
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
Atmosphere
Course
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!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, June 6, 2026
Start Time
7:48 AM
Start Location
Grove 4, Johnson Park - enter park at River Road and Violet Drive, Piscataway, NJ, 08854
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
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 9 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 82°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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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