Back to Adirondack Marathon Information & Reviews
Stuart Cartwright from Hague-on-Lake George, NY
(10/13/2021)
"Terrific Event for this Old Guy - Thanks, Schroon!" (about: 2021)
First Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Adirondack Marathon is spectacular. One lap around beautiful Schroon Lake festooned in autumnal brilliance, and blanketed with enthusiastic spectators and a legion of smiling volunteers. For a small village in the woods to turn out in droves (700+ volunteers) speaks volumes about how runner-friendly, and people-oriented this event is. This was my first 26.2, but I've run many races from 1-milers to half-marathons that weren't nearly as friendly. Or challenging. Train for the hills! And pace yourself. I could have walked a hill or two in the front half to save my legs for the last miles. Still, proud to be an age-division winner of local maple syrup. Hats off to all you super citizens of Schroon Lake, NY. You are amazing. More Cowbell! | |
C. V. from Westboro MA
(10/4/2019)
"Beautiful and challenging course" (about: 2019)
11-50 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first time running the Adirondack marathon and it was an absolutely breathtaking course. One area for improvement that I would recommend is moving up the start time. The temperature reached 82° and it was humid. Due to global warming a 9 AM start time is probably not feasible for a future races. I was able to enter the early bird after switching my time and so the heat was not a big problem by starting at 7 AM. Overall the views of the lake were amazing the crowd support was great. It is a more challenging course with some steep hills and my GPS measured over 1500' in elevation gain. This is also a smaller race so if you are comfortable with running alone for some parts this race is for you. | |
R. R. from Madison, Wisconsin
(9/26/2019)
"The best race there is! Great family event too!" (about: 2019)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Stunning views, excellent race support, and an incredible after race party too with gorgeous views of Schroon Lake and mountains! The after race celebration is really special because it's for family and friends of racers too. My family runs the marathon relay every year, and we come from all over the country to make it each year. The race organization is top notch! Great race for individuals and families! | |
C. H. from Plattsburgh, NY
(7/4/2019)
"Beautiful course, great race" (about: 2019)
3 previous marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This is one of my favorite races. It's well-organized, the course is beautiful, and the post-race celebration is excellent. I run the relay every year. | |
M. B. from Plattsburgh NY
(6/28/2019)
"scenic run around beautiful Schroon Lake" (about: 2018)
4-5 previous marathons
| 3 Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 Although the first half of the run is challenging ( numerous hills), it is a very peaceful scenic course. The weather is usually beautiful in late September with the fall foliage. A dip in schroon lake always feels great on the legs after 26.2. The food setup is also great and the spectators are encouraging along the course. I would recommend this for any marathoner. My advice is to include some hill work in your training. | |
R. R. from Madison, Wisconsin
(6/25/2019)
"Best race I have ever done!" (about: 2019)
11-50 previous marathons
| 6+ Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The Adirondack Distance Festival is not only the most stunning course, but it also is certainly the most well organized race I have ever done. The entire town supports the event and is incredibly welcoming. The whole course has gorgeous views of the Adirondacks and Schroon Lake (plus it's foliage time). The support stations are great, and the post race celebration is top notch with a huge food spread, free post race massages, beautiful views of the lake and mountains, and so much more. The prizes are great too from seriously the best maple syrup ever to incredible Adirondack wooden bears! The size of the race is a great size - lots of participants but not too many so you never feel crowded while running and every participant gets lots of attention. My family comes from all over the country (MO, GA, WI, VT) to participate every year, and we have been coming for about 8 years. Also, the race is great because you can do anything from a 4-person relay (including shorter and longer legs) to half-marathon to full marathon, so all running abilities are welcome. Thank you Town of Schroon and Adirondack for such a spectacular event. | |
T. R. from Little Falls, New Jersey
(9/28/2016)
"Just a perfect day" (about: 2016)
50+ previous marathons
| 6+ Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 The inaugural motto 20 years ago was 'Probably the most beautiful 26 miles 385 yards you'll ever run'. They aren't kidding, this is one lovely race. The beauty is not only the scenery but the overall experience. For starters, like the dog food, this race stays with you for your life cycle-from the run 20 years ago when younger and ran top half in finish to now, with better marathon days behind, a race to beat the closing of the clock. This the best slow-friendly marathon I know of. With a 2hr earlier early bird start (7am) (in addition to regular 9am) they give you a generous 8 1/2 (3:30PM) hour time to finish. Amazing-there even was food left! Oh and you get one beautiful sunrise in the first 5 miles with sun shining behind 2 mountains onto clouds in orange glow as you run near farms. The weather has been sensational 30's start to 60's finish. Course-hilly miles 5-12 kind of fun ,the hills meander through thick tree cover-like running on the track of a roller coaster. Signature hill is mile 11 1/2. After 12 you flatten out around south end of lake till the camp (mile 18) with a large gathering of hyper excited youth cheering you on-oh to be young again. Then you head up Route 9 towards home on rolling inclines. You finish at north end of Schroon Lake-medal and a big smile. Organization is top-rate, volunteers friendly, spectators in full voice. Last notes- a nice pre-race pasta ($15) in a charming fall decorated rustic hall and a post race party (free) in a restaurant. Give it a go-you won't regret. | |
M. K. from Syracuse, NY
(9/26/2016)
"Great organization, nice hilly course" (about: 2016)
4-5 previous marathons
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was an extremely well organized race. From the packet pickup (big thanks to the race director for allowing runners to do a race day pickup) to the pasta dinner, volunteers, and supporters - that was a very nice and hassle-free event. We arrived the night before, enjoyed the pasta dinner buffet at Word of Life Inn, picked up the race packet at 7:40AM the day of the race, and left the car parked near the high school where the packet pick up was held. The high school building was open so the runners were able to stay warm while waiting for the race to start. The course is a bit hilly but not too bad; the Pace Bears were doing a great job pacing their groups on the hills. Nice food spread after the race, and the lake looked gorgeous. | |
J. B. from United States
(3/2/2016)
"Best marathon for a first timer" (about: 2015)
1 previous marathon
| 1 Adirondack Marathon
COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This was great! I love the early bird start because it gives that bit of extra time for those who need it. The one thing I was bummed about was the shirt size, I am a large man, 6'5' and 250lbs, the largest size that was offered was XL and the sleeves came up halfway on my forearms and the bottom was at my belly button, so, first marathon and I don't even get to wear the shirt, I gave it to my wife. I'd like to find out where they ordered them from so I can have one made that fits me. Not a fat issue, it's a frame issue and I don't have the 'runners' typical frame. Other than that it was the highlight of my running so far. The whole experience, people, town, course were beyond awesome, do this race, small town feel, no crazy crowds, relaxing run, better than the 'popular' marathons | |
J. B. from NY
(10/25/2015)
"Beautiful day, couldn't ask for a better race." (about: 2015)
11-50 previous marathons
| 4-5 Adirondack Marathons
COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 4 Can't say enough good things about the Adirondack Marathon. The town comes alive. The spectators are great. The beauty of the Adirondacks shine. Proud to call this my home. I would recommend this race to anyone looking for a challenge and a rewarding finish! |
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