Palisades Half Marathon + 6K Race

HALF MARATHON + 6K REINSTATED FOR SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 RAIN DATE. 

Full event details below, but keep in mind: 

• Start/Finish location for both races changed to Ross Dock Picnic Area (~2 mi from original start)

• Both races start at 9AM 

• Arrive by 8:15 AM to park in Ross Dock parking lot and walk to start

• Arrive by 7:30 if you need to pick up your bib

• There are less water stations than originally planned, bring water if you are concerned

We are finalizing race routes. Course maps will be shared in the next few days. Please keep in mind the updated half marathon course is uncertified by USATF NJ and the 6K will take place on pavement.

GETTING TO THE START LINE

BY CAR:
Free parking is available for runners inside Ross Dock Picnic Area. Have your registration confirmation email available to show security when you drive in at the southern park entrance.

BY RIDESHARE: 
Direct Rideshares to Ross Dock Picnic Are

NYC SHUTTLE: 
A shuttle service will run between Manhattan and the start/finish area in Fort Lee, NJ. Morning shuttles will run every 30 minutes beginning at 6:30 AM. Shuttles will pick up in Manhattan at Fort Washington Avenue between W 175 St & W 176 St and drop off in Ross Dock Picnic Area. Return shuttles to Manhattan will run in reverse between the same two locations hourly beginning at 10:30. If you already purchased tickets for 9/27, you DO NOT need to purchase tickets again. 

All shuttles are first-come, first-serve. Runners are advised to leave extra time in case their intended shuttle is full and they must wait to board the next bus.

Runners can book shuttle seats through their runsignup profile portal. Spectators who wish to take the shuttle must have their seats reserved by a registered runner through their runsignup profile. Follow the below steps to purchase a shuttle seat add on:

Instructional video here

• Sign In to RunSignUp
• Go to your Profile
• View your events under Upcoming Events
• Click Manage Registration next to the registration that you are editing.
• Click Add-On menu item located on the top OR left of Race page
• Edit the quantity of the Add-On that you would like
• Click Continue

BY BIKE: 
Free Bike Valet will be available at the check-in tent in the Start area inside Ross Dock Picnic Area.

ARRIVAL & CHECK IN

HALF and 6K ARRIVAL TIME
Both races will begin at 9:00 AM. Runners should arrive by 8:15 AM at the latest. 

If you are picking up your bib morning-of, we strongly encourage arriving by 6:45 AM and no later than 7:30 AM.

PLEASE NOTE: Those who join lines after the times indicated cannot be guaranteed bib assignment in time for race participation. If you pick up your bib the morning of the race, you will not receive your t-shirt until after the race.

SPECTATOR ZONE

Friends and family that wish to attend the race as spectators can gather at Ross Dock Picnic Area where the Finish Festival will take place. Spectators can enter the park after 9:30, picnics are encouraged! 

PRIZES

HALF MARATHON

• Top three overall finishers; Men & Women: A new pair of select running sneakers courtesy of Fleet Feet
• 1st place Finisher in each age category; All genders: Nuataaq Water bottle
• Top three in each age category; All genders: One year free subscription to AllTrails Plus, courtesy of AllTrails

6K RACE

• Top three overall finishers; Men & Women: Trail Shoes courtesy of Hoka
• Top three in each age category; All genders: One year free subscription to
• AllTrails Plus, courtesy of AllTrails

VOLUNTEERS

We are still actively recruiting volunteers for race day. Our volunteer crews help the race run smoothly by supporting check-in, running water stations, and providing guidance along the course. If friends or family wish to volunteer on race day, please ask them to fill out this form with their information and availability. 

A note on this decision: 

Since canceling Sunday’s race, we have heard your feedback and disappointment about our 10/3 rain date 10K. At the time of cancellation, a single scaled down race was the only option we had the capacity and resources to offer safely. 

For the last 5 days, our three person organization has worked tirelessly to secure the many resources, staffing, and vendors necessary to put on a full Half Marathon and 6K event on 10/3. Due to lack of availability at Fort Lee Historic Park, both courses have been altered and will now start and finish in Palisades Interstate Park, with parking at Ross Dock. 

The intention of this race has always been to bring folks together in our parks and to raise money to sustain these public lands so everyone can enjoy running, walking, hiking, and outdoor recreation within them. It is clearly stated on our website and in the race waiver signed by all participants that if the event is cancelled, registration fees for this race are non-refundable and automatically converted to a donation. This is regardless of whether a rain date is offered or not.

However, our team has put their all into creating an event that not only raises money, but creates an opportunity for new people to discover, enjoy, and connect within our parks. With this at the heart of our mission, we did not want to cancel this event and take away the opportunity to share the parks with all of you.

If you are unable to attend the rain date and would like a donation acknowledgement letter for tax purposes, please fill out this form and our team will be happy to provide it. 

If you cannot join us on October 3rd, it is possible for you to transfer your bib to a friend or family member. In addition to the steps outlined in the link, if you already picked up your bib, you will need to hand off your bib to the runner.

CANCELATION, REFUND & TRANSFER POLICY

All registration fees for this race are put directly toward the Palisades Parks Conservancy nonprofit's work of protecting, preserving, and enhancing the Palisades Parks. At this time, we cannot offer refunds or deferrals. We understand that injuries, emergencies, and obligations can come up. If you cannot attend the race, you may reach out to race@palisadesparks.org to transfer your registration to another person who can run in your place.

The event will go on rain or shine, in the event of extreme inclement weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the race will be canceled and all registration fees will be converted to donations to support the Palisades Parks preservation work. We appreciate your understanding and your contributions to our small organization!