Half Marathon Organizer Put on Probation After Runners Forced Through Bergen County Floodwaters

The organizer of Sunday’s half marathon at Saddle River County Park has been placed on probation as Bergen County investigates the decision to hold the race amid dangerous flooding conditions.

Runners were forced to wade through waist-high floodwaters during the Racefaster Half Marathon on September 13, with videos of the incident going viral on social media. Participants say they received no warning about the conditions and were given no option to reroute.

Bergen County recorded significant rainfall during the storm, with Paramus logging 4.92 inches — one of the highest totals in the county. Major roads including Routes 17 and 208 were closed Sunday but reopened by Monday morning.

County officials have not yet released details about the scope of the investigation or what penalties the organizer may face.

Sources: Daily Voice, Patch Bergen County