Registering for Yonkers after a scheduled 'flat' marathon was canceled weeks earlier, I was extremely conscious of reports that Yonkers was a hilly marathon, and best for experienced runners.

These fears proved highly unfounded. Yonkers is not a hilly marathon. Big Sur has major climbs. Mount Desert Island has miles of rollers. Not Yonkers. Not even close.

What Yonkers does have is very long stretches of slow inclines. Nothing over the top, just a steady and gradual rise extending for miles, followed by very small spurts of quad-searing drops.

Yet, it's a point of pride for locals to consider their run challenging. A cop driving by the finish line asked me how I fared, followed by, 'Well, you know our race is really hilly.' Okay officer.

Speaking of cops, they are an absolute godsend in Yonkers. Each was nicer than the next, and they were amazing at patrolling intersections. Not once did I have to slow down at the crossings, and they were tremendously supportive and engaging. Plus, they had to deal with some of the craziest drivers I have ever seen during a race; two policeman even stood their ground with arms raised when a pair of cars doing 20 mph approached. Amazing.

As for the race, cars do play a role, especially for those doing the second 13.1 loop. Yonkers has everyone run with traffic (instead of against the grain), so one can't see approaching vehicles. Even with a larger group on the first lap, some idiot drivers come dangerously close to runners. On the second lap, since the field thins out to 200 folks total, there's frighteningly little protection. This is especially true in the neighborhoods and woods along the Hudson.

The course begins with one of the long modest ascents along the water, past check cashing outlets and auto garages into residential areas and parks that border the river and provide nice views of the Palisades. Most of these miles are shaded which is lovely, and one ends up in Hastings-on-Hudson for a right-hand jaunt though Main Street up to another street that again mixes park and river views with single-family homes. It's not until coming back south on Nepperham Avenue that the road opens up to more industrial sites and the sun begins to take hold. Eventually one climbs a footbridge and crosses back to South Broadway for a two-mile stretch through downtown Yonkers before doubling back to the start via Riverdale.

For me, the focus of the marathon was fighting through the industrial area on the second lap (miles 21 to 23). It's concrete everywhere, there's no spectators or retail shops or restaurants (so there's basically no sign of life), and one is completely exposed to the elements. Plus, with a constant slight uphill, it's where marathon dreams die. I spent the entire second loop preparing myself mentally for getting through that section.

Logistically, the race has a casual feel about it. No speeches or anthems at the start; just the blast of a horn and we were off. Water stations are placed every few miles, though only the latter stages of the circuit seemed to have Gatorade. On the second loop, a number of these stations are unmanned.

Clocks are only at the halfway point of the loop and near the end, and mileage markers are spray painted on the ground in the shape of giant Ms, with mileage numbers inside. Parking near the start is not too bad; there's also a pay lot right near the library. The five-hour cut-off is liberal; they'll let you finish, but they will be taking down the signs when you finally get to the tape.

Given the history of the Yonkers Marathon, modest cost, proximity to NYC, technical tee, and my personal experience, I'm really surprised that this race does not get more runners. Yes, it's an urban environment, and no, it doesn't have crowd support or on-course entertainment, but it's a credible run, and there should be (at a minimum) thousands of runners doing the distance, not just a few hundred. I would recommend.

The Yonkers marathon is such a secret that even the people from Yonkers don't know it exists! Well, they should!!! This event was very well run and the logistics are so easy. It is easy to get to the start, packet pick-up is morning of the race and the post race party is just down the street from the finish. The race director is great with communication - quick responses to emails.
The course is somewhat challenging and it's a double loop, so you know you're going to get those hills again. I happened to PR on this course though - I loved it!
Not much crowd support; just the random people standing in their driveway now and then; and then of course at the finish. The streets were open to traffic, but the cops did a great job at every intersection. I didn't have to break stride at all for a car. Overall, GREAT experience.
If you like the small marathons, this one is a must.

I ran the marathon for 2011. While the race went ok, all the while I had the feeling I was on a training run and the town didn't have a clue what was transpiring. No signs or banners along the way. No spectators to speak of. Live traffic in our lane. Lots of drivers stuck in long lines made me wonder if they knew what to expect. I felt bad for them.
The view along the Hudson was obscured by trees and much of the rest of the route was by warehouses and closed stores. Not much to look at and certainly nothing as exciting as music or a costumed cheerer along the way.
On the plus side, the police did a good job of blocking the traffic for us, the race timing chips worked well, and the children at the aid stations were very enthusiastic.
Lastly, the free food selection was pretty meager; the bagels were not edible.

This is a great race that seems to be underappreciated by the majority of marathon runners. It's got an incredible history (second only to Boston) and is one to challenge yourself with. No big crowds, no big field of racers - just you and the course and you're there to challenge yourself. The organization is always totally awesome - easy to register, easy to get to and from the race, great support/water stops on the course, and great post race party. It's the fourth time I've run it (I travel to NYC from VA to participate and I will be back again next year!)

Just ran this yesterday (9/18/11), and really enjoyed it. The course was well marked and not crowded. Good variation and it's actually nice to do 2 loops... helps psychologically late in the race to know where you are. It has a small and personal feel, but Steve did a great job organizing it. There are kids staffing most water stations, which is motivational as they are excited to cheer you on. Recommended! I hope to run it again!

The location of the marathon is great.
The parking is close to the start.
The race pick up smooth. The course
is challenging. The weather was better
than previous years.
Could of used some food on the course.
Liquid is not enough for the marathon
distance. Food at the end has gotten
worse.

Test n stretch yourself. Flat marathons are fun, but this hilly beast is a sweet challenge - gets you thinking, planning and really working all the muscles. Give it your all - the course will take everything you throw at it and give nothing in return, except that fabulous feeling of 'I DID IT!' at the end. Great organization, great volunteers, great police, and a great place to run. Awesome. Weehoo!

Growth is good; it would be cool to have a pre-marathon meal chat-and-chew. Location is very good. More website info (pictures of the area and hotels) would help. The hills are to die for. Bring it on! The race director takes charge - I love it!!!! If you don't hear or see fans, just listen to your heartbeat and respect the marathon.

It's a really tough and challenging course - no kiddin'. The first loop is a breeze, but the second loop is totally magnified and intensified: each hill, each incline... they all just get longer.

My first time running it, but I'm pretty sure I'll sign up for 2011. And if you register before May 2011, I think the September 18, 2011 race is only $25! All tri-state area runners should sign up immediately; this race deserves the top runners in the area.

Great staff, great volunteers, great location and great, challenging course.

This is my 4th year at this race (2 full, 2 half). I can say that each year the police at the intersections always do a great job, as do the people at the water stations. There were a few people along the course, but they were very supportive. Overall, this is one of the best marathons I've run. See you next year.