The course for the half marathon — a loop route that unfolds along a combination of scenic riverside streets on the Hudson River in the first few miles, and along more industrial areas in the race’s second half — is the same for both the half and the full, for the first 12 miles; while runners in the 13.1-mile race make a single loop around, runners in the full marathon add another 13.1 miles after about the mile 12 marker.
Partly because of its many daunting hills — especially between miles 7 and 9 in the Hastings-upon-Hudson neighborhood, not to mention throughout much of the route — the race is not considered ideal for first-time half-marathon participants.
But it also has been described as one of the great marathons and half-marathons that experienced runners will enjoy, thanks to its historic place in U.S. marathon history (it’s the second-oldest, next to the Boston Marathon).
The scheduled starting time for the 2024 race — its 97th annual running — is 8:00 AM, and the full marathon race is also a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. The number of entrants is capped at 1,500, so runners thinking of signing up are encouraged to register as soon as possible.
