On Saturday, May 17, 2025, what was supposed to be a day of celebration and cardio turned tragic when a 31-year-old man collapsed and later died while participating in the Brooklyn Half Marathon.
The runner, identified as Charles Rogers, a Manhattan resident, experienced a medical emergency approximately eight miles into the race. CPR was administered at the scene before Rogers was transported to Maimonides Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. This was Rogers’ first race with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), and he was running to support Team for Kids, a charity that funds youth and community running programs.
Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of NYRR, released a statement expressing the organization’s grief:
“It is with sadness and heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of one of today’s race participants. On behalf of the whole running community, we extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.”
Charles Rogers was known for his passion both on and off the track. A former football player at the University of Minnesota, Rogers had been working as a Small Medium Business Specialist at Verizon since 2020. He was remembered by his wife, Sydney Rogers, as someone who “put everything he had into everything he did.”
The running community and those who knew Rogers have expressed their sadness, highlighting his dedication to helping others and promoting fitness through his involvement with Team for Kids.
The Brooklyn Half Marathon, organized by NYRR, kicked off at 7 a.m. in Prospect Park, stretching 13.1 miles to the Coney Island Boardwalk. Race day conditions proved to be more challenging than usual, with temperatures soaring to 83°F. In anticipation of the heat, organizers had implemented additional safety measures, including increased hydration and misting stations along the course.
Despite these precautions, the intense weather combined with physical exertion posed severe risks. Medical experts warn that even well-conditioned athletes are vulnerable to heat-related emergencies, especially during endurance events.
This is not the first time the Brooklyn Half Marathon has been marred by tragedy. In 2022, David Reichman, a 30-year-old runner, also died after collapsing at the finish line of the same race. These repeated incidents have prompted some in the running community to question the safety of holding the race in warmer months, with suggestions to move it to a cooler part of the year to reduce risks.
While the exact cause of Rogers’ death is still under investigation, his passing underscores the importance of proper health screening and awareness of personal limits during athletic events. Cardiac issues are not uncommon in endurance sports, and heat-related illnesses can exacerbate underlying conditions.
In response to this tragedy, some experts recommend that athletes undergoing rigorous training participate in thorough cardiovascular screenings. Additionally, organizers might consider adjusting start times or implementing stricter heat protocols when conditions are particularly harsh.
Rogers’ passing has left a void, not only within the running community but among his family, friends, and colleagues who knew him as a passionate, dedicated individual.
May he rest in peace!
