Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon

Mohawk Hudson 2024 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, flat miles raced by.

Most of the course is on a well-paved train trail so most elevation changes are gradual. Several miles are on local roads. A couple of downhills are on roads and too sharp to provide max benefit. I had no trouble with traffic on any roads. Although I prefer urban Marathons, the changing leaves were near peak and still provided protection against the light drizzle and breeze. It was mostly a beautiful country scene. There are some vistas over the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers but the scenery, for me, wasn't quite as beautiful as some hill runs or great urban adventures.

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. And, yes! My BQ margin was my widest ever by far!

It's an excellent course race for negative splits because elevation remains even up to Mile 14. At that point, the series of downhills propel you for several miles and set you up to the long, flat miles to the end.

One big question is whether to stay in Albany near the Finish Line or in Schenectady near the start. I stayed in Schenectady, avoiding the shuttle bus. Management at Stockade Inn was remarkably helpful. Incredibly, I forgot my running jerseys. I put several aside for alternative weather scenarios and forgot to pack any of them! An owner at the Stockade brought me a handful to choice from. The one I used was perfect. If you choose to stay in Schenectady, I strongly suggest Stockade Inn. I took an Amtrak from Albany back to Schenectady after the race. Timing and locations were almost perfect to make that work.

This race is as advertised. It is generally flat or slightly downhill except for the changed first four mile route they needed to institute this year (2021) which had some pretty decent hills in miles 2 thru 4. I enjoyed running the paved bike paths that make up the majority of the course, although this limits spectators for long stretches which may bother some people who prefer crowds cheering the whole route. The best part of this race is how it is so professionally organized, with plenty of helpful volunteers encouraging runners through every portion of the day.

This race has pacers who carry visible signs throughout the race. I ran behind the 3:45 marathon pacer (8:45 mile pace) for a good portion of the race and when I struggled later in the race I was helped by the 3:55 pacer (8:58 mile pace) who I followed to the finish line. Both of these runners were running each mile exactly on pace. I understand all the other pacers for various times were excellent as well.

Park your vehicle in the parking garage the race suggests. It was only $5.00 for all day parking and it was right across a bridge from the finish line park area, so I didn't have far to walk with stiffening up legs!

Nice point to point race on bike paths and roads. good race support. mostly flat or and with some decents. has pacers as well.

Small, well supported race. Everything about the logistics was easy - packet pick up, securing hotel, bus to start, minimal waiting time before start, accessibility of the finish line for family.

I ran with a pacer and it proved to be an excellent experience. I didn't have to think about anything, I just put one foot in front of the other.

If you don't get a room at the race's hotel, all the downtown hotels are very close to everything.

Fast course, nice views. Not a large race but ran with people the whole time.

Make sure to train on rolling terrain. While the race is net downhill there are ups and downs which can throw off your pacing.

Mostly trails, away from traffic. Tree lined. Good support stations throughout. Fast, only a couple of hills near the beginning.

Limited hotel options in Albany.