Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Apr 27, 2024

Yonkers Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Yonkers Marathon Information & Reviews

Course 3.9

Organization 4.4

Spectators 2.8

Number of comments: 78 [displaying comments 11 to 21]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

K. G. from New York, NY (11/30/2012) "Well organized, gorgeous and challenging course!" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This race was well organized with plenty of great pre-race communication and a great post-race spread. The course is GORGEOUS, but hilly. However, the enthusiasm of race team and spectators alike make it a wonderful experience. I highly recommend it!!
S. F. from Staten Island (11/28/2012) "A challenging race that's worth the effort" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Yonkers Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Always a challenge, this course can chew up the unprepared, but mostly every entrant has some idea what to expect and has trained properly (on hills). Don't run this race expecting to qualify for anything that you haven't already, because your time won't be a PR, but you will have a unique experience. The most fascinating aspect of this race is the contrast of views and terrain over the course. You will have breathtaking views along the Hudson, and later on the Yonkers inner-city. Don't be shy about asking cops for directions when the runners get strung out and you don't see anyone anymore; yes, it's possible to take a wrong turn otherwise. Very few spectators, so the motivation has to come from you, but it's all worth it to be able to proudly wear that Yonkers Marathon shirt on your training runs to come.
B. S. from New York, NY (11/28/2012) "Good org, nice course, but bit too many cars" (about: 2012) 4-5 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 The start was a bit dissheveled but being a smaller race not a big deal. Otherwise water stops were fine. Course was well marked but because it was not fully closed to traffic there were times I was dodging cars. That was unnecessarily stressful. I would definitely run again though.
c. A. from New York, NY (11/28/2012) "Nice and well organized race" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This is a great race that deserves to be experienced. Do not expect a huge PR, because of a couple of little hills on the course. Some said it was very hilly; I personally believe the course is a bit more challenging than flat courses like Central Park, but overall it was not tremendous. Organization was excellent and impeccable. The location is really great and even the crowd supported the event very well.
Bradford Hammer from Old Tappan, NJ (9/19/2012) "Better before NYC Runs got involved" (about: 2012) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Yonkers Marathons COURSE: 2 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 1 I'm sorry. I'm sure the folks at NYC Runs are wonderful and well-intentioned but I saw little upgrade in the Yonkers Marathon from the 2011 version except for the skyrocketing price (now close to $100). I think I paid half that last year and, at a C-note and with a credible organizing team, one expects better. On the positive side, NYC Runs did manage to get more bodies on the course (both runners and volunteers), and tech shirts were an improvement from twelve months prior. Race results were up within 24-hours, and photos at the event were made available without charge in a pay-what-you-will format. However, very little was done to improve the race, especially for full marathoners. (Yonkers runs a concurrent half.) In fact, the library building that used to house runners indoors pre-race (and serve as a baggage drop) was basically closed-off; only race officials were allowed in-and-out. So there was no way to escape the elements while waiting around, and many people took to their cars. Also, because NYC Runs altered the start and finish areas slightly, all the painted street mile markings from previous years were off. They did put signs on poles for distances, but the whole thing seemed a bit odd. And the 'new' portion included a bad last left turn off Main Street that was pretty hairy given Bronx drivers (and their well-deserved 'Hey, your body hit my bumper!' reputation). Plus, the race again disappointed with Gatorade/water stops. On the second loop, nearly every station was out of Gatorade just when one needs it most. And while most stations that carried both had water at the first table and Gatorade at the second, some had it reversed. Again, for a local race this is forgivable. A bit less so with NYC Runs conducting. I can tell you what my $100 did not buy: more time clocks. I only saw one the whole time, at the start/finish. As with the 2011 version, there were hardly any spectators other than friends or family members of racers. And runners still contend with live traffic, long stretches of industrial scenery, and the return leg of each loop in direct sunlight. So it's not a real scenic course outside of glimpsing the Palisades, even though the Metro North makes travel there incredibly convenient. Yonkers also remains a nice warm-up to the New York City 26.6 six weeks later. Just don't call it a 'bargain' anymore.
Ben Tam from New Jersey (9/27/2011) "Used to be a nice event, not this year though" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 2 Yonkers Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 2 FANS: 3 Ran the marathon in 2010. Nice, well-organized, small, no-frills, inexpensive event. Challenging course. NYCRUNS took over this year promising a better event and charged more for it. The good: -Start/finish was moved to a better location, finishes on a downhill -Net times recorded (only gun time available in previous years) The bad: -Website was relaunched early on, looked nice, but was lacking in any useful information or updates. Felt like they just forgot about it -Post-race had hot food last year. This year: stale bagels, oranges and bananas -The race director was already having a beer at the after-party when I finished my marathon. There were 170+ more runners to come in after me; the RD nowhere in sight -My finish time wasn't recorded. I emailed the RD who told me to be patient; he wasn't in charge of it. He ignored my requests for status 2 days after. And again 4 days after. I emailed the timing company myself and they fixed the problem right away. My results are on active.com, but not on marathonguide.com since they weren't part of the original data set. Now I have to waste time trying to get that corrected as well. -I emailed the RD about age group awards. He curtly told me again to be patient; I'll know as soon as he knows. (I think 4 days is more than patient.) Shouldn't an RD be able to answer a simple question about awards? -A few other runners posted on Facebook about their missing results. I'll assume they were ignored too. They certainly didn't get any responses via Facebook. -TEN DAYS after the event, the RD sends out a mass email addressing questions in bulk: email him with problems with results (good luck), no age group awards (surprise! There were last year), and he really doesn't seem to know what's going on with the event photos. I was really happy with my result this year, but the events that unfolded as soon as I crossed the finish line sucked out all the excitement I had from that day. I would expect a race director to show a little more pride in his race. Not being at the finish line area when at least 95% of the marathoners haven't finished, ignoring emails with legitimate concerns, and just plain bad public relations are signs of a race director that just doesn't care. I'm a little curious to know what the extra $15 in registration costs were put towards this year since there were no age-group awards or hot food. The tech tees, I guess? This was my first and last NYCRUNS event. I certainly won't be returning to Yonkers next year as long as they're involved.
N. T. from New York (9/27/2011) "Great local marathon" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 This is a great local race to run. Super easy to get to if you take metronorth from the City. Race starts just opposite the train station. You have an indoor area before the marathon (and real bathrooms). It is great to be part of the second oldest marathon in the US. Race number pick up a breeze. Great views of the Hudson and palisades for part of the course. Hills are rolling and not as bad as people talk about. Nice downhill finish. Low cost entry fee makes it one of the best deals around NYC. It was great being part of marathon history by participating in Yonkers.
C. F. from Yonkers, NY (9/23/2011) "Hometown Heroes - All of you" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 5 Yonkers is my hometown. I grew up at Mile 2/15 of the race course. I'd run the Half 4 times but never had the guts to do the Full. So, in preparation for the Hartford Marathon, I decided I'd take it easy for Yonkers. Not possible. I was so taken by the scenery, at Mile 8, when I was supposed to lay back, I hit the gas. I thought I'd blow up at Mile 20, but it never happened. I think it was partly because I ran past so many settings of my childhood: my house, the Hudson River Museum, Main Street in Hastings, the Carvel off Odell Avenue, City Hall, Riverdale Avenue. It was wonderful to feel fresh, strong and happy at Mile 24, just beyond the Post Office. Please keep the finish as is: charging down Buena Vista is a thrill. Better than Main. A few points: Gatorade was terrible and in the wrong spot (not Mile 5 as advertised). On two occasions I had to tell a course marshal to please stop the cars. One water stop was totally unmanned and empty. I give the fans a 5 because the few out there were awesome. (Partly because I saw my gf, my nieces, my mom, my brother, and my Dad 3 times.) I remind you all that if you run well, you MAKE fans along the way. Such was a case with a dude on Ashburton; clearly not a runner but inspired by our presence. Churchgoers moved out of our way. Post-race party left a little to be desired, but it's not the first time that half-marathoners - who obviously finish earlier - get the lion's share of post-race attention. C'est la vie. Again interesting that you eat bagels and rolls - at a fancy restaurant. That was odd. Finisher's medal was a little weak. Not sure when I'll do this one again, as it doesn't fit with my goal of 50 states. But it was one of the most inspiring days I've had in years. Such a thrill to run one of the toughest races in the region and finish with a smile. Congratulations to the organizers and the finishers!
D. M. from Yonkers, NY (9/21/2011) "YO THE BEST" (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 An excellent challenge to anyone who call him or her self a MARATHON RUNNER. Yonkers Marathon will break you down and in the end when you cross the finish line you will know I ran The Yonkers Marathon. I ran ING NYC Marathon 8 times and Yonkers is my greatest Challenge. You will be thinking, planning and working all the muscles and fight your mind.. Be ready - the course will take everything you throw at it. If you are a Spartan runner this challenge is for you. I am already planning for next year. Excellent organization, excellent volunteers, excellent police, and a great place to run. Awesome
Bradford Hammer from Old Tappan, NJ (9/20/2011) "Hey, I'm Runnin' Here! A Nice Urban Race." (about: 2011) 6-10 previous marathons \| 1 Yonkers Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 1 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.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 > ]

Become an Advertiser

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Click Here: Please visit our Sponsor

Become an Advertiser

© 2000-2024, All Rights Reserved by MarathonGuide.com LLC

Privacy Policy Refund Policy Terms of Use