Everyone was sooo nice - the staff, the people in the town, the volunteers. This was my very first half-marathon, and I had a great time. The course was hilly, but it was a beautiful, cool day and there were plenty of water stations. I will definitely run this next year.

This was my first half-marathon, and what a great experience! Yes, the course is HILLY - I thought I was off the hook once I left the scenic part along the Hudson but even the section in the city was a challenge. The race was really well-organized with policemen at every intersection (a few even offered some words of encouragement!) and plenty of volunteers with water at every mile mark. I have only run 5K races in Central Park (NYC) before this, always with thousands of other runners, and this was a great contrast. There were about 300 people in this race, and there was a real spirit of community in the air. One previous runner on this board said this race had "heart and soul" and s/he was 100% right! Weather this year was nice and cool, about 50 degrees just before the race started, up to 65-70 by mid-day. I'll be back to try to shave a few minutes off my time next year.

The Yonkers Marathon is probably one of the hardest and hilliest marathons in the world (I never ran Boston so I have no hill comparison). Firstly, the course is a two-loop climbing expedition along the Hudson but with few views of the river expanse. It is basically uphill from the beginning with a hill about mile 4-5 that was basically a 45-degree climb in Hastings. There also is a severe decline that conveniently ends in front of an old cemetery. (Not a good place to get tired.) The back portion of each loop comprises a tour of industrial Yonkers, which is a bit dreary but acceptable. Support along the course is great thanks to the wonderful volunteers at every mile, but crowd support is limited. (One gentleman manned his own table with Coca-Cola and water.)

Commuting and parking is easy; the start is accessible by the train; and free parking is located at the start. The temperature can get hot, as it was this year at 80 degrees, but that can happen in September. The staff is wonderful and attentive to all needs with food (post-race pasta), massages, water and above all a big medal. It is worthwhile to try the second oldest marathon in the country.

The Yonkers Marathon is probably one of the hardest and hilliest marathons in the world (I never ran Boston, so I have no hill comparison). Firstly, the course is a two-loop climbing expedition along the Hudson, but with few views of the river expanse. It is basically uphill from the beginning with a hill about Mile 4-5 that was basically a 45-degree climb in Hastings. There also is a severe decline that conveniently ends in front of an old cemetery. (Not a good place to get tired.) The back portion of each loop comprises a tour of industrial Yonkers, which is a bit dreary but acceptable. Support along the course is great thanks to the wonderful volunteers at every mile, but crowd support is limited. (One gentleman manned his own table with Coca-Cola and water.)

Commuting and parking is easy, the start is accessible by the train, and free parking is located at the start. The temperature can get hot, as it was this year at 80 degrees, but that can happen in September. The staff is wonderful and attentive to all needs with food (post-race pasta), massages, water, and above all, a big medal. It is worthwhile to try the second oldest marathon in the country.

I just ran the Yonkers Half-Marathon for the first time and it was a great experience! Parking and check-in was a breeze; no waiting in lines for restrooms; tons of water and Gatorade to be had; fresh fruit and a nice pasta lunch served at the end.... How could all this be possible? Well, there were fewer than 300 participants altogether. Before the race I stood at the starting area looking around wondering where everybody was. I was surprised by such a small event.

Even more surprising was the absence of spectators along the course. I only noticed maybe five people cheering for the runners in the two hours I spent out there. I was actually happy about that because to me a running event shouldn't resemble a parade anyhow. Also it was fun to be the cause of frustration for many Sunday morning drivers. The roads were not closed! Police were at every intersection holding up traffic sometimes just for me as I crossed at my pace. That was so cool... to have the right of way all day above the flow of traffic! The police did a great job and not once did I feel like I had to speed up or slow down to avoid traffic and felt completely safe at all times.

As far as the course being scenic? The only really nice scenery is at the start/finish area, all the good stuff along the course is blocked by trees, however some of the neighborhoods it takes you through are pleasant enough to look at. What makes the course great are the hills. They are no joke and give you a great workout. I couldn't imagine ever wanting to do the full marathon, unless I was an elite marathoner, considering the difficulty of the hills and the boredom of merely repeating the same course twice. By the way, this run fit perfectly into my training schedule for the NYC Marathon coming up in November.

Some other things I really enjoyed and thought made the Yonkers Marathon unique:

The staff was excellent, encouraging and very helpful from start to finish. From the parking directors to the helpers at the many water stations to the food servers and even the event coordinator himself! He approached me at the finish to congratulate me and asked how I enjoyed it, if I had any feedback, etc. Really nice!

Overall, I was left with an impression, a "feeling" about this Yonkers Marathon. It's got a heart and soul... it's not your average marathon. I'll be back to experience it again, and will hopefully see some of the same people I met this year. That's another thing - throughout the day I had some good conversations with the other runners. That's another new one for me.... Usually you see the same people over and over along the course, but there's hardly any communication as individuals tend to get lost in the crowd. Not in this case. Near the end of the run I found myself chatting and bonding with some fellow runners. I even got a big hug from a woman named Ivette who told me I was her inspiration! Wow! How cool is that? A perfect ending to a great run. Ivette - I hope to see you passing me in the Staten Island Half!

One more highlight was being right there to cheer on the full marathon finishers, epecially Retta Feyissa, as he crossed the finish line in first place!

It's hilly on a hot day.

After the race, Ms. Ann Kaiser made sure I was fine and asked Robert to give me a massage. This is the first massage I ever got and the first time they've been provided here. No waiting line.

I love this race.

This was my first time running the Yonkers Marathon. I came up from DC just to run a small-town marathon. I would do it again. The hills make it a challenge. The man at mile 3/16 with the Coca-Cola table saved the day with a boost of small cups of cola. Thank you. Not many spectators, but the ones who cheered us on were great people.

Not for first-time marathon runners. Hills for most of the course. I like small marathons, and enjoyed this one, but if you have any question about your training, do the half. It is not an easy marathon.

One tough marathon!! It was 80 degrees and sunny this year, but thank goodness for the water stations every mile. I loved this marathon; it will either bring out the best in you or expose your weakness!! The organizers and volunteers are terrific and spirited; they more than make up for the lack of spectators along the course.

This marathon and half marathon is not as sexy as the big five, but she will sure make you feel good about yourself after you finish running!!! I'll be back next year and plan to bring along a couple of friends!!!!! THANK YOU, CITY OF YONKERS!!!

This is tought marathon with challenging hills and tough descends. Definitely not for first time marathoners. There is little crowd support, but the race is well organized. A good tune-up for the fall classics.