Sun, Oct 11 · 2026Albany, NYSince 2005

Mohawk Hudson River Marathon

A point-to-point course through the Hudson Valley in peak fall color, with cool October temperatures and a net elevation drop that sets you up to run your best.

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MOHAWK HUDSON RIVER · US
Mohawk Hudson River
SUN, OCT 11
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 2005

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon runs point-to-point from Schenectady down into Albany, mostly following the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway along the river. The course trends downhill from the start, which sounds ideal, but the drop comes early and the middle stretch along the water is flat and exposed. If there's a headwind off the river, you'll feel it in miles 14 through 20. Don't let the early downhill convince you to go out hard. Stay patient and save something for the back half.

This is a legitimately fast course and a popular Boston qualifier, with open registration that makes entry straightforward. The field is small enough that it never feels congested, and mid-October in Albany usually delivers cool, crisp weather with fall foliage near peak. You can sign up through zippy-reg.com all the way until the Saturday before race day, so there's no scramble to register months out. If you're chasing a qualifier time in a low-stress setting with good running conditions, this one is worth the trip.

Field size
~513
513 finishers
BQ rate
Boston qualifier
Time limit
6:00
Tight cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration
Course records
Men
2:14:14
Joe Whelan
2022
Women
2:34:21
Jodie Robertson
2014

The Course

Total ascent
Total descent
Net elevation
Highest point
399 ft
Lowest point
9 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon runs point-to-point from Schenectady to Albany, dropping from a high point near 400 feet down to near river level by the finish. The net elevation is essentially flat, but the course works slightly in your favor overall. The early miles carry the bulk of the descent, so resist banking time too aggressively. The middle stretch along the river is exposed and can funnel headwinds off the water. Surface is primarily paved trail and road. The final miles into Albany are gentle, giving legs something to work with late. Cool October temperatures and a USATF-certified course make this a strong choice for a Boston qualifier attempt.

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
57°F
High
69°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 4560°80°
What to expect

Mid-October in Albany tends to feel crisp and autumnal, which is good news for racing. You're looking at a cool morning start, probably needing a throwaway layer in the corral, and pleasant conditions through the middle miles. By the back half the temperature is usually comfortable rather than warm. It's a window that genuinely favors a fast day, but don't underestimate an upstate New York breeze on the exposed stretches along the river.

Entry

OPEN

Open registration via zippy-reg.com; registration closes at 5pm on the Saturday before the race. Runners 18 and under receive a 50% discount automatically.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in
Closest airport
SYR
123 mi
from the start
194 min transferLonger haul
What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into SYR, about 123 miles from the start, a longer haul by rideshare or transit, roughly a 194-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Albany, NY so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.

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