Best Half and Full Marathons

By Darryl Caron

If you are signing up or are considering a half or full marathon this summer or fall, now is the time to pick a race and lead-up races so register early to set you up for success. Whether you run, jog or run-jog/walk, start building a base now, pick a training program, and find the experienced people, club or group to help get you to that finish line!

Fortunately, we have a great variety of races in our region that will energize and inspire you with high quality, affordable events that you’ll love.

For seasoned runners, we can begin with the Hard as Hell Half Marathon on Sunday, July 17 at Dippikill Wilderness Retreat, near Warrensburg in the southeastern Adirondacks. The race debuted in 2020 and features about 1,400 feet of elevation gain that is 80% dirt roads and 20% pavement. You will not PR but you will definitely enjoy the serene backroads and low-key atmosphere that made this a quick favorite among its participants.

If you’d like something shorter, the concurrent Froggy Five Mile was created in 2008 and is typically held in conjunction with ARE Event Productions’ Trail Running Camp. This trail run sends you on an undulating loop around the Dippikill property, capped off with a gorgeous view of the Hudson River and Adirondacks. The last 3.5 miles are mostly singletrack with some serious climbs. For Hard as Hell and Froggy, a post-race BBQ awaits you, along with an energetic race atmosphere with music and announcing to make you smile. It is otherwise a low-key event and there are no awards. You’re welcome to jump in the pond or relax in a nearby creek. Register: areep.com.

The Thacher Park Trail Running Festival is on Sunday, August 21 at Thacher State Park near Voorheesville. The park is 15 miles southwest of Albany, located mostly atop the Helderberg Escarpment, which offers panoramic views of the Green and Taconic mountains. 

The festival was created in 2014 in conjunction with the Thacher Park Centennial. In 2015, AREEP expanded the event to use more of the park’s trails. You’re welcome to enjoy the beautiful, tranquil scenery on a summer’s day by participating in the 10K, 13.1M, 26.2M or 50K trail races that all start at 8:30am. It’s a festive atmosphere with awesome post-race food, and medals for the finishers in the 26.2M & 50K. For more course details and to register: areep.com.

On Labor Day Weekend, enter the third annual Run 4 the River Half Marathon on Saturday, September 3 at 8am from Rotterdam to Schenectady. With fast times, food from Bountiful Bread, beer from Frog Alley Brewing, and live music it will be a fun post-race party. The race initially launched in 2020 as a low-key pandemic event that ran along the Hudson River. With a host of fall marathons in October this is the perfect time for a half marathon tune-up. The race utilizes the new flat, fast Empire State Trail along the Mohawk River from Mabee Farm Historic Site to SUNY Schenectady. 

Run 4 the River is brought to you by Nark Running & Strength, Frog Alley Brewing, and Core Physical Therapy. Similar to the recent Miles on the Mohawk, this point-to-point event has parking at the start/finish and there’s an optional shuttle bus service. As you get ready, join organizers for one of their three Tuesday night beers runs at Frog Alley Brewing. If you need help getting prepared, Nark Running & Strength is offers training and coaching options that are guaranteed to be your best on race day. Learn more and register: narkrunningstrength.com.

Come join the fun at the 26th annual Adirondack Marathon, Half Marathon and Relays on Sunday, September 18. Run around beautiful Schroon Lake in the Adirondack Marathon and two- and four-person relays that start at 9am (7am marathon early bird start available), or run the Adirondack Half Marathon from hamlet to hamlet – Adirondack to Schroon Lake – on the second half of the marathon course at 10am. Paradox Brewery will be back at the finish area to help celebrate your success. 

Perks include carved bear awards to the top three male/female overall in the marathon/half, and top male/female/mixed in the relays, a commemorative finisher medal, Pacer Bear runners to help hit your pace goals, and performance tech shirt. The half marathon is a USATF Adirondack grand prix championship race. 

Presented by the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, Saturday, September 17 features 5K & 10K races in Chestertown and a 1K Kids’ Fun Run in Schroon Lake. Registration supports four annual scholarships to local students. The bears are ready to party so register now: adirondackmarathon.org.

The 51st annual Lake Placid Classic Half Marathon & 10K is Saturday, October 8. Originally started in 1970 as a full marathon from Paul Smiths to Lake Placid, this family-friendly race has evolved into a beloved annual half and 10K with 8am race starts something for everyone. It features the beautiful Olympic village of Lake Placid and some of the most breathtaking fall scenery – a wonderful reason to enjoy a fall weekend in the Adirondacks. 

The course takes you from the Olympic speedskating oval to the horseshow grounds and nearby Olympic ski jumps. Registration includes T-shirt and finisher award, prerace yoga, and finish line food, drinks and music. The race gives back as proceeds are donated to local youth organizations that are dedicated to making a difference in the lives of local young people. Registration: lakeplacidclassic.com.

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon & Half Marathon, expertly directed by Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club, is on Sunday, October 9. Think about accomplishing one of the greatest challenges of your life, the marathon. There’s no better place to test your mental and physical strength than on this fast, scenic Schenectady to Albany course, described in Runner’s World magazine as “simple, understated and stunning,” an event with “all the amenities of a major marathon with none of the hassles.” See it for yourself. Marathon pacing is available to help hit your goals.

The Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon is half the distance, with all the bragging rights. Whether you’re a novice or have many halfs under your belt, the Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon is your race. Both races start at 8am. The fast, scenic 13.1M starts in Colonie and follows the second half of the marathon course, attracting some of the best runners in the Northeast – guaranteeing an exciting competition. The slight elevation decline is perfect for first-time and returning runners alike. Bike trails, city streets, river views, fall foliage and perfect running weather, both races have it all.

Run for free by referring five friends via your registration code, then have your entry refunded. The point-to-point races include bus transportation from downtown Albany to the start of each race. For race details, run for free info, and to register now, visit: mohawkhudsonmarathon.com.

The Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon & Squirrelly Six Mile is on Sunday, October 30 at Thacher State Park near Voorheesville. It’s part running race, part costume party, and is truly among the most unique events you’ll ever do. Be on the lookout for gorillas that have gone bananas, nutty squirrels, graves with your own names on them, and other inanity to keep you smiling and enjoying the beautiful views that await. Join AREEP for their 18th year of festive running mayhem at an event that has been dubbed the “Best costume trail race in America” by Runner’s World.

It’s all about Halloween – you’re highly encouraged to dress up. The volunteers will be costumed, the course is spooky in sections, there are costume and gorilla impersonation contests, and a Gorilla Chase half-mile kids’ race. Post-race, you’ll receive a sweet finisher’s medal. Register: areep.com.

On Sunday, November 20, the Upstate Classic offers 5K, 13.1M and 26.2M distances. The AREEP produced event is staged from the Altamont Fairgrounds just a few miles outside of Albany, and entreats you to gorgeous courses at the base of the Helderberg Escarpment around rural Guilderland. 

The half and full marathon runners receive a finishers medal, the 26.2 is a Boston Marathon qualifier, and there will be kids’ races. Register: areep.com.

If you’re not running, please consider volunteering to support the athletes and these worthy events. See you out there!