High Rock Challenge
Please click here for our statement regarding the 2021 High Rock Challenge
Race results and photos from 2019
Click Here for Live Race Day Results
Click here for 2019 coverage by the Staten Island Advance
Visit the High Rock Challenge Facebook Page for 2019 Photos
Supporting the Greenbelt Conservancy
Start/finish: Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds, Staten Island, NY
Race course is throughout the Greenbelt trail system!
Click Here for 2019 HIGH ROCK CHALLENGE RACE DAY GUIDELINES PDF
The High Rock Challenge is where two-member teams run together along Greenbelt trails competing in mystery events and physical obstacles, which are located throughout the approximately 10K course. Events are designed to encourage teamwork as well as physical and mental stamina. Events are not revealed until race day when you’re on the course. Go here to view videos from past High Rock Challenge races.
The course is scenic and rustic. You will encounter single track trails, rugged terrain, streams and ponds, inclines/declines, and incredible vistas – especially for New York City! The Greenbelt is protected parkland that requires much care and maintenance. Our runners are stewards of the trail system, helping to keep it alive while respecting its fragile ecosystem.
Local runners have voted the High Rock Challenge as Staten Island’s favorite and most popular running event!
The race is held in memory of NYPD Officer John Kelly. Proceeds from the High Rock Challenge help support the Greenbelt Conservancy, a non-profit organization that provides trail maintenance and environmental education programs in the Greenbelt.
PHOTOS: Visit the Run and Shoot Photography Facebook page here to scroll down and view photos from last year’s event.
A Volunteer Opportunity: Volunteers are needed to assist with refreshments and directing runners with challenges. Multiple locations and start times are available for 2017. To volunteer for any of our events you must be age 14 and up/under 14 with an adult. If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP by calling: 718-667-2165, ext. 115, or email volunteer@sigreenbelt.org
Race bag/bib pick-up will take place on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 4 – 7 pm at Camp Kaufmann, the same location for the races’s start/finish.
Click here for photos of the Ranger Ropes/Cable Crossing challenge by Matthew Miner
More Ranger Ropes/Cable Crossing photos by Jackie Squicciarine are here.
Results Link for 2018 Race Day
Click here for race results from 2017
2016 Race Results Here
Read the 2016 Staten Island Advance article by Lauren Steussy and view the picture gallery here
Read about 9 inspirational people in this 2016 Staten Island Advance article by Lauren Steussy
2016 wheelbarrow activity photos by Matthew Miner here
VISIT THE HIGH ROCK CHALLENGE FACEBOOK PAGE and
RUN AND SHOOT PHOTOGRAPHY FACEBOOK PAGE FOR 2016 & 2015 PHOTOS.
What to Bring with you on race day
1. Race materials you received – your race bib and timing chip (one chip per team and try not to get it too wet on race day!) at the packet pick-up
2. Towel, change of clothes, and shoes, if you plan to stay for a while to socialize and enjoy refreshments. There will be a free bag-check area.
3. Bring your own water bottle to carry along the course; we are reducing use of disposable cups on the trails.
What not to bring with you on race day
Do not run with your phone, mp3 player or anything else that should not get wet or lost (such as jewelry). There is a bag check at the start line for storing things but we do not recommend leaving anything valuable in your bag.
Should you need help along the course, our race marshalls will have radios and phones to get you assistance; they are trained to do this.
What You Get
In addition to an exhilarating outdoor adventure and well earned bragging rights, your race fee includes chip timing and bib, high quality wicking tee shirt, finisher’s medal, post race entertainment and refreshments including beer for those over the age of 21 (identification required), access for free race photos. Your race fee helps support nonprofit Greenbelt Conservancy, which works in partnership with NYC parks to care for the Greenbelt’s trails and open space. Thank you!
Award Categories
Male Team Overall – Trophy
Female Team Overall – Trophy
Co-ed Team Overall – Trophy
Masters (Both Runners over 50) – Trophy
Youth (Both Runners under 18) -Trophy
Parent and Child Team – medal
Best Dressed (Get Creative!) – medal
Educators (both team members are teachers) – medal
NYPD – medal
FDNY – medal
NYC PARKS – medal
Thank You to Our 2019 Supporters & Sponsors
JAG-ONE Physical Therapy
Manhattan Beer Distributors
ORANGE THEORY Fitness
The Spine and Pain Institute of New York
Run and Shoot Photography
Port Richmond CERT
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
Con Edison
Empire Graphics
Limitless Fitness
Trader Joe’s and Costco
Munk Pack and Fidelis Care
New York Road Runners (NYRR)
Boy Scouts of America
Kayak Staten Island
Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds
Victory Archers
Hundreds of spectators, volunteers and support staff cheer runners at central points along the route and at the finish line making this event popular with sponsors. This race will be professionally timed culminating in an awards ceremony. Refreshments and wicking tee shirts are provided for runners.
