Mohawk-Hudson River Marathon

Mohawk Hudson 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 miles raced by. Most of the course is on a well paved train trail so most elevation changes are gradual. A couple of downhills, though, are too sharp to provide max benefit. Several miles are on local roads and I had no trouble with traffic. Although I prefer urban Marathons, the changing leaves were near peak and still provided protection against the light drizzle and breeze. It was a beautiful country scene. There are a few vistas over the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, but I'd still rate scenery a 4. 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.