2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon
Princeton's HiTOPS Half Marathon winds through historic sites with a community feel.
Race Date
Nov 8, 2026
Location
Princeton, NJ
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Location
- Princeton, New Jersey
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, VIRTUAL HiTOPS Youth Run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 15,052
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon offers a scenic tour through historic Princeton, drawing runners from across the nation. First run in 2013 and now in its 12th edition, this USATF-sanctioned event typically sees around 1,700 finishers, with about a third returning each year, highlighting its enduring appeal.
The course winds through iconic locations, including the Princeton Battlefield, the Institute for Advanced Study, and past landmarks like Einstein's former home and Princeton University. While described as having a net drop, runner reviews suggest a challenging course with notable hills, making it a test for those seeking a personal best. The event supports HiTOPS, a non-profit dedicated to youth education and support.
With strong community support and a festive atmosphere, the race culminates in a celebration with awards and fundraising incentives. Runners appreciate the thorough pre-race communication and the convenience of ample parking, contributing to an overall positive race-day experience.
Race-provided description
Join us for the highlight event of the season on an iconic course in the heart of Princeton! All proceeds support HiTOPS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides sex education & LGBTQ+ support for young people throughout New Jersey. THE HALF MARATHON Sunday, November 8th, 2026, 7 AM Start. Iconic course located entirely in the heart of historic Princeton. Run through Princeton Battlefield, Institute for Advanced Study, past the home of Einstein, Princeton University, the Princeton Boathouse on Lake Carnegie Westminster Choir College, Mount Lucas and Herrontown Woods. USATF Sanctioned Grand Prix Event. Receive a commemorative medal, shirt, and bib Packet pickup will be available at Fleet Feet (Princeton Running Company) starting November 7thParticipants cannot exceed a 13 minute per mile pace.Limited field of 1800 runnersAwards for top 3 (male, female, nonbinary), top Princeton employee (male, female), 5-year age groups from 14 and under to 85+ (male, female)Incredible fundraising incentives including a registration refund. THE VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON You can complete your 13.1 miles at once or cumulatively between November 8th and November 22nd. Miles can be completed at any time during this period and at any place of your choosing. Enjoy our interactive online results tracking that will virtually move you around the HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon course. Receive a commemorative medal, shirt, and bib. Packet pickup will be available at Fleet Feet Princeton starting November 5thJoin our online celebration by sending us your training and finishing #runfies. Incredible fundraising incentives including a registration refund. VIRTUAL YOUTH RUN This “Just RUN” event for all young people up to 18 years of age, rewards any distance run between November 8th and November 22nd with a commemorative youth medal. This is perfect way to make this a family or team event. We hope that you’ll be a part of our HiTOPS Princeton Half community and run with us this year. Together we can go the distance!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 8, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Paul Robeson Place, Princeton, NJ, 08540
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban, Park
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Hilly
Net Drop/km
+0.09 m
Separation
1.1%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NJ17522JHP · Princeton Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9412 years running
~1,575 finishers a year
growing or steady
33% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources
runners from 37 states
winner 1:14:30
typical high 62°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
44°
Afternoon (High)
62°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
67%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 15,052 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
15,052
Median time
2:01:00
Latest turnout
1,711
States
49
Turnout by year
2017–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon?
The 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon is held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Princeton, New Jersey.
What distances does the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, VIRTUAL HiTOPS Youth Run.
Is the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon is a hilly, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 15,052 runners who have completed the 2026 HiTOPS Princeton Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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