Race FAQs | Soul Ryeders

On Sunday, May 17th, 2026, thousands of people will gather at Playland Park in Rye, NY for the 4th annual SOUL RYEDERS Half Marathon & 5K race! Whether you are running, walking, volunteering or cheering – you are making a positive impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.

Our goal is to make this race fun and safe for all. Below we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions to help you register to compete, volunteer and cheer on our participants.

When is the SOUL RYEDERS Half Marathon & 5K?
The SOUL RYEDERS Half Marathon & 5K race is taking place on Sunday, May 17, 2026 in Rye, NY. The start time for the half marathon is 7:30am and the 5K will start at 7:45am.

What are the events and who can participate?

The half marathon is a run only event for those aged 12 years and older. This race has a time limit of 3 hours and 30 minutes which requires approximately a 16-minute-per-mile pace. The 5K is a run/walk event open to all ages and abilities. Both courses run through the beautiful City of Rye and the Village of Port Chester (half marathon only) with the Long Island Sound and Playland Park as backdrops. The virtual race option gives anyone the ability to participate anywhere they are during the month of May. SOUL RYEDERS is committed to providing a space for all genders, races, abilities, ages, and backgrounds. We are focused on the health and well-being of all our participants to come together for a day to achieve our individual goals and create a connected community of awareness and honor those affected by cancer.

What are the details for Packet Pick-Up?

We hold race packet pick-up for all participants on Saturday, May 16th from 9am – 2pm in the Playland Park main lot. On-site registration is also available 6:30am – 7:30am on race day. At packet pick up you will receive your race bib, performance t-shirt and sponsor materials. You can also take a dedication bib to personalize in honor or memory a loved one and wear it on race day to let people know why you are participating.

What is the Registration Fee for my event?

Registration fees cover timing bib & chip, custom finisher medal, performance event t-shirt, snacks & drinks post-race, and event photos.

Why are there registration fees and peer-to-peer fundraising opportunities?

The SOUL RYEDERS Half Marathon & 5K race is a fundraiser for SOUL RYEDERS, a 501(c)3 non-profit, which provides personalized support and resources to anyone in the NY Tri-State area affected by any type of cancer. We provide individualized care and resources at no cost to our clients. The registration fee covers the items you receive and overall management of the event.

Peer-to-peer fundraising (P2P) is when an individual organizes a personal campaign to raise money on behalf of a nonprofit organization. SOUL RYEDERS has made it easy for you to do just that! We have text and a fundraising page ready for you to send out to your network of friends, family and colleagues. All funds raised through your efforts will have a direct impact on the ability for SOUL RYEDERS to provide the support and resources to our clients and their caregivers at no cost to them.

Do you offer race registration insurance and/or transfer options?

Yes, we do! You may opt in for race registration insurance when you register. (NOTE: Registration insurance can ONLY be purchased at the time of completing your registration. It cannot be added later.) This allows you to cancel your registration, for any reason, and your registration fee will be refunded to you, minus the cost of insurance. You must email us by 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, May 13th to request your refund.

You may also transfer your registration to another person for a nominal fee. All transfers must be requested no later than one week prior to race day.

I am a cancer survivor. Will there be an area for me?

For anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis — or is a caregiver, friend, or family member — we invite you to visit the SOUL RYEDERS HOPE Tent. This warm, welcoming space is open throughout race day for you to spend time with loved ones, connect with SOUL RYEDERS volunteers and staff, and choose a special gift handmade with care especially for YOU by our volunteers.

What about parking on the day of the race?

Parking is in the main lot of Playland Park and is free for participants and volunteers. Gates to the parking lot will be closed at 7:15am for the race course to be cleared so please arrive early. Overflow parking will be available in the Playland Pool parking lot. Schedule your morning accordingly.

Where can my family and friends watch me?

The race starts and finishes in the same location, in the Playland Park parking lot, which makes it a great area to cheer on your race participant. Many in our community come out to cheer along the race routes, so check out our course maps for other locations to stand and cheer!