Sunday, September 17, 2023 • Poughkeepsie, NY • Course Map
The rolling hills of rural and suburban southern New York State welcomes several hundred runners each year in the half marathon alone at the Poughkeepsie Journal Dutchess County Classic Half Marathon, which also includes a full marathon, 5K road race and a 1-mile Kids Run.
Described by past participants as a low-key race without lots of spectators, the race featured a new course that debuted a few years ago, moving from its previous location in Wappingers Falls to nearby LaGrangeville and again to nearby Poughkeepsie.
With its mostly flat terrain with a few hills along the course, the race reveals the changes that the area (which lies about 75 miles north of New York City) has experienced over the past several years, as what was once rural countryside has increasingly given way to suburban neighborhood development.
There are still plenty of pastoral views along the course, though, so don’t think of this as a city race.
Set for its 45th annual running this year, the Dutchess County Classic Half Marathon follows an out-and-back course that starts and finishes at the Dutchess Community College campus near downtown Poughkeepsie. From there, the course continues on the Dutchess Rail Trail for the bulk of the race, which race organizers describe as fast, flat, and shaded. Most of the race is run on asphalt surfaces, but there are some sand and concrete surfaces throughout the race.
After reaching both of the turnaround points, half marathoners head back to the community college, while full marathoners continue to their turnaround point.
Race Weather & Climate
Located in southeastern New York state, about 75 miles north of New York City, Poughkeepsie typically sees September temperatures that average between 50°F and 74°F, while rainfall totals average just under 3.7 inches for the month.
On the day of the race (Sept. 17), the average low is 49°F and the average high is 73°F.
Course Map
See the race route map for the Dutchess County Classic Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:55 AM – wheelchair start
- 7:00 AM – full marathon, half marathon
- 8:00 AM – 5K
Fees
- $60 and up for the full marathon
- $50 and up for the half marathon
- $25 and up for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2023 running of Poughkeepsie’s Dutchess County Classic Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K or 1-mile kids’ race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
Comments
Ever run in the Dutchess County Classic? Share your impressions here, or post your review in the Comments below.
