HalfRuns
27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run

27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run

The D&R Canal Towpath 'Train'ing Run offers a unique, non-competitive group run for all paces.

Race Date

Jun 6, 2026

Location

Piscataway, NJ

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Location
Piscataway, New Jersey
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 34.6 Miles, 26.2 Miles, 20.5 Miles, 11.8 Miles, 13.9 Miles, 9.7 Miles, 6 Miles, 2.8 Miles, Picnic Only ($30 age 13+, $5 12 or under), No Bus Needed
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed

Highlights

Good For

Beginner FriendlyDestination WorthyGood Value

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishBig Crowd EnergyWell OrganizedWell Supported

Course

ShadedWell Marked

The Experience

The D&R Canal Towpath 'Train'ing Run is a unique, non-competitive group event that transforms the scenic D&R Canal towpath into a moving celebration of running. This event, first held in 2002 and now in its 20th year, embraces a "train" concept where groups of runners, led by pacers, travel together at predetermined speeds. Runners can join at various "stations" along the 34.6-mile route, adding to the communal journey towards the destination at Johnson Park in New Brunswick.

Benefiting the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, the event donates $.50 for every mile run or walked. The atmosphere is one of camaraderie and shared effort, culminating in a festive gathering at the finish line. While the full 34.6-mile route is the centerpiece, various shorter distances and bus transportation options are available, making it accessible for runners of all abilities and commitment levels. It’s a day designed for shared experience and supporting a good cause.

Race-provided description

RVRR’s ‘Train’ing Run is a non-competitive Group Run held to celebrate National Trails Day and benefits the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. We donate $.50 for every mile we run or walk!  Run part, or all, of the 34.6 mile D&R towpath together in a group! Register for the bus to take you to the distance/pace start you wish to participate in. Changes are possible by logging in to your runsignup account - you can switch events up to June 4th,  as long as there is space on the bus you wish to transfer to. Additional details can be found at www.rvrr.org/events/training-run Groups of runners (called ‘trains’) will run (travel) at pre-determined paces to Grove # 4 in Johnson Park in New Brunswick (the destination station). Starting in Trenton with small groups of runners who are challenging themselves to go the entire distance, the ‘trains’ will add additional runners (passengers) who join (board their ‘train’) at the speed they want to travel. By the end, one massive group of runners and walkers will be moving in a continual train along the Towpath. Trains will have an official pacer (conductor) to keep these trains on schedule. Trains stop at each ‘station’ along the way, and from Alexander Road to the end there is fuel (water and/or snacks) available. All trains are scheduled to reach the destination at 11 a.m. to rest, feast and celebrate a day of running camaraderie. Join us for the best running day of your life!

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Park

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

34.6 Miles26.2 Miles20.5 Miles11.8 Miles13.9 Miles9.7 Miles6 Miles2.8 MilesPicnic Only ($30 age 13+, $5 12 or under)No Bus Needed

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details6/15

3 timing sources · 9 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather0/10

typical high 82°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

61°

Afternoon (High)

82°

Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration

0.1"

Precipitation

11 mph

Wind

64%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run?

The 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run is held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, starting at 7:48 AM.

Where does the 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run take place?

It takes place in Piscataway, New Jersey.

What distances does the 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 34.6 Miles, 26.2 Miles, 20.5 Miles, 11.8 Miles, 13.9 Miles, 9.7 Miles, 6 Miles, 2.8 Miles, Picnic Only ($30 age 13+, $5 12 or under), No Bus Needed.

Is the 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run course flat and good for a PR?

The 27th Annual D&R Canal Towpath "Train"ing Run is a ultra-flat, point to point course.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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