Clarence Demar Marathon

I picked this marathon based on the great reviews I've read in the past. I thought the race director and volunteers were amazing. Very convenient packet pickup at Keene college. The course was fairly flat some small hills near the end but nothing major. I thought the crowd support was decent for the size of the race. Personally I came in expecting the race course and the area to be more scenic which was slightly disappointing. Overall I am glad I ran this marathon!

The weather was perfect for a BQ. The route was as scenic as ever. The spectators came out and cheered over all parts of the course. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a small and easy introduction to their first marathon to consider Clarence Demar. I encourage the pasta dinner the night before, its totally worth it. The guest speakers so far have been amazing. One thing that did get to me a little bit about the course is that, if you intend to run a fast marathon, you will run into the half marathon field at some point in the first 10 miles. I was steady on a BQ pace, but I got held up a bit because I hit the half marathon field just as everyone was coming out of the start and onto the main course. I made up for it later, but it was a little rough having to maneuver through the back end of another race. The finish line is great. The timing is done in real time. This year Albany Running Exchange did a great job getting the finish times out fast. Medal was sweet and well made. A great addition to my marathon collection.

I've run the half marathon twice, in 2022 and 2023. Both times I've run this race it was a small town race of around 800 participants, with a big time race feel! This race is so well run from the minute you sign up until the moment you cross that festive finish and head over to the amazing spread of hot soup, fresh fruit, yummy cookies and many options for refreshments. The on course support from the local community and volunteers is amazing. All road crossings are well managed and assisted. The marathon and half merge where the half starts in this point to point race, and split/merge again over the final 13.1, but all splits are extremely well marked and staffed with volunteers. Finishing on the Keene State college campus is festive energizing! This is a popular Boston qualifier Marathon for good reason! I love the quality of the long sleeve shirts you receive with sign up, and the additional swag goodies are great! I cannot recommend this race enough for all ability levels! You will be glad you chose to run the historic Clarence DeMar race!