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Become An AdvertiserMarathon Details - Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
North America Marathons > USA > NY > Albany > Mohawk-Hudson River MarathonMohawk-Hudson River Marathon
Albany, NY USA
October 13, 2024
Marathon Results
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Race Details
Summary: The USATF certified course starts in Central Park in Schenectady, NY and finishes at Albany Riverfront Park at Corning Preserve in downtown Albany, NY. Free buses are available to the start. The course generally follows the Mohawk River, which includes 13 miles of the paved Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike trail, then proceeds over city streets toward the Hudson River, where it links up with the paved bike/hike trail for the last few miles of the race. The course is flat, fast and scenic and perfect for first timers or those looking to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon, with its enchanting course that winds along the picturesque bike paths flanking the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, offers an ideal backdrop for both seasoned marathoners and those stepping into the marathon world for the first time. This marathon is celebrated not just for its scenic beauty but for providing a remarkably flat and fast route, making it an excellent choice for personal bests or even a debut marathon attempt.
The organization of the marathon shines through in the ample water stations sprinkled generously along the course, each manned by enthusiastic volunteers whose encouragement fuels runners' spirits. The presence of high school runners among the volunteers adds a youthful exuberance, turning each water stop into a mini-celebration of the marathon journey. Spectators, though sparse in certain stretches, make their presence felt with creative signs and lively music, infusing the air with motivation.
As the course unfolds, runners are treated to a serene ambiance, with autumn leaves providing a colorful canopy overhead, bridges offering picturesque crossings, and the riverside paths presenting tranquil views that are as mentally calming as they are beautiful. The flat terrain is a consistent companion, allowing runners to find their rhythm and embrace the marathon challenge with confidence. Mile markers along the way not only guide the runners but also share motivational quotes, adding a thoughtful touch to the race experience.
However, the marathon, like any great endeavor, presents its own set of challenges. A few runners anticipated medical assistance along the course that seemed less visible than expected, highlighting the importance of clear signage and accessibility. Furthermore, the unique feature of a set of railroad tracks crossing the path introduced an element of unpredictability, though it remained a minor concern for most participants.
Despite these hurdles, the marathon culminates in a rewarding finish, with the latter miles unveiling the expansive beauty of the Hudson River. The approach to Albany's vibrant cityscape, against the backdrop of cheering crowds growing in numbers, offers a stirring finale to the marathon journey. This transition from the tranquil paths to the bustling finish line encapsulates the marathon's unique blend of solitude and community, challenge and triumph.
The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon stands as a testament to the spirit of marathon running - a celebration of endurance, personal achievement, and the natural beauty that accompanies runners on their journey from start to finish. It's a race that leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of participants, inviting them back to its course year after year, whether in search of a new personal record or the simple joy of running along the riverside paths.
Contact Information
| Name: | Maureen Cox | |
| Address: | Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
c/o Cox P.O Box 12304 Albany, NY 12212 |
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| Phone Number: | 000-000-0000 | |
| Email: | Email the organizers | |
Runner Reviews (94)
Course 4.6 
Organization 4.3 
Spectators 3.4 |
B. G. from New York, NY
(10/23/2024)
"Excellent BQ Course. Scenic w Easy Logistics" (about: 2024)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Mohawk Hudson was close to the perfect Qualifier. I raced two Revel extreme downhills in the past year, but didn't come close. At M-H, I qualified by 10+ mins. The M-H course is rated downhill, but the first 14 miles are gently rolling with a net change of zero. The elevation kept my legs fresh for the second half. Almost all of the downhill hits in the next four miles, the middle miles when a Marathon can get monotonous. With that boost, the last eight miles raced by. Most of the course is on a well paved train trail so most elevation changes are gradual. A couple of downhills, though, are too sharp to provide max benefit. Several miles are on local roads and I had no trouble with traffic. Although I prefer urban Marathons, the changing leaves were near peak and still provided protection against the light drizzle and breeze. It was a beautiful country scene. There are a few vistas over the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, but I'd still rate scenery a 4. It happened that 2024 weather was perfect for a BQ. Temps stayed in the 40s, the predicted rain remained a mist or light drizzle and the forecast breeze was just strong enough to provide some fresh air. Communication before the race was excellent. Same day registration was simple. Post-race massage was much appreciated. Sandwiches were generous. | |
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T. F. from NY
(10/8/2018)
"A good point-to-point marathon with no loops" (about: 2018)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Nice scenery and trails. Well organized with transportation, water, etc. My only complaint is the medal. It was so small it reminded my of a shirt logo. Charge an extra $10 and get bigger bling. | |
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B. B. from Massachusetts
(10/9/2017)
"Lovely course but not for slow runners" (about: 2017)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 The organizers are very clear that one must finish within 6 hours. What they are less clear about is that slow runners should expect nothing at the end. The food is packed up and gone promptly at 6 hours. En route, one of the water stops was completely folded up, tables, everything in the truck when I went past at an under 6 hour pace. Fortunately others were open after that, but given the heat and humidity that was worrisome. If it takes you 5 hours or less to run a marathon, this is a lovely course. | |
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D. W. from Virginia
(10/28/2016)
"Beautiful, simple, fast marathon!" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 2 Having done all sizes of marathon and types of courses, I came here seeking speed. The course provides that! Easy hills up front when adrenaline is high and only a few shorter, steeper uphills around 12/13. Other than that it feels flat except for 2 downhills as one enters the bike path and again as one leaves the bike path before the train tracks (I did not get stopped by the train thankfully). No spectator support to lift you up emotionally if needed. I like it but I don't need it. Course aid stations were ample in quantity but too short to take multiple cups moving at speed. Pace groups only went from 3:25 and up, so you're on your own below that. Easy logistics of this race and relatively inexpensive to stay downtown (Fairfield) and walk to expo, buses, finish line, and eateries/pubs. Do this for a small, local feel and / or speed attempt. | |
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Randy Chamberland from Shelton CT
(10/21/2016)
"A very enjoyable experience & just the right size" (about: 2016)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 3 The Mohawk-Hudson Marathon was a very enjoyable experience and just the right size. I thought that the overall race organization was excellent with decent amenities. After doing extremely large races down to small less than 100 runner marathons, I just wanted to do one without all the hassles, and the Mohawk was a great choice. The host Hilton Hotel was decent, the Expo had the usual vendors which was fine for a smaller marathon, though I just got in for my number and left. The Host hotel had Starbucs opened early for the runners. The buses to the start were well run and efficient arriving at Central Park in Schenectady in ~30mins. There were a good number of Portos at the waiting/starting area with water, and coffee, along with plenty of acreage to warmup. The Course is net downhill/flat and fast, traveling mostly on paved bike trails along the scenic river. Plenty of fluids on the course. The finish area was also well run, I had my baggage picked up and off to the changing tents in a matter of minutes. Along with the great temperature to finish this off as an enjoyable experience, I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for a simpler marathon that could give you a great BQ time to boot! | |
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M. L. from New Jersey
(10/13/2015)
"BQ'ed and loved every step" (about: 2015)
3 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 The race is not too big, not too small. About 1000 runners. You park at the finish (nice big parking garage, $5 for the day) and take a bus to the start. At the start there were plenty of porta-potties so not much waiting. The course is very pretty, following mostly bike trails through the trees and along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers. There weren't a lot of spectator opportunities but that was OK for me. I was nervous about the train tracks before mile 18 but it wasn't a big deal. There was no train, and if there had been the timing mats are there to compensate. Don't let that uncertainty be the reason you pass up this race. My only negatives were that the water stations were a little inconsistent. The water and gatorade were not in different cups, and not in the same place at each station. And at the finish there weren't any signs directing us to the baggage van. But all's well that ends well. | |
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S. C. from Westchester NY
(10/12/2015)
"'This is not the race for you'" (about: 2015)
50+ previous marathons
| 3 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 2 I will set the stage for my tale. I am a 62 year old female, Marathon Maniac and 50 state finisher, nursing a surgically repaired knee back to health. I had deferred from last year to this year to give the knee more healing time. That said, I was prepared for the race and the final instructional email from the RD stated there was a 5 1/2 hour time cut-off & WHAT?????? I did not see that anywhere in the literature about this race. I sent her an email, which she never responded to, and then sought her out at the Expo. I explained my confusion and added worry to finishing within the time. The RD looked at me and said 'WELL&. MAYBE THIS ISNT THE RACE FOR YOU'. Nice comeback to someone who just spent a lot of money of TWO registration fees, lodging and food expenditures. I was offended and embarrassed and felt completely unwelcomed. When I asked her about this time cut off information, she said when you sign up and input your expected time, if you input anything over 5 1/2 hours, you are rejected!!! That's a sucky system because, come on, we all shave a wee bit of time off in hopes we WILL be able to do it. I finished in 5:32 and am not listed as a finisher!!! This was the 3rd time I ran the race and I will NEVER EVER do it again. You are so right, RD, and this is NOT the race for me!!!! But in three weeks I will run the race for me, NYC Marathon!!!!! | |
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J. B. from New York City, USA
(11/4/2014)
"A go-to race for a BQ." (about: 2014)
6-10 previous marathons
| 2 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was the second time I've run Mohawk-Hudson and both times it's delivered on a BQ. The bike trails make for fast, easy running. As a New York City resident, the four-mile stretch on city streets was no big deal. It even made for a nice change of scenery. I have never had a problem with the train crossing. The finish line spread is the best of any marathon I've competed in. | |
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S. M. from New York
(10/13/2014)
"Great 1st time marathon" (about: 2014)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon. The expo was small but well organized, packet pick-up was efficient, everyone was helpful and friendly. I live local so I didn't take advantage of the bus or baggage shuttle. Plenty of porta potties at the start of the course. The race started on time, mile markers were present and available for every mile. The first 13.1 miles are slightly rolling with some flat stretches and two areas with steep downhill grade. The last 13.1 are relatively flat with one steep downhill at mile #17. There is potential to stop and wait for a train to pass at mile 17.4 but they have a mat to correct your time if need be. The only timing clocks on this course are at miles 13.1, 17.4 and the finish line. Water stations were well organized and well staffed, there were two water stations that offered 'GU' packets with volunteers calling out what flavors they had (I think this was at miles 8 and 17). Miles 21-26 were pretty lonely but the last .2 had a lot of spectators. Medical staff were present on bikes throughout the race, thankfully I didn't need them but they were readily available. My goal time was to finish in 3:30 so I lined up with the 'pace setter' for 3:35. We started off a little fast, I lost him at mile 3 but was still able to finish in 3:33:17. This race course has been noted by Runner's World Magazine as one of the top 10 marathons to qualify for Boston. | |
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M. M. from Rhode Island
(12/16/2013)
"Highly Recommend this Marathon!" (about: 2013)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Top notch organization from start to finish. The expo was small but appropriate given the size of the field. Bus shuttles to the start went smoothly: walked right onto a bus and arrived at the start with time to spare. Manageable bathroom lines and a low key starting area which was nice. I was impressed with the crowd support along the course and at water stations!! Beautiful course, loved being on a bike path for most of the race (miles 17-22 tough mentally on city streets). My biggest gripe was the pacer for 3:35 (my goal time) went out entirely too fast and threw off that particular time field...I actually saw him finish alone, he probably burnt out anyone that tried to stay with him. Overall a fantastic course and organized race!! |
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