Beneath the soft glow of a sunrise that painted the Brooklyn streets with hues of gold, thousands of determined runners gathered for a day of endurance and camaraderie.
Yet even as anticipation electrified the air, an undercurrent of tension ran alongside the pounding of feet on pavement. Among the countless competitors, one man’s story would end in heartbreak rather than triumph, leaving witnesses stunned and the running community in mourning.
Charles Rogers, a 31-year-old Manhattan resident who had trained with dedication and purpose, saw his journey tragically cut short when fate intervened in an unforeseen and devastating way.
Just beyond the halfway point of the challenging Brooklyn Half Marathon course, Rogers collapsed near Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue, approximately at the eight-mile marker, according to reports from the New York Post. The incident occurred at approximately 8:11 AM, sending a wave of concern through the crowd. Emergency responders, quick to react, administered CPR at the scene before rushing Rogers to Maimonides Medical Center. Despite their swift and determined efforts, the medical team was unable to save his life, and Rogers was pronounced dead at the hospital.
This year’s event marked Rogers’ first time participating in the popular race, highlighting his enthusiasm for running and his commitment to pushing himself toward new challenges. Crystal Howard, spokesperson for the New York Road Runners (NYRR), expressed the organization’s deep sorrow. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the loss of one of today’s runners,” she said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who cared for him.”
The NYRR emphasized that runner safety has always been a cornerstone of their mission. In their official statement, the group reaffirmed their dedication to the wellbeing of every participant and the broader community, noting that comprehensive safety protocols and enhanced emergency readiness were in place for the race.
At home in Lower Manhattan, Rogers’ wife, Sydney, confirmed the tragic news. She shared her heartbreak with The Post, describing her late husband’s unwavering passion for everything he pursued. “Charles gave his all in everything he did,” she said. “Though he leaves behind a family who will miss him dearly, he passed doing something he loved — giving everything he had.”
Professionally, Rogers was a valued member of the team at Verizon, working as a Small Medium Business Specialist since 2020. But his reasons for participating in the half marathon extended beyond personal achievement. He had chosen to run in support of Team for Kids, a charitable initiative run by NYRR dedicated to fostering healthy habits in young people and supporting local communities.
In a heartfelt social media post, Rogers explained his motivation: “I’m running to support Team for Kids, an incredible group of adult runners working to raise funds for youth programs that promote fitness and health. Your contribution will help empower children and communities to lead healthier, more active lives.”
