The Empire State Half Marathon & 5K is a running event held at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York on October 4, 2026. The race offers multiple distance options: a 1-mile run, 5K, half marathon, and a 16.2-mile option. The event starts at 8:00 AM. Entry fees range from $20 to $115 depending on distance and registration timing. The park setting provides a natural venue for endurance athletes training for fall racing. With options spanning from a mile to over 16 miles, the event accommodates runners at various fitness levels and training phases. If you're traveling to compete, plan to arrive early to accommodate the standard morning start time and allow time for parking and pre-race preparation at the state park location.
From the Race Organizer
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 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-1), 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
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Congers, NY. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for October 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Congers, NY.
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 Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY?
Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY takes place on October 11, 2026. The race is held in Congers, New York.
Where is Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY held?
Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY is held at Rockland Lake State Park in Congers, New York.
Where can I find hotels near Empire State Half Marathon & 5k 2026 — Congers, NY?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Congers. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
