An iconic course through the heart of historic Princeton

By Taylor Smith 

The 7th annual Princeton Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, November 3, 2019. Runners will follow a 13.1-mile course that winds through Princeton University, Battlefield State Park, and the Institute for Advanced Study and past Lake Carnegie, Einstein’s home, and other stately Princeton residences including the homes of former presidents Grover Cleveland and Woodrow Wilson. 

Runners will also follow the same route that George Washington’s troops took during one of the most decisive battles of the Revolutionary War, making their way toward Oppenheimer Atomic Hill, pass by the home of J. Robert Oppenheimer, as well as the one-time residences and hangouts of Richard Fenyman, John von Neumann, and Kurt Godel. Several steep climbs will challenge racers along Snowden Lane and Mount Lucas Road. Other noteworthy vistas include Westminster Choir College, the Princeton Boathouse on Lake Carnegie, and Herrontown Woods. 

Palmer Square near the northern edge of Princeton University will serve as the bag drop-off. Racers will then line up on Chambers Street and take off along the initially flat and fast course towards Paul Robeson Way. Organizers are estimating as many as 1,000 runners on race day. 

A medal and T-shirt will be awarded to every runner. Awards for the top three overall in various age groups will also be distributed. Start time is at 7 a.m. The cost to register is $100 (plus $6 signup fee). Registration details and deadlines can be viewed online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NJ/Princeton/PrincetonHalfMarathon. 

Be sure to stop by the “Kegs and Eggs” after-party at Alchemist & Barrister to recap race stories with other runners!

Proceeds benefit HiTOPS Health Center, a Princeton-based nonprofit dedicated to adolescent health care since 1987. Learn more about HiTOPS’ inclusive programming at https://www.hitops.org.