Castle to River Run

Information

The Castle to River Run takes place in the historic Hudson Valley this year on Sunday, October 25th, 2026! The run features a 1/2 Marathon race and 5k run (walkers and hikers welcome!) along with a kids fun run. These races are a fundraiser for The Friends of Philipstown Recreation, a 501c3 organization that promotes and supports the recreational programs and facilities in Cold Spring, Garrison, Nelsonville and Continental Village, NY. Donations are also accepted at www.FriendsOfPhilipstownRecreation.org The 1/2 marathon race takes you through the beautiful Hudson Highlands State Park and down to the Hudson River. The course takes you past the historic Osborn Castle! As in past years, the 1/2 marathon course follows the Castle driveway for an up-close look at the Castle. (Please note that permission has been granted only on race day and only for registered runners. Please respect the owner's privacy by following these rules). The 5K run follows part of Benedict Arnold's escape path down to the Hudson River and back to the Philipstown Recreation Center. There will be a 3/4-mile kids fun run that takes place right on the recreation center grounds and enjoys the beautiful fall foliage and picturesque views. Come out and run with your kids for this easy 3/4 mile run. Sign-up for the Kids Run is race-day only. Registration for the kids run will be $5. Runner check-in opens at 7:30am. 1/2 Marathon starts at 9:00am. 5K starts at 9:45am. Kids race begins at 10:30am.

Price

1/2 Marathon - Until July 31st - $45 August 1 to September 30 - $55 October 1 to October 24 - $65 Race Day - $75 5k - Until July 31st - $30 August 1 to September 30 - $40 October 1 to October 24 - $45 Race Day - $50 Active Military & Veterans as well as First Responders receive a 20% discount. Select military pricing at registration.

Cut-off Times

The cut-off time for the 1/2 Marathon is 1 pm. This should allow plenty of time for all runners to finish. There is no cut-off time for the 5k. Walkers and hikers are welcome to come out without pressure from a cut-off time.

Course Description

The 1/2 Marathon course is a mix of single track, double track, dirt road, and a few paved sections thrown in for good measure. The single and double track trails are mostly mildly technical with some longer stretches of more challenging technical terrain mixed in. The course rolls with a few big hills here and there. The bulk of the course is runnable. The 5k loop is flattish with a couple of hills to keep you honest. It's a mix of dirt single trail and grass - it's runnable and not too technical. Due to the course crossing private property, we won't be providing a map ahead of the race; however, you can view the elevation profiles for each race in the race photos.

Castle and Private Property

Please note that on race day, only registered runners will be allowed on the Castle and Forest Farm Road property and only during the race. Spectators are not allowed on these sections of the course (spectators ARE allowed on other parts of the course). Runners must stay on the Castle driveway during the race, no wandering off to other parts of the property, please! If you head out onto the trails for a training run, you must follow the signs and stay off the Castle property and Forest Farm Road. These are insurance and liability issues and to respect the owner's privacy. Thank you for understanding. We have been given special permission to access these properties for the race, which can be revoked if we don't follow these rules. So please respect them so we can be allowed to use the Castle property again for future races.

Aid Station

There will be one aid station for half marathon runners that can be accessed twice during the race - at mile 5.5 and mile 8. This is a single aid station that runners will pass while doing a short loop. There will be no aid station for the 5k. Please plan accordingly. The 1/2 marathon aid station will consist of basic supplies: water, sports drink, and maybe some fruit and other carbs. We won't have gels, etc at the aid station. Please plan on taking supplementary hydration and nutrition with you, if you think you'll need it.

Location and Parking

The races start and finish at the Philipstown Recreation Department located at 107 Glenclyffe, Garrison, NY 10524. Parking will be at the Philipstown Rec. As you enter Glenclyffe, look for volunteers to direct you where to park.

Refund Policy

The 2025 Castle to River race will be held rain or shine. As this is a not-for-profit fundraiser for the Philipstown Recreation Department, we cannot provide refunds to participants. Only in the event that the race is canceled by the organizers (The Friends of the Philipstown Recreation Department) will refunds (less the non-refundable Ultrasignup service fee) be issued.

Race Shirts

All race entrants will receive a race t-shirt. You must sign-up by Friday, October 4th to be guaranteed a shirt in your size. We will have a limited number of shirts for runners who register after the 6th which will be given out on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Race Day Registriation

There will be race day registration for both the 1/2 marathon and 5k from 7:30 to 9:00 am on the day of the event. If you are planning on signing up, please allow yourself plenty of time to register.