Adirondack Marathon - Race Reviews

The Adirondack Marathon is spectacular. One lap around beautiful Schroon Lake festooned in autumnal brilliance, and blanketed with enthusiastic spectators and a legion of smiling volunteers. For a small village in the woods to turn out in droves (700+ volunteers) speaks volumes about how runner-friendly, and people-oriented this event is. This was my first 26.2, but I've run many races from 1-milers to half-marathons that weren't nearly as friendly. Or challenging. Train for the hills! And pace yourself. I could have walked a hill or two in the front half to save my legs for the last miles. Still, proud to be an age-division winner of local maple syrup. Hats off to all you super citizens of Schroon Lake, NY. You are amazing. More Cowbell!

This was my first time running the Adirondack marathon and it was an absolutely breathtaking course. One area for improvement that I would recommend is moving up the start time. The temperature reached 82° and it was humid. Due to global warming a 9 AM start time is probably not feasible for a future races. I was able to enter the early bird after switching my time and so the heat was not a big problem by starting at 7 AM. Overall the views of the lake were amazing the crowd support was great. It is a more challenging course with some steep hills and my GPS measured over 1500' in elevation gain. This is also a smaller race so if you are comfortable with running alone for some parts this race is for you.

Stunning views, excellent race support, and an incredible after race party too with gorgeous views of Schroon Lake and mountains! The after race celebration is really special because it's for family and friends of racers too. My family runs the marathon relay every year, and we come from all over the country to make it each year. The race organization is top notch! Great race for individuals and families!

This is one of my favorite races. It's well-organized, the course is beautiful, and the post-race celebration is excellent. I run the relay every year.

Although the first half of the run is challenging ( numerous hills), it is a very peaceful scenic course. The weather is usually beautiful in late September with the fall foliage. A dip in schroon lake always feels great on the legs after 26.2. The food setup is also great and the spectators are encouraging along the course. I would recommend this for any marathoner. My advice is to include some hill work in your training.

The Adirondack Distance Festival is not only the most stunning course, but it also is certainly the most well organized race I have ever done. The entire town supports the event and is incredibly welcoming. The whole course has gorgeous views of the Adirondacks and Schroon Lake (plus it's foliage time). The support stations are great, and the post race celebration is top notch with a huge food spread, free post race massages, beautiful views of the lake and mountains, and so much more. The prizes are great too from seriously the best maple syrup ever to incredible Adirondack wooden bears! The size of the race is a great size - lots of participants but not too many so you never feel crowded while running and every participant gets lots of attention. My family comes from all over the country (MO, GA, WI, VT) to participate every year, and we have been coming for about 8 years. Also, the race is great because you can do anything from a 4-person relay (including shorter and longer legs) to half-marathon to full marathon, so all running abilities are welcome. Thank you Town of Schroon and Adirondack for such a spectacular event.

The inaugural motto 20 years ago was 'Probably the most beautiful 26 miles 385 yards you'll ever run'. They aren't kidding, this is one lovely race. The beauty is not only the scenery but the overall experience. For starters, like the dog food, this race stays with you for your life cycle-from the run 20 years ago when younger and ran top half in finish to now, with better marathon days behind, a race to beat the closing of the clock. This the best slow-friendly marathon I know of. With a 2hr earlier early bird start (7am) (in addition to regular 9am) they give you a generous 8 1/2 (3:30PM) hour time to finish. Amazing-there even was food left! Oh and you get one beautiful sunrise in the first 5 miles with sun shining behind 2 mountains onto clouds in orange glow as you run near farms. The weather has been sensational 30's start to 60's finish. Course-hilly miles 5-12 kind of fun ,the hills meander through thick tree cover-like running on the track of a roller coaster. Signature hill is mile 11 1/2. After 12 you flatten out around south end of lake till the camp (mile 18) with a large gathering of hyper excited youth cheering you on-oh to be young again. Then you head up Route 9 towards home on rolling inclines. You finish at north end of Schroon Lake-medal and a big smile. Organization is top-rate, volunteers friendly, spectators in full voice. Last notes- a nice pre-race pasta ($15) in a charming fall decorated rustic hall and a post race party (free) in a restaurant. Give it a go-you won't regret.

This was an extremely well organized race. From the packet pickup (big thanks to the race director for allowing runners to do a race day pickup) to the pasta dinner, volunteers, and supporters - that was a very nice and hassle-free event. We arrived the night before, enjoyed the pasta dinner buffet at Word of Life Inn, picked up the race packet at 7:40AM the day of the race, and left the car parked near the high school where the packet pick up was held. The high school building was open so the runners were able to stay warm while waiting for the race to start. The course is a bit hilly but not too bad; the Pace Bears were doing a great job pacing their groups on the hills. Nice food spread after the race, and the lake looked gorgeous.

This was great! I love the early bird start because it gives that bit of extra time for those who need it. The one thing I was bummed about was the shirt size, I am a large man, 6'5' and 250lbs, the largest size that was offered was XL and the sleeves came up halfway on my forearms and the bottom was at my belly button, so, first marathon and I don't even get to wear the shirt, I gave it to my wife. I'd like to find out where they ordered them from so I can have one made that fits me. Not a fat issue, it's a frame issue and I don't have the 'runners' typical frame. Other than that it was the highlight of my running so far. The whole experience, people, town, course were beyond awesome, do this race, small town feel, no crazy crowds, relaxing run, better than the 'popular' marathons

Can't say enough good things about the Adirondack Marathon. The town comes alive. The spectators are great. The beauty of the Adirondacks shine. Proud to call this my home. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a challenge and a rewarding finish!

I cannot say enough about the half marathon! I ran this race with a friend and my sister. We had a great time. First of all, the fleece jacket we received with our registration is AWESOME! Way better than a race shirt (please do the fleeces again next year). Packet pickup was organized and pleasant. Parking for the race was not bad. The course was beautiful. The volunteers, spectators, and medicals were fabulous. Unfortunately, my friend got hurt at mile 9. She raved about the care she received from volunteers and medics. The finishing metals are nice and the post race food was awesome! Being able to stand in or swim in the lake after the race was great. The free massages were welcome bonus at the finish. I could go on and on. Well organized running festival. I highly recommend this half. We have already decided to run this half again next fall!

I have been coming to run in Schroon Lake since 1999. I have found the Distance Festival to extremely well run and the committee very informative and receptive. All the changes were made for the conveniece of the runners and staff alike. The past few years, maybe 3 or so, I have gone from the full to the half marathon. This is the toughest road marathon and half I have done as far as degree of difficulty and cherish the challenges. 2015 was a half marathon time. A well organized event from Registration to Expo to the Road to the food and events after. This is a choice destination for me. This comment is for all the running years I have been coming.

From the subscription (free for military members) to the end, everything was awesome, well organized, good food, great spectators, everything was perfect. THANK YOU.

I've known about this event for a number of years and always had it on my to do list. Lucky for me in that this was the year I finally made it to Schroon Lake. As others have commented before, the scenery is beyond anything you will see at other races. The first half is challenging, but running through the woods with the lake to your right more than compensates. Just make sure to train on hills. The second half takes you out of the woods and along the lake towards Rt 9. It doesn't get much better than this. Along with the views and the great weather we were given, the organization is exceptional. I've participated in a good number of big city marathons and they have nothing on the organization of this event. Everything appears to have been thought of and put into place for the best effect. The post race food and massage were very much appreciated. Many thanks and hopefully it won't be long until I take on the course again.

This was my first Half Marathon and I loved it. Everyone was wonderful in the town, the scenery was marvelous. I couldn't have asked for a better place for my memories to take place.

Ran the half for about tenth time. Best volunteers, best post race refreshments. Great organization. Weather fantastic. Missed the music but appreciate all the cheers. Master of ceremonies for prizes wins his own for moving it right along. Tent with computer results was awesome. Drums inspirational.

I have now run this course 19 times, and it is gorgeous - most of the first half is back in the woods, and most of the second half is along the lakeshore. Plenty of hills, especially in the first half, but the east side of the lake gives you a chance to stretch out and catch your breath before working back up Route 9 to the finish. The organization of this event and the attention to detail is really exceptional, and every year they look for ways to get better, right down to adding a massage tent at the finish and the mileage markers and clocks on the course so you can know your splits as you run. You can run something bigger but I'm not convinced you can run better.

This was my first 'small town' marathon. Every aspect of the marathon was well organized and ran smoothly. Simply beautiful course- The hills were challenging, but cruising downhill feels wonderful. Most of first half was in gorgeous forested areas (nice and cool). Word of Life students (mile 18) are the best cheering squad! Seems like the whole community turns out to support the event- Such friendly people. One of the best marathons anywhere!

Today had perfect weather for the Schroon Lake Marathon and Half Marathon. As my husband explained to Joel Friedman, the race only gets better every year. God provided sun and heat today. The lake glistened. Everyone running was happy. Spectators were tireless in cheering us on especially for one example was the Word of Life young people who must have been hoarse by the end of the day. There were drink tables about every mile, with water and Gatorade with my favorite, the blue. We got Fig Newtons, M&M's, Vaseline for our chapped sunburned lips. I heard there were 700 volunteers. The meal at the beach post race, had delicious bagels and cream cheese (and my favorite strawberry), fruit, ice cream, yogurt, all types of drinks. Envision eating all this ( and all food includes runners, and their friends and families) while sitting on a grassy hill overlooking Schroon Lake Beach, following wonderful massage, courtesy of Johna and her husband, both retired from North Country Community College School of Massage Therapy. If this wasn't enough, all were invited to Witherbees Carriage House for a dinner at 4 PM. I won in my division and received a lovely bottle of Maple Syrup. All signs of the race was cleaned up before we met for dinner. Street art entertained the runners which was fun. Next year will be year 20 and we will be back. The pasta dinner at Word of Life provided us carbs and protein with a delicious dinner, great salad bar and desserts. Thanks to all you provided this great weekend.

This is the second year I paced at the Adirondack Marathon, and this is also my 73rd marathon. I, along with two other pacers were leading our 4 hr group when one of the runners asked me why I came back again. I simply told her that, Because they have ice cream at the finish! Lets hurry before the ice cream is all melted! Of course, the ice cream is only one of many good reasons why I came back. I always love small town races because of the simple logistic. However, unlike most of the small town races, the Adirondack Marathon offers no less than any big races have to offer if not more! The support from the volunteers and the spectators were truly amazing, especially when we ran through the Word of Life Bible Institute between mile 17 and 18, which reminded me of the 1st Avenue at the New York City Marathon, where I got goose bumps every year! Some said the Adirondack Marathon has many challenging hills, especially in the first half of the marathon. However, in my opinion, with the right training, this can be a fun and fast course if one knows how to combat the up hills and take advantage of the long down hills. Besides, the course around the Schroon Lake was simply breathtaking, and the finish was right by the lake where runners could dive right into the lake with their finisher medal. Oh, by the way, have I mentioned that they had ice cream and a great selection of food at the finish?! The finish area is simply one of the best that is also great for family with kids. After running so many marathons in many places, the Adirondack Marathon still remains one of my favorite marathons that I plan to come back again every year!

The marathon course is challenging, but the scenery, spectators, and sense of camaraderie among the runners will inspire participants. The Pace Bears will encourage, guide, and assist those who want to run even splits, and the ample post-race food will reward the hard effort expended!

This was my 9th year running, the first 7 did the 1/2 ,last 2 ran the full as a 'pace bear'. Challenging , beautiful ,and the best baked good of any finish line spread we have seen! I encouraged the group I was pacing to 'run for brownies' as they got tired in the later miles. There were 4 different kinds of brownies all homemade! It is a beautiful course that will challenge you with lots of hills. the free massages and a dip in the lake will make you forget them all!

I have done both whole and half in the Adirondack Marathon at Schroon Lake. Each year my husband who is a supporting spectator and I continue to go this race because it is well organized thanks to Joel Friedman and his able bodied crew, the food is great at finish line, massage therapists from North Country Community College in Saranac Lake provide 24 beds, all facing the beautiful lake, make our muscles better, the lake cools us off and imagine seeing hundreds in Schroon Lake cooling their sore legs and the foliage is unbelievably colorful. There are many water stops, including Fig Newtons and an M and M stop. The community rally with bells, fog horns on the roadside cheering the runners. We pass thru the Word of Life College and those students must be hoarse after we pass , we run by their lakeside residence Sadly Fr Mulcahy,(spelling error) from Albany and 90 something didn't run for his first time (He went to heaven this past year) The food at the Finish is plentiful and healthy with bagels and strawberry cream cheese and lots of fruit. Families and friends are welcome. We stay at the Word of Life, where there is and indoor pool and you meet the nicest people. WOL hosts the Pasta dinner that cannot be beat. It is like a 5 star hotel meal. YOu can see Joel all around the town checking on safety and that the events are going as expected. He has organized this for something like 18 years. The piece de resistance is the meal at Witherbees post race when volunteers and runners congregate to celebrate the end of another wonderful weekend at the Adirondack Marathon Festival. Thanks so much Schroon Lake. The day started with fog where you couldn't see the lake and ended with a view of boats, fisherman and happy runners. I have run the Half Marathon 5 times.

Excellent organization! Energetic crowd! Fantastic food! Great views! Challenging course! Over the top volunteers! I LOVE this race and look forward to it every year.

Beautiful Race setting: Mountains and lake with fall colors. Great organization, from registration to pasta dinner to the race itself. Great staff and volunteers. The community is very grateful to Marathoners for coming to their town. The back side of the lake is hilly. It was deceptive to me because I am strong on hills, but by the time I got to the front side of the lake and the last 7 miles, I was getting cramped up. So take it easy early on... Overall- a great celebration of running and marathoning.

I ran the half for the 5th straight year. The full marathon is a lap of Schroon Lake while the half starts an hour later on the other side of the lake and finishes with the marathon. The route captures the Adirondacks in their fall splendor and gets a warm and friendly turnout from the local community. Organization is of the same high caliber as much bigger races but there is a small-town feel to the event.

Fantastic organization, race jacket, pasta dinner. It seems like the entire community shows up for this race. Support is outstanding. Sneaky course, but fun and pretty!

Of the 24 marathons I have completed, this is one of the most challenging and yet one of the most enjoyable. The course is stunning with the foliage and lakeside scenes. The race organization is impeccable and the volunteer support warm and encouraging. For anyone looking for a hometown marathon and eager to get away from the 'maddening crowd', this is your marathon!!

I have completed the 1/2 marathon on this course for many years. This year decided to do the full and pace the 5 hour group with a friend. The first 1/2 is very hilly and challenging; however, it is not all up hill - where there is an up, there is a down. The second half, although flatter, still contains hills, not as steep. It is a beautiful course, the lake is gorgeous, and the fall colors are usually starting to come through. In some spots the fan base was slim, but it was quiet and wooded and it was nice just to enjoy the area. However, where there are fans, they are loud and rambunctious, especially those through the Word of Life. This is a small town race, with huge support. The food at the end is great, even when you come in at 5 hours or after, there was still plenty of food left. In addition, with smaller numbers almost everyone could get a massage afterward if they chose without having to wait hours. The Expo, though small is well supported, the organizers are very personable and answer any and all questions you may have through e-mail or phone calls. I would definitely recommend this to anyone for a beautiful run. If I were to make one comment, there is not a lot of places to stay, so if you decide to do this race, make your hotel reservations early or you will be staying farther out.

Best way to describe this marathon is that it's a well organized race in a delightful community that supports the event around a very pretty lake. I highly recommend that folks take advantage of the pacers called 'Pace Bears' as they know the course / terrain and are a terrific help in making your goal time. The organization is superb, packet pickup and parking are easy. Support along the course was great at the aid stations and the spectators very encouraging.

WHAT an Incredible experience!! Beautiful terrain, beautiful area...Not nearly as hilly as I expected. The crowds were amazing. It was well organized - before, during and after the race!! I will definitely be doing this marathon again!

I ran this race for the first time this year while volunteering as a pacer. The course is indescribably beautiful (of course, the perfect weather we had on race day helped too), as it follows the perimeter of Schroon Lake, offering frequent gorgeous views. It is also quite hilly. Even at the slow pace we were going, the hills were still a challenge. The organizers and spectators were amazing - everything went very smoothly and the atmosphere was great. The town of Schroon Lake is a really pretty, friendly place to spend the weekend, with lots of eating, drinking, hiking, fishing, etc. options, so if you bring a friend or family member who is not a marathoner, they won't have any trouble staying entertained while you are running.

Beautiful course, tremendous support from the spectators, especially the Word of Life campers, and the volunteers.

This was our 7th time coming back to this race. First 6x's we did the 1/2 this year did the full as a 'pace' bear. One of our favorites. 1st half is challenging but makes 2nd half feel 'easy'. Massage at the end and finisher food of homemade layer brownies make up for the hill mile 11!

The marathon is on a challenging course, but the volunteers, spectators, and sheer beauty of the lake and forests inspire runners to more forward. Going through the Word of Life camp at mile 18 is to pass through large groups of screaming youth eager to give high five's to runners. The aid station volunteers are skilled at delivering the goods along with supportive comments. The staff of the race is most helpful, with registration and packet pick-up hassle-free. A nice jacket awaits those who sign up, and beautiful carved bears are unique prizes. The pacers are consistently accurate too!

super food and prizes, well organized, wonderful scenery and constant cheering from residents and word of life students. Hilly last 5 miles but the cheering pulls you through. Congrats to Joel and his team of volunteers! Diane and Len, Bolton Landing, we will return!

Great, challenging course, and volunteers and spectators are fantastic. One criticism: no carved bear award for Master's winners in half and full. I could have entered as a solo 2-person relay, and won, but as 1st Master's in the marathon, I got a bottle of maple syrup??