The Sri Chinmoy 24 & 12-Hour Races are set to return to Congers, New York on June 13-14, 2026, bringing together endurance athletes for a weekend of relentless running and camaraderie at Rockland Lake State Park. Just a short drive north from the bustling heart of New York City, this event offers runners an opportunity to challenge themselves against their own limits in one of America's most scenic venues.
Rockland Lake State Park is nestled within the rolling hills of Congers, offering picturesque views and serene surroundings that are ideal for long-distance running. The park’s central location makes it a focal point during race weekend, drawing participants from across New York and beyond to its tranquil shores. Come nightfall on June 13th, as the light begins to wane over Rockland Lake, runners will gather in anticipation of the Sunset Half-Marathon and Midnight Marathon starts.
The Sri Chinmoy Races have a rich history dating back several years, with each edition attracting an ever-growing number of participants who are drawn by the promise of personal bests and national records. The event is renowned for its exceptional support services catering to both novice runners venturing into their first ultra-distance races as well as seasoned athletes aiming for top-tier performances. Over the past editions, thousands have crossed the finish line, each one contributing to a vibrant tapestry of achievement and community spirit.
THE COURSE & CONDITIONS
The Sri Chinmoy Races take place on Rockland Lake State Park's meticulously maintained 2.95-mile loop around the serene waters of Rockland Lake. The course is USATF certified and offers runners an almost entirely flat, fast-paced experience with a hard-packed surface that accommodates various footwear styles comfortably. Runners will find about half of this scenic route shaded by trees, providing relief from direct sunlight as they circle back to the starting point after each lap.
The event’s race-day central is located near Parking Field 5 within Rockland Lake State Park, serving as a hub for packet pickup and start lines. For those embarking on the Midnight Marathon, participants will need to make their way northward about seven minutes from Race-Day Central before the designated time. Aid stations are strategically placed along the route at regular intervals, ensuring that runners have access to water, sports drinks, energy gels, and other essential supplies throughout their journey.
Weather conditions in early June typically feature comfortable daytime temperatures averaging around 21°C with a maximum of about 27°C and a minimum of approximately 16°C. The air feels similar to the average temperature due to moderate humidity levels hovering at roughly 70%. With an expected rainfall of just 2.5mm, trail conditions remain hard and dry for optimal running performance. Runners should be prepared for periods of sunshine lasting around ten hours fifty-four minutes daily while also taking precautions against a UV index reaching very high values.
12HR
12 Hours • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $134.77
24HR
24 Hours • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: $178.50
Sunset Half-Marathon
21.1K • Start: 20:30:00 • Fee: $66.75
Midnight Mar.
Start: 00:01:00 • Fee: $86.18
THE LOGISTICS
To secure your spot in the Sri Chinmoy 24 & 12-Hour Races, visit UltraSignup where registration is open until June 10th for all distances. Fees are inclusive of processing costs and vary depending on when you register; early bird prices start at $134.77 for a Midnight Marathon entry through March 31st, increasing to $86.18 by the event date.
Race-day packet pickup begins Saturday morning from 6:30 AM onwards in Parking Field 5 where participants can set up their personal rest areas and collect race materials. For those running later editions like the Sunset Half-Marathon or Midnight Marathon, specific times are provided to ensure a smooth transition between events without any rush.
All runners must report to Rockland Lake State Park for the start of each event as scheduled on June 13th through early morning hours into the next day. Age requirements stipulate that participants should be at least 18 years old unless noted otherwise by race organizers, and first-timers are advised to familiarize themselves with the course layout prior to arrival.
THE CLOSING
The Sri Chinmoy 24 & 12-Hour Races in Congers, New York on June 13-14, 2026, continue a tradition of endurance sports excellence that invites runners from all walks of life to partake in an unforgettable challenge at Rockland Lake State Park. This event is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of perseverance and community spirit bound by the shared goal of pushing personal boundaries under the watchful eye of nature's beauty.
