Steamtown / Mohawk / Richmond / Wineglass

Wineglass is a marathon I hear mostly good things about from the people that have done it. Running from Bath to Corning you are mostly running through farm country with little to no crowds. Not sure if that's appealing to you or not. If the medals are important to you or even just think creative ones are a plus, I think Wineglass is tied to museum of glass and the medal is made of glass. That's a bit different and a great tie-in with the local area. I don't know much about Mohawk, but have to think it would be more like Wineglass than the other two. I have not run any of them, but have heard positive things about all 4. Might be able to rule out two based on course type, then choose between the other two.

Most of the Mohawk Hudson course travels on a wonderful bike path, and features a gradual descent into Albany. MH Road Runners Club does a great job putting this on. Also an ideal place to BQ.

http://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/9321288

Just a heads up. I believe Steamtown and

Wineglass both sell out fast.

Mohawk Hudson is fat and fast. Last year, however, only 12 people ran 2:50 or faster, and 35 broke 3:00. Having company can be helpful.

I haven't run Steamtown, but they had 32 at 2:50 or faster and 77 under 3:00. It's more than 2x the size of Mohawk Hudson, but it's not big.

Also consider Bay State Marathon. It's a smaller than midway between Mohawk Hudson and Steamtown in size, and it had 21 at 2:50 or faster and 54 break 3:00. That's pretty good.

Wineglass had even fewer fast finishers than Mohawk Hudson. Richmond was comparable to Steamtown in terms of number of fast runners, but it's much bigger. I don't see the benefit of either to you.

well.... wrote:

Mohawk Hudson is fat and fast. Last year, however, only 12 people ran 2:50 or faster, and 35 broke 3:00. Having company can be helpful.

I haven't run Steamtown, but they had 32 at 2:50 or faster and 77 under 3:00. It's more than 2x the size of Mohawk Hudson, but it's not big.

Also consider Bay State Marathon. It's a smaller than midway between Mohawk Hudson and Steamtown in size, and it had 21 at 2:50 or faster and 54 break 3:00. That's pretty good.

Wineglass had even fewer fast finishers than Mohawk Hudson. Richmond was comparable to Steamtown in terms of number of fast runners, but it's much bigger. I don't see the benefit of either to you.

Yes. Baystate is usually conducive for decent times. (although I loathe 2-lap course configurations) And Steamtown and Mohawk Hudson typically generate a high % of Boston Qualifiers.

Thank you so much to everyone for their thoughts.

I especially found the numbers of 2:50 and 3:00 marathons useful, as I'll probably fall somewhere there.

I think I am leaning towards Steamtown slightly over Mohawk because it just seems a little more exciting (but without being overwhelming) and because of more company.

I do want to check out Baystate now though! Thanks for the tip!

Or you could stay local & jump on the LIRR for the inaugural Suffolk Marathon out on the island in Sept. Course is flat, an out and back. I know a bunch of guys in your pace range who'll be out there.

I've run Steamtown and Baystate (2x). I like Baystate better. I thought Baystate was better organized and even liked the course better (and I don't like double loops). Too much downhill for me at Steamtown and is a point to point course. Don't know the exact stats, but I was in about the same time range as you and Bay State has more in that time range.

At this site you can compare some stuff (courses, bqs, etc.) on one page.

http://findmymarathon.com/calendar-boston-qualifiers.php

Baystate and Steamtown

http://findmymarathon.com/compare.php?compareName1=Bay%20State%20Marathon&compareName2=Steamtown%20Marathon

Baystate and Mohawk

http://findmymarathon.com/compare.php?compareName1=Mohawk-Hudson%20River%20Marathon&compareName2=Bay%20State%20Marathon

I loved Wineglass. You won't find crowds, but you'll find a nice small town. The race itself is mostly "country roads" as described earlier. It has a few rolling hills, but I found them to be a nice way to break up the monotony. I BQed at it and I wouldn't call it a difficult course. You should definitely check out the main street and then the glass museum if you go.

Steamtown is a bit more of a downhill course (almost 1000',) whereas MHRM is almost flat.

Thanks again!

Yes. Like everyone my only "fear" is that Mohawk is too downhill.

I've done well at places like NJ and Philly which i'd call mostly flat.

fall marathon wrote:

Thanks again!

Yes. Like everyone my only "fear" is that Mohawk is too downhill.

It's actually quite gradual except for a short section in Cohoes where the Mohawk flows into the Hudson.

Whoops! Mohawk on the brain!

I meant Steamtown was too downhill. I've heard Mohawk is more gradual. :)

If you are still trying to decide between Bay State, Steamtown, and Mohawk, I'd go with Bay State. The only downside is that is a double loop (could be a plus too). I may be a little biased living in Lexington.

Steamtown loses all it's elevation in just a few miles.... After that it is pretty much rolling hills.

Mohawk - nothing special about it to me.Point to point - pretty fast

I have never run a marathon but have watched Steamtown twice , it is quite a nice race, with residential neighborhoods cheering runners on.

It is a real party atmosphere , with early AM partying by fans and bands on front lawns etc. I had heard it was this cool, big deal and I was like, c'mon?

But it was all that it was blown up to be.

It is really a fun time, at least for the fans, I think it is net downhill, as mentioned l, and quite a few Boston Q'ers come out of this.

Cool info!

I think I'm going to pass on Baystate just bc mohawk and steamtown are about 2 hrs away from me. Just like how if you're in lexington of course you'd choose baystate.

Comparing steamtown and mohawk seems like apples and oranges. Totally different. Whichever not this year, then the other will be the year after for sure!

I have done both Wineglass and Richmond - same year. Honestly, I was so happy with the combination I decided to "retire" from marathons and haven't run one since. Ended on a high note. ( I had other reasons for stepping away too, but am convinced I won't do another as I can always look back and be happy with my last effort.)

I did Wineglass twice; if you are 2:50 - 55 you might be by yourself. It is rural point to point, net downhill. Richmond was big enough that there was always someone close if not in a group. Circles the, slight elevation changes, with a great last 0.2 downhill. Within 30 minutes had walked back to the hotel, showered, and was at an Irish pub to enjoy the rest of the day.

Both have potential for perfect weather, and both have great touristy things to do if that is also a priority. From what I have heard of the other 2 you can't really go wrong. Good luck.

I've run MH a couple of times. It is a nice local race -- well-run by a local running club, logistically easy, forgiving course. Yes, the crowds are thin . . . esp, in places where you have to "walk in" b/c there is no car access to the bike trail. But, the t charities/ clubs at the water stops are great, the people along the course are friendly, etc. Last year, the xc team for one of the local colleges (Siena) had runners out on the course cheering people on just past the half-way mark. MH does not try to be more than it is -- a solid local race, fairly inexpensive, reliable BQ opportunities, easy to access if you are from the city or Canada, etc. The only part of the course I don't like is the 5 or so miles along the roads in Watervliet/ Cohoes.

Wineglass has a good reputation, but friends of mine did not have a great experience last year. It was in the low 30s at the start, and apparently the shelter (a gym) was limited. They thought the course was fine, but nothing to write home about -- it's pretty enough, but perhaps not the wine country stroll that the name would suggest. That said, others have said good things over the years. I think it is well-run, and like MH, it does tend to sell out. Either would seem to be a good choice.

Hi,

I actually decided on Mohawk. It seems close, fast, nice looking, and really easy logistics.

Might come back six week later to head back to trusty philly.

I definitely want to hit another one of these next year though!

Thanks!