Empire State Half Marathon
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Empire State Half Marathon & 5k - October 11, 2026
The event takes place at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York, north of the New Jersey New York border. The program includes multiple race options and a combined challenge option.
Distances
- Empire State Half Marathon - 13.1 Miles
- Empire State 5k - 5K
- Empire State Challenge (HM & 5k) - 16.2 Miles
- Empire State Challenge (Empire HM and Garden State 10) - 23.1 Miles
The half marathon course is a USATF certified loop around Rockland Lake. The course profile shows about 135 feet of total elevation over 13.1 miles, with a highest point of 170 feet and a lowest point of 155 feet, a 15 foot difference between high and low.
There are three aid stations on course offering water and Gatorade. Finishers receive a medal and a technical race shirt. Prize money is awarded to top male and female finishers and masters as follows: $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third; top teams receive $500. Age group medals are awarded in five year groups from 19 and under through 70 and over; top three in each male and female age group are recognized. Half marathon age group winners receive ice cream from the Sweet Guy Ice Cream Truck.
An Elite Athlete Program offers complimentary entry, personal water stations, preferred baggage claim, and possible lodging for selected athletes. Bib pickup is available at Road Runner Sports in Paramus on the days before the race or at the race site on race morning. Nearby hotels are listed as lodging options. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
