
Empire State Half Marathon & 5k
Empire State Half Marathon offers a flat, fast loop around scenic Rockland Lake, ideal for personal bests.
Race Date
Oct 4, 2026
Location
Congers, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, October 4, 2026
- Location
- Congers, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 16.2 Miles, 23.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 7,703
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Empire State Half Marathon, first run in 2011 and now in its 15th year, presents a unique opportunity for runners seeking a swift and scenic race. This USATF-certified course circles Rockland Lake, a location just north of the NJ/NY border, offering a predominantly flat profile with minimal elevation changes.
With a recent field size of around 501 finishers, drawing participants from approximately 12 states, the event has shown a growing trend. Approximately 15% of runners return for subsequent editions, highlighting a loyal following. The course itself is a paved loop, noted for its minimal 135 feet of total elevation gain over 13.1 miles, making it a prime candidate for achieving personal bests.
Runners can anticipate a tech race shirt and a substantial medal, with awards presented across five-year age groups. The atmosphere includes a beer garden opening post-race, adding a festive element to the finish. Aid stations are positioned along the loop, providing water and Gatorade.
Race-provided description
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
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
Rockland Lake State Park, Congers, NY, 10920
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NY18083JG · Empire State Half Marathon
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Standout7912 years running
~368 finishers a year
growing or steady
15% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 12 states
winner 1:08:47
typical high 71°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
54°
Afternoon (High)
71°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 7,703 finishers actually crossed the line across 12 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
7,703
Median time
1:37:11
Latest turnout
249
States
41
Turnout by year
2015–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k?
The Empire State Half Marathon & 5k is held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k take place?
It takes place in Congers, New York.
What distances does the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 16.2 Miles, 23.1 Miles.
Is the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k course flat and good for a PR?
The Empire State Half Marathon & 5k is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k?
HalfRuns has finish records for 7,703 runners who have completed the Empire State Half Marathon & 5k.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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