Runners in a Paramus half marathon encountered waist-high floodwaters Sunday morning after heavy rain submerged portions of the course.
The weather conditions prompted some participants to question why the race wasn't cancelled.
Multiple runners told News 12 they encountered dirty water and strong currents several miles into the race, which created what some described as dangerous conditions.
"The flood was up to here," said runner Marijana Dinic, gesturing to her waist and chest level. "I was grabbing this woman next to me, and she grabbed me and was holding me."
Dinic said the water was much deeper and more forceful than she expected.
"I thought maybe 50 meters and it will be over, but after that it was another flood," she said. "Not just flood, but the current was so strong. I had to hold myself to a rail. There was a rail under the tunnel."
Not everyone chose to press on, though.
"I had told my friend the second that we see the river has reached the path, I'm just going to make the safety call for myself," said runner Megan Chesney, who decided not to finish.
Chesney said she was concerned about what could be hidden beneath the floodwater.
"We don't know what's under this water...