The course was very pretty, predominantly on bike paths with a small strecth on the roads between Mohawk and Hudson river paths. It was definitely flat, but I didn't appreciated a significant downhill grade as some commenters did. The runners were great. I've run 2 Bostons and 1 NYC (both over 20,000) and this was the first time other runners talked to me. Volunteers were fantastic with very supportive comments. The spectators were few, but cheered everyone on as they passed by.
My only criticsm were the mile markers, I didn't see any until mile 4. They were painted on the ground (some were marked by very small traffic cones). This was a real problem for pacing, as I generally look up, not down, when I'm running. If the race organizers would put flags up for mile markers, it would have been perfect. I'm sorry I didn't bring my Garmin.

My third time running this and it never disappoints. The organization is magnificent, the host hotel does a wonderful job - pasta dinner, packet pick-up on site, late check out. If you want a BQ this is the race. The course is gently downhill in the first 1/4 and flaaat(!) mostly picturesque shaded bike path for the rest. Spectators at the accessible points on the bike path are enthusiastic and water stations are very well staffed and supplied. Gels plentiful in the second half. If you're looking for the hoopla of a Rock n Roll marathon go elsewhere. If you want to run your first marathon (or half) and BQ or if you just want a fantastic running experience this is the one.

This is a fine course and it is well organized. This year, however, "marathon" was spelled incorrectly on the sleeve ("marthon") on what would otherwise have been a fine, distinctive shirt. I have run other small marathons, but this was my favorite.

I have been trying to qualify for Boston for the last two year and nailed this time at MHRM!! I did a lot of research on the best and fastest courses in the US. They said this is one of the ten fastest... and they are right (not to mention the fact that it's just a beautiful course).

It is small (fewer than 500 runners), which I loved. It is well organized. And if you are traveling from out of town, plan on staying at the Crowne Plaza (the host hotel). They treated the runners very well.

I came here to qualify for Boston and I did!!

Thanks for a great race and a great marathon!

I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend in the greater Albany area. I had never visited before and was impressed by the rivers, building architecture and the atmosphere of staying in downtown Albany. I was amazed by the restored historic buildings, churches and the available activities. I wish I could have stayed longer to sightsee more.

More importantly about the race itself: As everyone says, the course is beautiful, fast and water stations well manned. Gels were provided at two locations as advertised. The organization was great. Simply pick up your packet, get on the bus (which left right on time), get ready to run (lots of bathrooms at start) and enjoy your race. Beautiful finish at a park on the river where plenty of food was available. It's a short walk back to the host Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was generous with a late check-out.

This race is small but very well organized and features a great course. Every race depends on great volunteers and this race was no exception. Due to the nature of the course (riverside bike trails), spectators are often few, but where access was available they were plenty and encouraging. The pasta supper at the hotel was convenient and of good value. A personal best time and ideal weather added to the outstanding weekend.

The course was fast and beautiful. Very flat, and yes, I did get stopped by a train, for which they did credit me some time. They say that there are some inclines on the course, but I didn't notice them. There are some pretty harsh declines, however. Mostly the course is flat. Hooked up with a group of about 10 BQers, and the camaraderie was fantastic - we helped each other finish strong. Great race, great support, and few but great spectators.

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon did not disappoint, with a very fast course, great weather and water stops. Seems like it has good organization, easy packet pick-up, quick results, well marked course and beautiful fall colors.

I have run 17 marathons, and you have the marathons with the computer chips and spectators, but if you want just a great course for a PR without too many quad-killing declines and lots of scenic views (more scenic than the Vermont City!!), this is the race. It is a smallish race, which I expect will be a bit bigger next year for the 25th anniversary, but it is organized as if they have been doing this forever.

Nice fast course. Perfect for the 1st-time marathoner. The folks do a pretty good job organizing for such a small race. One of my favorite fall races. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed.

This is a small marathon, and a very fast if that is your goal. I finished in 3:49 and didn't even finish in the top 50%. You should NOT run this marathon if you want any type of expo, crowd support, or a cool-looking shirt. Only run it for a fast time, a pretty fall course, or because you need to run at least one in NY.

The majority of the course is flat, but not miles 1-5 (or maybe 4). After that, the only significant hills are between 12-13, and after 16. Other than that it is only an occasional small incline or decline, because you aren't running on a mirror.

Things to improve:
1. The course map on the website - hand-drawn and awful.
2. The shirt is lame! Just a small emblem on the front which reeks of the 70s/80s. If you have to raise the cost to put a nice design on there, then maybe it isn't worth it. But with such a beautiful course, I think you could put something nice here.
3. Couldn't find mile marker 1, and my Garmin said mile marker 2 was off.

Be warned that some of the aid stations have 2 or 3 folks working them, so they can be self-serve. I brought my water bottle and it saved me.

I would run this marathon again. My review may sound negative, but it is more helpful to know what is bad about this marathon than what is good.