Upcoming Half and Full Marathons

By Darryl Caron

If you have a base of fitness and are considering a half or full this fall, find a race or races that interest you and fits your schedule. Whether you run, jog or run-jog/walk, join up with experienced runners in your local club to help get you safely to the start… and then to the finish line. Fortunately, we have some wonderful races in our region that will energize and inspire you with high quality, affordable events that you’ll love.

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 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.

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