Princeton to Have Its Own Half Marathon

Princeton will be host to a half marathon this coming fall, thanks to HiTOPS. The non-profit that serves adolescents, teens and young adults and their families is sponsoring the event, which has been scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4.

The 13.1 mile course will encompass many local landmarks, including Princeton University, Palmer Square, the Princeton Battlefield, Institute for Advanced Study and the D&R Canal.

Registration for the Princeton Half Marathon will  open April 17. A special website has been set up, princetonhalfmarathon.com, for registrations and race information.

Organizers expect at least 1,000 runners to register based on data from other first-time half marathons.

The event will include entertainment and demos on Palmer Square, and various sponsorship opportunities will be available for local businesses, said John Parker, one of the organizers. Proceeds from the marathon will benefit programs to support adolescent mental health.

“Jersey City has a half marathon, Trenton has one, New Brunswick has one,” Parker said. “It’s time for Princeton to have a half marathon of its own.”