety of Brooklyn’s iconic 131-mile shoreline.
“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.
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.
“HNY Ferry proudly supports this innovative and exciting version of BGI’s annual marathon. 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,” said Jeff Brault, Public Affairs Manager at HNY Ferry, operator of NYC Ferry, the main sponsors of the Challenge.
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.
Participants can register for the event here. Runners, walkers and cyclists who participate in the Challenge will log their progress and compete on the Challenge’s online leaderboard and will receive the official 2020 Brooklyn Waterfront Challenge event t-shirt, Finisher Medal, Competitor Bib and a BGI buff face covering.
About Brooklyn Greenway Initiative
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the development, establishment and long-term stewardship of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway – a 26-mile protected and landscaped route for pedestrians and cyclists of all ages and abilities that, when complete, will connect Brooklyn’s storied and iconic waterfront, parks and open space, commercial and cultural corridors, and new tech and innovation hubs for 2.65 million Brooklyn residents, over 1.1 million people who work in Brooklyn, and more than 15 million annual visitors from across the City and around the world. BGI hosts numerous public events and programs designed to activate the Greenway and Naval Cemetery Landscape, foster critical support and stewardship for this vital public infrastructure, and build awareness and engagement of BGI as the organization dedicated to their long-term care.
About NYC Ferry
NYC Ferry operated by Hornblower, is the newest way for New Yorkers and visitors to “Work Live and Play”. The ferry service connects the New York boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx to provide critical transportation links for areas currently underserved by transit and connect them to job centers, tech hubs and schools in and around New York City.
CONTACT: Shreema Mehta, 631-747-6382, smehta@brooklyngreenway.org