Empire State Half Marathon
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Empire State Half Marathon & 5k : overview
The event takes place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, NY. It includes the following races and challenge options:
- 13.1 miles (Empire State Half Marathon)
- 5 km (Empire State 5k)
- Empire State Challenge (half marathon + 5k)
- Empire State Challenge (Empire Half Marathon + Garden State 10 Miler)
Bibs are available for pickup at Road Runner Sports (Paramus) and at the race site. Lodging options are listed in nearby Nanuet and Spring Valley.
Course, services and awards
The course is a USATF-certified loop around Rockland Lake. The half marathon covers 13.1 miles and the course shows 135 feet of total elevation gain; the highest point is 170 feet and the lowest is 155 feet. There are three aid stations on course offering both water and Gatorade.
An Elite Athlete Program provides complimentary entry, personal water stations, and preferred baggage claim; some athletes may be offered lodging. Prize money (noted as new for 2025) is set for top finishers and teams, with individual awards of $500, $300, and $200 for top places and team prizes for top teams. Half marathon and 5k medals are awarded in five-year age groups from 19 and under through 70+. Finishers who complete both the Empire State Half and the Garden State 10 Miler (or the Empire 5k) receive an Empire State Challenge medal. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
