Hudson River Fun Run
The 2026 Hudson River Fun Run is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, beginning at the City of Newburgh Public Boat Launch in Newburgh, New York. Hosted by Mike Lynn, Jeff Roscino and Kyle Wikel, the event brings performance-boat owners, recreational boaters, families and friends together for a scenic group cruise on the Hudson River.
Boat launching is expected to begin around 7:30 a.m. at the public ramp located at 2 Washington Street. The ramp accommodates two boats at a time, so participants are encouraged to arrive early and assist one another around the launch area. The event information lists a $15 daily parking fee for trucks and trailers using the Newburgh launch.
The Hudson River Fun Run follows a group cruising format rather than a traditional poker run with card stations or prize hands. The event is organized as a relaxed day of boating and lunch, with participants traveling together while allowing boats with different speeds and performance capabilities to safely enjoy the river.
Previous editions have departed from the Newburgh waterfront and traveled approximately 30 miles north to Kingston’s Rondout Creek. The group has traditionally stopped near the Mid-Hudson Bridge to regroup before continuing to The Cornell Restaurant and Bar for a waterfront buffet lunch. The return trip follows the Hudson River south to Newburgh. The final 2026 destination, regrouping location and lunch arrangements should be confirmed through the organizers before the event.
Prior event information has described the fun run as open to all boaters, with no separate boat-entry fee. Participants have instead paid individually for the scheduled lunch, along with a small per-boat dock donation and the Newburgh launch parking fee. The official 2026 lunch price, dock contribution and advance-payment instructions should be confirmed once organizers release the final participant information.
The Hudson River provides a scenic backdrop for the run, with crews passing riverfront communities, bridges, mountain views and several well-known Hudson Valley landmarks. The open format allows participants to enjoy the route at a responsible pace while regrouping periodically so the fleet can remain connected throughout the day.
Organizers emphasize that the Hudson River Fun Run is not a race. Captains should give surrounding boats adequate space, maintain a proper lookout, wear life jackets and operate responsibly around marinas, commercial vessels and other river traffic. With its welcoming format, waterfront lunch and approximately 60-mile round-trip cruise, the Hudson River Fun Run continues as one of the Northeast’s established fall performance-boating gatherings.