Pocantico Hills Marathon

The Hook is a long-standing community half-marathon known for its challenging hill climb in the last few miles. This year’s Half will again start and finish at the Rockland Lakes North Parking Lot (Field #1) by the Pavilion. This year for the first time in the Hook Half history we will have pacers!

We are also incorporating a 10K race, as there are not many local 10K races. Like the Half, it will start and finish at the North parking lot. Unlike the half, this will be a fairly flat course with two loops around Rockland Lake.

This race benefits Meals on Wheels a local organization that been improving the quality of life for aging Rockland County residents for over four decades. Everyday they provide fresh and nutritious meals to older adults, while the daily visits provide a vital safety check and friendly conversation that reduces loneliness and isolation.

Achilles International is a global organization that endeavors to transform the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Their main program focuses on running, where they bring hope, inspiration and the joys of achievement to all. They empower the disability community by breaking down barrier to race start lines, and all the way to crossing the finish line.

• 7:30 AM Half Marathon Race Start

• 7:40 AM Kids Fun Run

• 8:00 AM 10K Race Start

The Hook Half Marathon and 10K in an inclusive event for all runners, regardless of race, religion, sex, gender, or sexual orientation. All are welcome to participate, and we look forward to seeing you on 12th April!

Starting and finishing in historic Rockwood Hall, our annual Rockwood Ramble 10K is a crowd favorite. Scenic Hudson River views greet runners before the course veers into the woods. The wide carriage roads provide the perfect setting for experienced trail runners and first-timers. Say goodbye to traffic, pavement and noise and hello to the Rockefeller State Park Preserve! Race Director Laureen Fitzgerald sees to every detail, ensuring a first-rate experience for all participants. All proceeds benefit carriage road maintenance.

Come & join us at the only race we offer in New York State!

The aHUS Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people affected by atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) and their families. Founded by caregivers and patients, the Foundation provides up-to-date information, educational resources, and a supportive community to help individuals and loved ones navigate the challenges of this ultra-rare disease. It fosters connections among patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to raise awareness, share experiences, and improve quality of life through conferences, outreach, and advocacy.

Welcome to the 24th annual Sri Chinmoy Marathon, taking place on Monday, August 24, 2026, 7AM around beautiful Rockland Lake in Congers, New York - just 45 minutes north of New York City. This race is a Boston Qualifier.

THE COURSE:

A beautifully scenic, flat and fast USATF certified 2.95 mile loop around the shores of Rockland Lake. Just shy of 9 laps = Marathon. All runners’ laps scored.

AMENITIES:

Free parking (if in by 8AM), premium aid stations every mile, included custom race shirt, custom medals for all finishers, full medical support, post race vegetarian meal.

REGISTRATION AND FEES:

Want to race this one for FREE? It's easy - register here on RunSignup, then refer friends and family to earn your registration back! How it works >>

All prices now include processing fees:

$66.65 through June 30

$76.95 through July 31

$87.25 through August 21, 5pm

Entries cannot be transferred to another person.

SHUTTLE BUS FROM MANHATTAN

Sit back, relax, and let someone else do the driving!

Our dedicated shuttle bus service from Grand Central Station, Manhattan direct to Rockland Lake is available for an additional fee of $38 roundtrip per person. The option is available during the registration process.

5:00 AM departure, return by 2:30 ~ 3PM. You must purchase shuttle seats in advance (no race-day walk-ups, sorry). The shuttle is open to non-participants as well - you can purchase additional seats for friends / relatives. Shuttle seats only (without race registration) can be purchased anytime on our RedPodium Registration page. Please note that you must finish the Marathon in less than 6 hours in order to sign up for the shuttle.

RACE START

Race start is at 7:00AM SHARP. Strictly no early starts.

All participants, including late starters, will be timed from the actual gun time, regardless of the runner's actual start time. Please allow at least 7 minutes before the race to walk from the number pickup area to the race start. The race clock starts ticking for everyone at 7AM!

RACE PACKETS

Choose Packet Shipping when registering ($7.45), to avoid the lines on race day and have your shirt and bib delivered to your door before the race. Option available for US addresses only, through August 13.

For runners that do not choose packet shipping, packet pickup is available at the race site between 6:00-6:45AM.

RACE SHIRTS

*Race shirts guaranteed for all participants that register by July 31. Shirt sizes are Unisex or Women's fitted: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, and Unisex 2XL. We will do our best to provide shirts for runners who register after July 31, but no guarantees - register early!

AID STATIONS

There will be three aid stations on the loop, approximately one every mile. All will have water and electrolyte drink. The main aid station, next to Race-Day Central, will have fruit, chips, snacks, etc.

AWARDS

Men and Women's awards categories:

Under 50: Top 7, 50-59: Top 3, 60-69: Top 2, 70 & over: First Place.

Custom medals for all finishers

Awards ceremony 12:15 PM.

VEGETARIAN MEAL

Served starting at 11:30AM. There will be some vegan options as well.

TIME LIMIT

7-hour cutoff (2:00 PM), strictly enforced. 1:15PM is the latest any runner can begin their final lap. No early starts.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Runners must be 18 or older to compete.

RACE RESULTS

Will be posted on our race website within 24 hours.

EVENT CANCELLATION POLICY

We live in uncertain times. If we are forced to cancel this event owing to circumstances beyond our control, including, but not limited to:

New or modified regulations/restrictions imposed by park officials or city or state governments;

Unsafe conditions in the park, such as severe weather conditions;

the event will be converted to a virtual one. Registered participants will still receive race shirts and finisher medals in the mail upon completion of the virtual race, and trophies will be mailed to winners as per the awards breakdown above.

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