A man running the Brooklyn Half Marathon sadly passed away during the race after he collapsed on the course.
Charles Rogers, a 31-year-old Manhattan man, was competing in the popular annual race when he suffered cardiac arrest just past the halfway mark.
According to police and race officials, Rogers collapsed around 8:11AM at Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue — approximately mile 8 on the course, per the New York Post
Emergency medical services responded quickly, performing CPR before transporting Rogers to Maimonides Medical Center. Tragically, he could not be saved.
People reports that it was Rogers’ first time competiting in the race.
“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”.
“We took proactive steps to strengthen on-course support and emergency readiness,” their statement read.
Rogers’ wife, Sydney, later confirmed his death from their home in Lower Manhattan.“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, who worked as a Small Medium Business (SMB) Specialist for Verizon since 2020, was not only running for personal achievement — he was also racing for a cause.
According to a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, Rogers was running to raise money for team for kids , an organization under New York Road Runners that supports youth and community programs aimed at promoting healthy habits through running.
“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.”
More than 28,000 runners were expected to participate in this year’s Brooklyn Half Marathon, organized by New York Road Runners.
The course started at the Brooklyn Museum, wound through Washington Avenue and Prospect Park, and concluded with a scenic finish along the iconic 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.”
