Heartbreak As Athlete Dies During Brooklyn Half Marathon

Unfortunately, a man who was running the Brooklyn Half Marathon collapsed on the route and died during the event.

Just after the halfway point of the well-liked yearly marathon, 31-year-old Manhattan resident Charles Rogers went into cardiac arrest.

According to the New York Post, Rogers passed out at Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue, or roughly mile 8 on the route, at 8:11 AM, according to police and race officials.

Rogers was taken to Maimonides Medical Centre by emergency medical services, who arrived promptly and performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Unfortunately, there was no way to save him.

Rogers participated in the race for the first time, according to PEOPLE.

“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants,” said New York Road Runners Chief Communications and Community Coordinator Crystal Howard.

“On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones.”

Race officials from the NYRR have emphasized that “runner safety is a major priority,” and that the organization is committed “to maintaining the highest standards of safety — for both the running community and the broader public”.

According to their statement, “We took proactive steps to strengthen on-course support and emergency readiness.”

Later, Sydney, Rogers’ wife, verified his passing from their Lower Manhattan residence.

“Charles put everything he had into everything he did,” she told The Post. “While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.”

Rogers, a Verizon Small Medium Business (SMB) Specialist since 2020, was racing for a cause in addition to his own personal accomplishment.

Rogers was running to raise money for Team for Kids, a New York Road Runners organisation that supports kids and community initiatives that use running to promote healthy behaviours, according to an emotional statement on his Facebook page.

“Join me in supporting Team for Kids, a team of adult runners dedicated to raising funds for New York Road Runners youth and community programs,” Rogers wrote. “Your donation will be a powerful catalyst in empowering youth and communities to develop and encourage healthy habits through running.”

This year’s Brooklyn Half Marathon, which was organised by the New York Road Runners, is anticipated to draw over 28,000 runners.

Beginning at the Brooklyn Museum, the race meandered through Prospect Park and Washington Avenue before coming to a picturesque end along the famous Coney Island Boardwalk.

A comment on Rogers’ final social media post reads: “From one runner to another, thanks for supporting Team for Kids, and giving your life for the love of running and improving the lives of young people. You will be missed.”