Runners Forced Through Waist-High Floodwaters During Bergen County Half Marathon

Race organizers are facing intense criticism from participants and safety experts after runners were forced to wade through waist-high floodwaters during the Racefaster Half Marathon on Sunday morning, September 13.

Photos and videos shared on social media showed runners navigating flooded sections of the course in Bergen County, with water reaching above their waists in some areas.

Participants say they were not warned about the conditions before the race began, and that no alternative routes were offered once flooding became apparent along the course.

“I signed up for a half marathon, not a swim,” one runner posted on social media. Others questioned why the race was not called off or rerouted given the dangerous conditions.

Safety Concerns

Running safety experts say floodwaters pose serious risks to runners, including hidden obstacles, contaminated water, and the potential for hypothermia in cooler temperatures.

The flooding came after heavy rain hit parts of Bergen County over the weekend. On the New Jersey Turnpike/I-95 near Teaneck, lanes were also flooded during the same weather event.

Race organizers have not yet issued a public statement addressing the criticism. Bergen TV has reached out for comment.