Empire State Half Marathon & 5k
- Running
- Half Marathon
- 5k
- 26 km
- 37 km
Registration for the fastest half in the country is officially live on October 1, 2025! Grab your spot, because the race will be limited to the first 500 who register and we expect the event to fill up fast. The race will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 on the world-famous Rockland Lake State Park half marathon course, which has become the go-to destination for runners looking to chase fast half marathon times. The event will feature two waves, pacers, individualized bottle service, and controlled conditions designed to help you race under the best conditions possible. Hundreds of runners have PR'd at this event -- now it's your turn! All registered runners will get a 2026 Project 13.1 hat from Fractel as well as a full catered breakfast with muffins, fruit, eggs, waffles, and more. Visit our website to learn more.
The Project 13.1 course, renowned as one of the fastest in the country, is a USATF/IAAF-certified route designed for speed. Runners will head out for roughly 3/4 mile, make a 180-degree turn, pass the start line, and then complete four clockwise loops around the lake. To ensure everyone follows the shortest possible path, we'll have someone marking the tangents along the course, giving you the most efficient line for every loop.
To provide the best possible race experience and minimize overcrowding on the course, the event will be run in two waves: a faster wave starting at 7:00 AM and a second wave around 8:25 AM, each with approximately 250 runners. Each wave will include 5–10 pacers and bike escorts to support participants. Last year, the cutoff for Wave 1 was around a 1:16 goal time, but this may change based on this year’s entries; we will keep runners informed as signups progress. Athletes will be able to select which wave they prefer to race in closer to the race.
Any questions? Contact us today! If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Race Location Rockland Lake State Park Start/Finish is located near Parking Lot # 5
The Half Marathon - Early Bird | $125.00 | View |
The Half Marathon - Standard | $135.00 | View |
The Half Marathon - Late Registration | $150.00 | View |
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