Event Description
Join us on Sunday, September 22, 2019, for the 8th annual Rock the River races at Ross Dock in the Palisades Interstate Park, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, to experience the majestic Palisades as you run for a good cause and conquer the cliffs! Proceeds from the races support the Palisades and its parks!
The Palisades Half Marathon is a challenging but rewarding race. Run along the historic Henry Hudson Drive—one of the nation's first recognized scenic roads—as you ascend and then descend the cliffs. With an elevation change of over 1200 feet, this course may be tough, but the setting makes it more than worth it! *USATF-NJ SANCTIONED AND CERTIFIED*
The Palisades Trail 6K is the newest addition to the race. Run, walk, or hike the course along the beautiful Long Path up the cliffs, across the ridgeline, and then back down to the river. *USATF-NJ SANCTIONED*
The Palisades 5K is another beautiful race, with an elevation change of just over 200 feet up and down. Start at the Hudson River and head about halfway up the cliffs and then back down to Ross Dock park. *USATF-NJ SANCTIONED AND CERTIFIED*
RACE-DAY TIMELINE
6:30 AM - 2:00 PM: Parking at Mack-Cali parking garage
6:30 AM - 1:30 PM: Bike check opens
6:45 AM - 2:00 PM: Shuttle buses run from Mack-Cali to race site
7:00 AM: Athlete check-in begins
7:45 AM: Athlete parking at Ross Dock closes (if not at capacity yet)
8:30 AM: Registration and packet pickup closes
8:40 AM: National Anthem
9:00 AM: Half marathon begins
9:05 AM: Trail 6K begins
9:15 AM: 5K begins
10:30 AM: 5K and 6K awards ceremony
12:15 PM: Half marathon awards ceremony
AWARDS
Awards and FREE PAIR OF ON RUNNING SHOES (runner's choice, up to $200 value) to the top three male and female finishers in all races (as well as to all first place age group finishers in the half), and additional age group awards as follow:
Half: three deep for 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, and 70+
5K: three deep for 9 & under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+
6K trail: three deep for 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+
SWAG
A high-quality short sleeve tech tee is guaranteed to all preregistrants.
A large custom finisher's medal will be presented to all who complete the half marathon.
AMENITIES
Digital timing, water stops, music, post-race refreshments (INCLUDING FREE JERSEY MIKE'S!), restroom facilities, and more.
PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP OPTIONS
Thursday, 9/19, 5 – 7 PM, JackRabbit Union Square (42 W 14th St, New York, NY)
Friday, 9/20, 5 – 7 PM, JackRabbit Ridgewood (258 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ)
Saturday, 9/21, 11 AM – 2 PM, JackRabbit Ridgewood (258 E Ridgewood Ave, Ridgewood, NJ)
Packet pickups will all be bag-free, in an effort to be green and reduce waste. Do not expect a bag. You will be handed your race shirt, race number, and safety pins (if desired), which you can pocket.
Race-day packet pickup is also an option, as always.
