Half Marathon races near New Square

The JC Green Fall race series, now in its sixth year, offers a half marathon, 10K, and 5K in Jersey City on a single October race day. The event coincides with National Healthy Lung Month. Sustainable JC and CityTri collaborate on this race, which serves as a fundraiser and raises awareness for respiratory health. This focus is particularly relevant as Jersey City experiences high rates of respiratory issues, directly connecting the cause to the local community.

The JC Green Half, 10K, and 5K is a Jersey City race series offering a half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. It takes place in October during National Healthy Lung Month and is now in its sixth annual running. Sustainable JC organizes the event with CityTri. The day focuses on fundraising alongside the races. Its cause is respiratory health awareness, providing the series a local public-health focus beyond the typical fall road-race event.

The Citizens Queens 10K is a 10K race held in Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, referred to by NYRR as “The World’s Borough.” This event is the fourth in the NYRC Five Borough Series, with Citizens serving as the title sponsor. It offers runners credit towards NYRR’s 9+1 program for the New York City Marathon and the 4 Out of 6 program for the NYC Half. The course remains within Flushing Meadows, utilizing the park’s established pathways and trails instead of a city route. Club runners, charity participants, aspiring marathoners, and local runners have various motivations to attend. Athletes with disabilities can request a guide or support runner. Post-race amenities include food and festivities, alongside a free Flushing Meadows Kids Run for ages 2 to 18. The designated charity is Pursuit, a Queens-based nonprofit supporting low-income New Yorkers in pursuing technology and AI careers.

The NYCRUNS Falling Leaves Half Marathon takes place entirely within Prospect Park, Brooklyn's expansive green space. It features a USATF-certified course and attracts a significant number of participants, making it one of NYCRUNS' most attended races. This half marathon is suitable for autumn marathon training or for those seeking a park race during prime fall running conditions. The course consists of just under four full laps of Prospect Park, concluding with a final ascent up Center Drive. Runners will encounter Center Drive three times before a final left turn leads to the finish at Neathermead. The Festival Area is also located at Neathermead, accessible from Center Drive or the walking paths off Well House Drive. Bib pickup, gear check, restrooms, merchandise, information, and the finish line are all situated in this central park area. Participants receive a medal described by NYCRUNS as "very cool bling."

The Ridgefield Road Fest begins at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield in Ridgefield, Connecticut, offering three road-race options: a half marathon, a 7-miler, and a 5K. This October running event features distances of 21.1 km, 11.3 km, and 5.0 km. The course provides runners a choice between a half-marathon effort, a middle-distance road race, or a shorter 5K. The Iris Fund benefits from the 5K, and the series is celebrating its 50th anniversary, adding local history to the event.

The Moreau Half starts and finishes at the beach inside Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort, New York, near Old Saratoga Road. It is a late-October trail race of roughly 14 miles, with about 2,700 feet of climbing packed into winding, technical singletrack. This is not a road half with dirt underfoot; the organizers warn that it is not meant for beginners, and many runners should plan on taking about twice as long as they would for a road half marathon. The course is fully marked, with one aid station at Bonita Lake around six miles in, and race-day logistics are simple: park entry is free and parking is near the beach.

The Halloween Trick or Trot Run is a New York City running event held on Halloween, beginning at the Hudson River Trails. Participants can select from a 1.6 km Fun Run, 5K, 10K, or half marathon, accommodating children, casual runners, and those seeking a longer distance. The course follows the Hudson River Trails, with the precise route provided to runners prior to race day. The event's focus is on running first, followed by collecting free Halloween candy. The race incorporates costumes and candy enjoyment while maintaining a standard race structure, offering friends and goal-oriented runners multiple distance choices on the same day.

The New Yorker Half, 10K, and 5K Shake Out features three race distances within Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, with the Unisphere situated alongside the course. Participants can select a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, accommodating those preparing over a short distance or using it as a longer run before a marathon. The races utilize repeat loops through the park, passing a lake and local landmarks rather than crossing the city. Half marathoners complete a flat, spectator-friendly 3.275-mile loop four times. 10K runners navigate a 3.1-mile loop twice, and 5K runners complete it once. Each loop is timed in real time, providing runners with split-by-split feedback throughout the event.

The Veterans Day Freedom Run in New York City begins at the Hudson River Trails, with options for 1.6 km, 5K, 10K, and a half marathon. This run, themed for Veterans Day, is designed for friends, families, and runners seeking distances from a short walk to 13.1 miles. The route is provided to participants via email, not listed publicly with the basic event details. The event focuses on expressing gratitude to veterans. Participants may also fundraise for a charity of their choice, with all net proceeds directed to that charity.

The Run Rockaway Beach Thanksgiving Half Marathon and 5K takes place on a Saturday in November on the Rockaway boardwalk in Queens, starting at Beach 108th Street. Participants can select either a half marathon or a 5K. All races commence at 9:00 AM, following morning bib-tag pickup, T-shirt distribution, and check-in. The start and finish lines are located on the boardwalk at 108th Street, positioning the event directly on the beach rather than within an inland park or city street grid. All participants receive a medal and a T-shirt, contributing to the race's atmosphere as a local holiday-season event designed for both long-distance runners and those opting for a 5K along the ocean.