From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find half marathon events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
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!
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 [email protected] 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