The Palisades Half Marathon starts at 9:00 AM, giving travelers from the surrounding area a reasonable window to arrive. Held in Fort Lee, New Jersey at Palisades Interstate Park, this September event offers a half-marathon distance for runners looking to test themselves on established courses. Entry fees range from $55 to $130 depending on registration timing and package selection. The park setting provides a natural backdrop for the race experience. If you're traveling to compete, plan your hotel stay to allow comfortable arrival before the morning start, keeping in mind the Northeast's September weather patterns and typical traffic conditions in the Fort Lee area.
From the Race Organizer
The Palisades Half Marathon and Trail Run are back for 2026! Both races will take place on Sunday, September 27th. Registration for both the Palisades Half Marathon and 6K Trail Run are now open. Both races start and finish at Fort Lee Historic Park. The newly updated USATF certified Half Marathon course includes 13.1 paved miles with stunning views and over 1430 ft of elevation gain along the Palisades ridge. The new 6K Trail Run descends to the Shore Trail along the Hudson River, and climbs up the cliffs through tunnels and rugged crags, before connecting to the Long Path. Car parking will be available with information details forthcoming. Regular shuttle services between uptown Manhattan and Fort Lee, NJ will be ongoing before and throughout the event, with free bicycle parking and bag check on site as well. Registration for either race includes a free t-shirt and finish medal. All proceeds benefit the Palisades Parks Conservancy and the network of 29 state parks and historic sites that we serve, from the GW Bridge to the Catskill Mountains. COURSE MAPS: Half Marathon | 6K Trail Run ============================== BIB PICK-UP: Advanced Pickup Options: Tuesday, September 22 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM @Fort Lee Historic Park Packets Include: Bib and US grown cotton t-shirt, Energy gel and gummies, Printed course maps, and your bib number will be entered in a raffle to win a free Nuataaq water bottle Thursday, September 24 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM @Fleet Feet Columbus Circle Packets Include: Bib and US grown cotton t-shirt, Energy gel and gummies, Printed course maps, your bib number will be entered in a raffle to win a free Nuataaq water bottle, and a discount at Fleet Feet when you pick up your bib and shirt NOTE: IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND YOURSELF, SOMEONE ELSE CAN PICK UP ON YOUR BEHALF BY PRESENTING YOUR FORWARDED RACE REGISTRATION CONFIRMATION EMAIL. ALL ADVANCED PICK-UP PERKS ARE STILL INCLUDED! Day-of Bib & T-shirt Pick up Sunday, September 27 from 6:45 AM at the Start Festival @Fort Lee Historic Park Half Marathon participants must be in line by 7:30 AM Trail Run participants must be in line by 8:00 AM If you get in line after the times indicated above, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to receive your bib and participate in the races on time We strongly encourage participants to arrive on the earlier side to avoid long lines! Please note that if you pick up your bib the morning of the race, YOU WILL NOT receive your shirt until after the race. If you are already registered for the race, you should have received an email with a form to indicate which pickup you will be attending. Please reach out to race@palisadesparks.org if you did not receive an email. ============================== VOLUNTEERS: SIGN UP HERE We are actively recruiting volunteers for race day. Our volunteer crews help the race run smoothly by supporting check-in, running water stations, and providing guidance along the course. If you can commit to volunteering on race day, please fill out this volunteer form. ============================== CANCELATION, REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY All registration fees for this race are put directly toward the Palisades Parks Conservancy nonprofit's work of protecting, preserving, and enhancing the Palisades Parks. At this time, we cannot offer refunds or deferrals. We understand that injuries, emergencies, and obligations can come up. If you cannot attend the race, you may reach out to race@palisadesparks.org to transfer your registration to another person who can run in your place. The event will go on rain or shine, in the event of extreme inclement weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the race will be canceled and all registration fees will be converted to donations to support the Palisades Parks preservation work. We appreciate your understanding and your contributions to our small organization!
Course & Travel Notes
Head to Fort Lee, New Jersey on September 27th for the Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run, which kicks off at 9:00 AM—plenty of time after the 6:48 AM sunrise to grab breakfast and settle in. If you're flying in, Teterboro Airport is just 4.7 miles away, making it super convenient for a quick arrival. Pack layers since late September weather in this area typically ranges from around 60°F to a high of 78°F, and there's roughly a 29% chance of rain, so bring a light jacket and maybe a rain shell just in case. The venue sits at a modest 292 feet of elevation, so you won't be dealing with any serious climbing on race day.
⛰️ 292 ft elevation☀️ Typically 78°F / 60°F · 29% chance of rain✈️ Teterboro Airport (TEB) — 4.7 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Fort Lee, NJ. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Fort Lee, NJ.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ?
Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ takes place on September 27, 2026. The race is held in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Where is Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ held?
Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ is held at Fort Lee Historic Park in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
Where can I find hotels near Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Trail Run 2026 — Fort Lee, NJ?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Fort Lee. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.