The point-to-point Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon is one of the fastest courses in the U.S. The net downhill and flat course along the river, coupled with cooler weather is an excellent opportunity for PRs and BQs (Boston Qualifying times).
The course starts near the Niskayuna Community Center and finishes on the bike path in downtown Albany. The course generally follows the Mohawk River on paved bicycle trails, then proceeds to the Hudson River via the historic city of Watervliet. The course passes immediately in front of the Watervliet Arsenal. Shortly after passing the Watervliet Arsenal it is back to the bike path for the final 5 miles along the Hudson River.
Approximately two-thirds of the marathon course is on paved bike path and one-third on city streets.
The Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon was the 137th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 123rd largest in 2022.
This year 15.8% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 17.8% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon the 71st highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 75th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.60 ranks it as the 80th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest course in New York.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon a PR Score of 99.60. This PR Score ranks it as the 58th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 3rd fastest in New York.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 393 feet (119m) Min Elevation: 8 feet (2m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon
View available accomodations around the Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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BNG's review of 2024 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
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!
Race Tips
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.
JRF's review of 2021 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
Race Tips
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!
LL's review of 2017 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Nice point to point race on bike paths and roads. good race support. mostly flat or and with some decents. has pacers as well.
Anonymous's review of 2016 Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
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.
Race Tips
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.
