Join us for the NYC running scene's best Halloween celebration! Whether you're running in costume (as many do) or running for a PR, this annual event in one of our most popular. No tricks here, just treats. From the Halloween decorations to the costume contest, it'll be a spooktacular time!
Entry to the NYCRUNS Haunted Island 5K includes a ferry ride for you and your guests, your race-entry, a tech shirt, post-race eats and ghoul Halloween vibes. We'll even have some candy handy!
Enjoy a picturesque tour of Governors Island with amazing views of New York Harbor and the greatest city in the world! The 5K is one full loop around the island. All NYCRUNS courses are USATF-certified.
NYCRUNS uses a pace-based corral system. Your start corral is indicated by the letter printed on your bib, AA-F. You should be in your start corral no later than 15 minutes prior to the start of the race. Corrals are based on the pace indicated in the Profile section of your NYCRUNS Dashboard. You can update your pace at any time.
Due to the high number of turns in this course, we do not advise handcycle or wheelchair athlete participants register for this event. We’d suggest registering for the NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon, the New Jersey Half Marathon at Newport, or any of our 5K races in Prospect Park, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, or Central Park.
Bag Check (opens at 7:30 AM) - If you plan on checking your gear, you must use one single clear bag. If your bag isn't clear, NYCRUNS will provide you with a clear bag (18" x 24") when you check your gear. You may not put another full bag/backpack/briefcase filled with gear inside the clear bag that NYCRUNS provides. All items must fit inside one clear bag. NYCRUNS reserves the right to search the contents in your bag at any time.
Restrooms (open at 7:30AM) - Portable restrooms will be available throughout the event.
Hydration - Water and electrolyte fluids will be available on the course and at the finish.
Post Race Refreshments - Further hydration, bagels (with a schmear, of course), and fresh fruit will be available after you finish.
Swag (distribution begins at 7:30 AM) - The giveaway for this race will be a tech shirt. Shirts may be picked up on race day only. In order to cut down on waste, we try not to over order and sizes are not guaranteed. If you have your heart set on a size, we recommend picking up your shirt before the race.
Photos - You will receive an email from MarathonFoto several days after the race with information about your complimentary finish line photo and details on how to purchase photos of your entire run along the course. You can also sign up for the photo package at checkout and get them at the best price.
You can pick up your bib in the Festival Area on race day beginning at 7:30 AM. Bibs are only available for pick up on race morning.
You’ll need to show your unique QR code to pick up your bib (and shirt). Your QR code for this race will be emailed to you and is also located on your NYCRUNS Dashboard under Upcoming Races. The QR code can be added to your Apple Wallet. If a photo of your QR code works best, that’s fine too. You get the idea, when you pick up your bib (and shirt), have your QR code ready!
If you are an NYCRUNS Member, your bib will be mailed to you at no additional cost if you registered more than 30 days before the race. You can become an NYCRUNS member at checkout and receive this free bib mailing benefit.
If you are not an NYCRUNS Member, you can still have your bib mailed to you by adding this service at checkout for an additional $25.
Bibs can only be mailed to runners who register 30 days or more before the date of the event and can only be sent to a domestic mailing address (we cannot mail to an international address).
If you are having your bib mailed to you, will not receive your race shirt in the mail with your bib. You will need to pick up your shirt on race day.
Take the Governors Island Ferry from Manhattan. There is no charge to ride the ferry (for runners and guests) on race morning.
Ferries run on the half hour. Please take either the 7:00 AM or 7:30 AM ferry to ensure a timely arrival at the start. Runners should be on line at least 15 minutes prior to ferry departure time.
The Governors Island Ferry is located at the Battery Maritime Building at 10 South Street in Manhattan. Mass transit is your best option for arriving at the ferry. Via subway, take the 4/5 to Bowling Green, the R to Whitehall Street, the J to Broad Street, or the 1 to South Ferry. Via bus, take the M15 to South Street/Whitehall Street. There is also a Citi Bike station at South Street/Whitehall Street.
Please check MTA Trip Planner for up-to-date and detailed mass transit directions and Google Maps for driving directions. Driving is not recommended due to the lack of parking near the ferry.
Taking the Governors Island ferry from Manhattan is your best option for arriving on time. Other ferry services are not recommended.
See chart below. NYCRUNS members receive a 10% discount on this race, race withdrawal rights, and other perks. You can become a member when you check out.
Race Credit (combined with the member discount) may be used to pay for up to 50% or $40 (whichever is greater) off the original race entry price.
Race day registration (if available) is online only.
| Date | Members | Non-Members |
| Through 7/23/25 | $40.50 | $45 |
| Through 8/27/25 | $45.00 | $50 |
| Through 9/24/25 | $49.50 | $55 |
| Through 10/15/25 | $54.00 | $60 |
| Until Online Registration Ends |
Results will be emailed and the full results will be posted on our Results Page after the race. If you do not see your result online or receive an email with your finish time, please fill out this form.
Awards will be available to the top three male, female and non-binary runners overall (by gun time).
Age group awards will be available to the top three male, female, and non-binary runners in each of the following age groups (by net/chip time): 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over.
Additional information about awards can be found in our help section here.
After you Win Your Race, swing by Taco Vista for a great post race hang and some sweet runner specials. Enjoy tasty tacos, beautiful burritos, quality quesadillas, banging burgers, and other delicious treats including some great vegan options. Wash it all down with a beer, cocktail, or non-alcoholic beverage and take in the epic Manhattan views. Located right next to the Manhattan ferry slip for easy access back to the mainland!
Share your race day journey on social and tag @nycruns on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
#NYCRUNS #HauntedIsland #WinYourRace
The standard no-refunds, no-transfers policy applies.
NYCRUNS members can withdraw for race credit. See details here.
Strollers and dogs are not allowed in NYCRUNS races.
You may be disqualified if earbuds or headphones hinder your awareness.
All NYCRUNS races have time limits. You must remain on pace to finish within the time limit to receive course support and an official finish time. If you fall behind pace and are directed off the course by a race marshal, please follow the instruction given for safety purposes.
Please familiarize yourself with our complete rules of competition.