Full Breakdown
Paramus Half Marathon Plows Through Waist-Deep Floodwaters
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Race Continues Despite Flash Flooding
Runners in the privately organized Racefaster Half Marathon in Paramus, New Jersey, started the event on Sunday morning after a two-hour delay, only to encounter waist-deep water along several sections of the course. Participants described having to cling to railings and wade through strong currents while the race timer continued.
Background & Context: Regional Storm Dumps Nearly Five Inches in Paramus
A slow-moving storm system produced heavy rain across the tri-state area on Sunday. The National Weather Service recorded 4.92 inches of rain in Paramus, creating flash-flood conditions that submerged portions of the park where the race was held.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: 4.92 inches in Paramus (National Weather Service).
- Participants: Approximately 250 runners completed the half marathon.
- Course conditions: Runners reported water depths ranging from waist-high to chest-high in multiple river crossings.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Bergen County executive’s office said county agencies had advised Racefaster to use an alternate route to avoid high-risk flood areas.
- After reviewing “all of the circumstances,” the County of Bergen placed the race organizer on probation with the local parks department’s permitting office and barred the group from holding events in the Bergen County Parks System for at least one year.
- Racefaster has not responded to requests for comment.
Criticism & Opposition
Runners expressed alarm that the event was not cancelled or rerouted despite hazardous conditions. One participant noted the water’s strength and depth far exceeded expectations, while another chose to stop running because of hidden dangers such as potential electricity or debris.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There really wasn't any, like even on the way back, after crossing like five or six river crossings, you can call it, it's waist-deep, chest-deep, holding onto the railing,” — Garrett Nathan
- “I was grabbing this woman next to me, and she grabbed me and was holding me.” — Marijana Dinic
- “It was not organized properly, I feel.” — Participants
- “I thought there was some alternative in motion,” — Megan Chesney
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Organizers communicated only a brief delay before the start; no further announcements or safety updates were provided, leaving participants uncertain about route changes.
- Racefaster has not issued an official statement addressing the probation or the decision to continue the race under flood conditions.
What’s Next
- The probation and one-year ban on using Bergen County park facilities will remain in effect while the permitting office reviews the organizer’s compliance with safety protocols.
- No additional races are scheduled in the county’s park system by Racefaster until the restriction is lifted.