Fried Ride Half Marathon

A Scenic Journey from Catskill to Cairo

We are beyond excited to announce the very first edition of the Fried Ride Half Marathon, a unique race through the beautiful Catskill Mountains, created and organized by a group of Hungarian friends. While this is our inaugural event, our goal is to build a lasting tradition—one that will grow each year into a beloved annual celebration.

The race honors the foundation of the Hungarian state, taking place every August around Hungary’s national holiday. Starting in the Town of Catskill, the course winds through rolling hills, over streams, alongside lakes, and through serene forests—ending in Cairo, NY, at the Fried Ride food truck, where finishers will be greeted with authentic Hungarian food and a festive post-race party.

This is not your average half marathon. The first few miles will challenge you with elevation, but the stunning views and peaceful atmosphere will be your reward. Expect sections with river crossings, open nature, and quiet backroads. It’s a true runner’s escape.

The course is mostly self-supported, with only two aid stations, offering water and light fuel. The route was carefully chosen to minimize traffic interaction, but extra caution will be needed during the last four miles, where runners will briefly cross a main road, continue for two miles along the shoulder, and then finish the final stretch through the sidewalks of Cairo.

Important Race Details:

Cupless Race: Please bring your own hydration system. No cups will be provided, and all trash must be packed out and disposed of properly.
Pacing Rules: Only one pacer per runner is allowed. Group pacing is strictly prohibited for safety and fairness.
Toilets: Portable toilets will be available at the start and finish. If nature calls mid-course, we ask everyone to be respectful and cause minimal impact.
Route Marking: The course will be clearly marked with ribbons and arrows.
Transportation: We will offer shuttle service from Hudson Train Station on race morning, as well as transport between the start and finish lines.
We’re eager to welcome both familiar faces and new friends from the running community. As the race includes cash prizes, we are committed to ensuring the integrity of the event with strict anti-cheating measures in place.

Join us for the Fried Ride Half Marathon—a race that promises grit, heart, community, and authentic Hungarian food.