NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5K 2026

The NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5K begins with a ferry trip from Manhattan to Governors Island, a departure from the typical city 5K setup. This Halloween race, now in its 15th year, is described by NYCRUNS as New York City's most popular Halloween running event. Many participants wear costumes, the event typically sells out, and registration covers the ferry, a race shirt, and post-race food including Halloween candy. The course follows one full USATF-certified loop around Governors Island, offering unobstructed views of New York Harbor, lower Manhattan, and the Brooklyn shoreline. The island, closed to the public for over two centuries, lends itself to the race's theme with its history of military executions, accidents, mass graves, and old cemeteries. Following the run, attendees often remain to enjoy treats and the costume contest, rather than immediately returning via ferry.