Rockaway Beach V-day Half Marathon and 5K

Lace up for a Valentine's Day challenge with the ROCKAWAY BEACH V-DAY HALF MARATHON AND 5K, set to take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, in scenic Rockaway Park, Queens, New York. This beloved event, organized by the Rockaway Track Club & Healy's Pub, offers runners the choice of a 13.1-mile half marathon or a swift 5K, both designed to showcase the stunning coastal beauty of the boardwalk. Typical race day conditions in mid-February include crisp highs around 41F and lows near 27F, with a low 13% chance of precipitation, providing invigorating weather for a winter run.

The course is renowned for being flat and fast, with no hills to contend with, making it an excellent opportunity for a personal best or an enjoyable cruise along the Atlantic. Both the half marathon, consisting of two complete loops, and the single-loop 5K are USATF certified and run entirely on the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk, offering spectacular ocean views at every turn. While the exposed boardwalk ensures constant ocean vistas, it can also mean contending with the wind, which runners have noted can be at their back one way and in their face the other. Hydration is well-supported with ample water and even Vitamin water stations along the route, ensuring runners stay fueled and refreshed.

Beyond the race itself, the ROCKAWAY BEACH V-DAY HALF MARATHON AND 5K fosters a vibrant community atmosphere, celebrating love and endurance. Participants will start and finish at the Beach 108th Street Boardwalk, with convenient check-in at Healy's Pub on Rockaway Beach Drive. Every finisher is rewarded with an exclusive event T-shirt and a commemorative medal, with the celebration extending to Healy's Pub for a well-earned free beer post-race. This "no-frills" event is praised for its casual, supportive vibe, making it a perfect race to kick off your Valentine's Day weekend with fitness and camaraderie.