In 67 days · Sun, Oct 11, 2026
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Sunday, October 11th, 2026
Rockland Lake State Park, Congers NY
Half · 5K · 10K
51–67°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 1 of the last 10 years
2025
48–65°F
dry
2024
44–69°F
dry
2023
46–68°F
dry
2022
45–69°F
dry
2021
59–72°F
dry
2020
59–65°F
dry
2019
52–61°F
dry
2018
68–74°F
rain
2017
61–72°F
dry
2016
44–62°F
dry
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About this race
The Empire State HM & 5k: October 11, 2026
The Empire State Half Marathon and 5k are on the flattest and fastest road course on the East Coast: Rockland Lake State Park. In just a few laps around the lake, just north of the NJ/NY border, you'll walk away with a big shiny medal, a tech race shirt, and hopefully a shiny new personal best!
Follow us on IG: @empirestatehalfmarathon for future updates!
Please arrive before 8am to avoid paying the park admission fee!
Race Schedule
- 8:00am: 5k Start
- 8:45am: HM Elite Introductions
- 9:00am: Half Marathon Start
- 9:15am: 5k Awards Available
- 10:00am: Beer Garden Opens
- 11:15am: Half Marathon Awards Available
Course
The course is a USATF-certified loop around scenic Rockland Lake.
Course Profile
As shown on the Rockland Lake Half Marathon Strava Segment, the course has 135' of elevation over the 13.1 miles. The difference between its highest elevation point (170') and lowest (155') is just 15', making it a pancake flat loop.
Fueling Stations
- Aid Stations: There are three aid stations with both water and Gatorade along the course.
Elite Athlete Program (EAP)
The EAP provides a complimentary entry, personal water stations, preferred baggage claim, and for some, free lodging. Please email empirestatehalfmarathon@gmail.com your running resume for consideration.
NEW for 2025:
Individual Prize Structure
- $500: Top M/F and top M/F Masters
- $300: 2nd M/F and 2nd M/F Master
- $200: 3rd M/F and 3rd M/F Master
Team Prize Structure
- $500: Top M/F Teams (3/Team)
HM and 5k Medals: 5 Year Age Groups
Top 3 finishers to male/female finishers in 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+. HM AG Winners win ice cream from the Sweet Guy Ice Cream Truck.
Bib Pickup
Bibs can either be picked up at Road Runner Sports (Paramus) on Friday evening (5pm-7pm), Saturday morning (10am-1pm), or at the race site on Sunday morning.
Empire State Challenge Medal
Any runner finishing both the Empire State Half Marathon and the Garden State 10 Miler (or the Empire State 5k) will receive the Empire State Challenge Medal at the conclusion of the Empire State Half.
Lodging
- Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Nanuet: 425 NY-59, Nanuet, NY 10954, 845-623-6000
- Element Spring Valley: 90 Spring Valley Market Place, Spring Valley, NY 10977, 845-694-8200
- Hilton Garden Inn: 270 W Route 9, Nanuet, NY 10954, 845-623-0600
For more details, visit Empire State Half Marathon.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Congers to train with before race day.
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