Rockland Lake State Park, Congers NY
Sunday, October 4th, 2026
Race Overview
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 Details
- Certification: The course is a USATF-certified loop around scenic Rockland Lake.
- Elevation: The course has 135' of elevation over the 13.1 miles.
- Flat Loop: The difference between its highest elevation point (170') and lowest (155') is just 15', making it a pancake flat loop.
- Link: Check the Rockland Lake Half Marathon Strava Segment.
Fueling Stations
- Aid Stations: There are three aid stations with both water and Gatorade along the course.
Elite Athlete Program (EAP)
- Complimentary Entry: The EAP provides a complimentary entry.
- Preferred Baggage Claim: Personal water stations provided.
- Free Lodging: Offered for some athletes.
- Contact: 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 Masters
- $200: 3rd M/F and 3rd M/F Masters
Team Prize Structure
- $500: Top M/F Teams (3/Team)
HM and 5k Medals: 5 Year Age Groups
- Top 3 Finishers: For male/female finishers in age groups 19 and under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
- Special Prize: HM AG Winners win ice cream from the Sweet Guy Ice Cream Truck
Bib Pickup
- Locations: Bibs can be picked up at Road Runner Sports (Paramus) on Friday evening (5pm-7pm), Saturday morning (10am-1), or at the race site on Sunday morning.
Empire State Challenge Medal
- Eligibility: 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.
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 the official race page: Empire State Half Marathon.
