Palisades Half Marathon + 8K Trail Run

The Palisades Half is back for 2025 and this year, we are thrilled to introduce an additional 8K mixed-terrain run!  Both races will take place on Sunday, September 21st. Join for a stunning 13.1 mile paved run with over 1,000 ft of elevation along the Palisades ridge, or experience the rugged cliffs with a shorter 8 kilometer mixed-terrain adventure run along the shore trail, the Long Path, and the rocky cliff climbs in between.

Both the Palisades Half and 8K will begin and end at the Ross Dock Picnic Area in the Palisades Interstate Park in Fort Lee, NJ. Car parking at Ross Dock will be available but limited to reservations made through the runsignup registration portal. Regular shuttle services between uptown Manhattan and the Start/Finish Line will be available before and throughout the event, and free bicycle parking will be offered on site.

All proceeds benefit the Palisades Parks Conservancy and the network of 29 parks and historic sites that we serve, from the GW Bridge to the Catskill Mountains. 

RUNNER ARRIVAL INFO

Upon arrival at Ross Dock Picnic Area, water and restrooms will be available with additional restrooms in the corrals at the starting zone.

HALF ARRIVAL TIME: The Half Marathon race will begin at 9:00 AM. We encourage Half Marathon runners to arrive between  6:45 AM and 8:00 AM.

8K ARRIVAL TIME: The 8K Trail run will begin at 9:30 AM. We encourage 8K runners to arrive between 7:30 AM and 8:30 AM. 

CHECK-IN & BIB/T-SHIRT PICK UP

Bib and t-shirt pick up will take place the morning of race day when you check-in at Ross Dock Picnic Area. No other bib & t-shirt pick up times will be offered ahead of race day, so it is critical to arrive at Ross Dock with adequate time for check in and race bib/t-shirt retrieval as there may be a line. Bag check and bike valet will be available at check-in. 

GETTING TO THE START LINE

BY CAR:

Parking will be within a half mile walk to the Start/Finish area at Ross Dock Picnic Area. Car parking will open at 6:45 am.

Directions: Please enter from the south end of the park in Edgewater, NJ at the intersection of River Road and Henry Hudson Drive (map link for the entrance). Inform the race staff & security at the gate that you are arriving for the Palisades Half Marathon + 8k Trail Run and display your parking pass. 

Approaching from the South on River Road, take a right turn onto Henry Hudson Drive. Follow Henry Hudson drive for ¾ of a mile under the GWB and keep right at the traffic circle. Follow the road down to the Ross Dock Picnic Area where staff will provide parking directions.  

Approaching from the North on the Palisades Interstate Parkway, take the exit toward GWB/NY and keep right for the exit to Hudson Terrace and turn left. Follow Hudson Terrace for approximately one mile. Turn left onto Henry Hudson Drive and follow the road down to the Ross Dock Picnic Area where staff will provide parking directions. 

BY RIDE SHARE: 

Pickup/drop off will be at Ross Dock Circle located on Henry Hudson Drive between the GWB and Ross Dock Picnic Area.

NYC SHUTTLE: 

A shuttle service will be available on race day, running between 168th & Broadway and the  start/finish line. Runners can also book bus seats for spectators through their Runsignup account portal. 

Bus Schedule: 

168th/Broadway to Ross Dock Picnic Area 

• Bus 1 leaves at 6:30am - Recommended for Half Marathon Runners
• Bus 2 leaves at 7:15am - Half Marathon & Trail Runners
• Bus 3 leaves at 8am - Exclusively Trail Runners

Ross Dock Picnic Area to 168th/Broadway

• Bus 1 leaves at 11:00 AM
• Bus 2 leaves at 12:00 PM
• Bus 3 leaves at 1:00 PM 

SPECTATOR ZONE

Friends and family that wish to attend the race as spectators can gather at the Ross Dock Picnic Area where the Finish Festival will take place. Spectator parking opens at 10 AM. Spectators do not require parking passes but may be directed to overflow parking, which is a 5-10 minute walk away from the Finish Zone. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and picnics. Food and beverage offerings will be limited to runners.  

COURSE ADVISORIES 

8K TRAIL RUN

The 8K trail run is a newly piloted race route with a moderately technical and highly mixed-terrain course. Runners will encounter steep and uneven stone steps, rocky switchbacks, stretches of pavement, grass, gravel, and pathways alongside steep cliff drop-offs. Certain sections will require slowing down to a walk or hike and, at times, moving in single file for safety. These areas will be clearly marked with signage, and volunteers will be present to direct runners along the way.

HALF MARATHON

In summer of 2024, a severe rainstorm in the Palisades Interstate Park caused road damage along the Palisades Half Marathon route. While the area has been improved, there are still some remaining sections of uneven and patchy pavement with exposed bricks, bumps, and depressions. The road conditions last for .5 miles between mile marker 2 and 3, and .5 miles between mile markers 11 and 12. This area will be marked by cones and caution tape to avoid the worst damage, with volunteers and signage warning runners as they approach and traverse the rough road section. 

We apologize for these route conditions. The Palisades Half +8K is a nonprofit event that supports the Palisades Parks System, many of which are increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events. We appreciate your understanding and support of our vital work in the parks.

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. 

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!