Frequently asked Questions

1. Is the marathon a Boston Qualifier?
   Yes.
   
   
2. Is there a time limit?
   Yes. There is a five and a half hour time limit. Both races start at 8:30 a.m. and the course will close at 2 p.m. Registrants must be capable of completing the full distance within the event time requirement of 5 hours and 30 minutes (or approximately 13 minutes/mile). Participants traveling slower than a 13 minute mile pace will not be guaranteed Aid Station or Medical support once the 5:30 time limit has been reached. Participants still out on the course will be asked to move onto the sidewalk or be transported to the finish as police and course marshal support will end. Official results will include participant chip or net times that fall within the event time requirement (5 hours, 30 minutes).
   
   
3. Are there Pace Teams?
   Yes, the MarathonPacing.com Pace Team will be there to help you achieve a PR, qualify for Boston, finish your first marathon, or just help you enjoy your run. 
   
   
4. Are results and awards determined by gun or chip time?  
   Top awards are determined by gun time as is required by USATF Rule 245.  Your net time (chip time) will be posted in the results along with your gun time.
   
   
5. Are there hotels within walking distance of the finish line?
   Yes.  The Hotel Albany, a Hilton Affiliate (formerly the Crowne Plaza Albany) is our host hotel and is within walking distance of the finish line and the buses to the start.  A special rate is available for race participants and families.  Check out the “Lodging” section of the website for more information.
   
   
6. Is there a race expo?
   Yes.  The expo takes place on Saturday, October 6, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Hotel Albany (formerly the Crowne Plaza Albany) on State and Lodge Street in downtown Albany.  Packet pickup will also be held at the expo.  Our expo exhibitors will include retail vendors, running and health-related organizations, running clubs and other organizations of interest to our participants.   The US Marine Corps Reserve will collect toys for the 2012 Toys for Tots program.  The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club will host a sneaker and t-shirt recycling booth – please bring your used running shoes (shoe laces tied together) and gently worn t-shirts for donation to local charities.
   
   
7. Is there day-of-race packet pick up? 
   No.  All race packets must be picked up on Saturday, October 6 at the Hotel Albany from 10 am to 6 p.m.
   
   
8. When is the last day I can register for the race? 
   In 2011, both races sold out by early June.  If the races do not sell out, online registration will remain open until October 1, 2012.  If the entry limit is reached before then, a notice will be posted on this website and information on how to be added to the waiting list will be provided.
   
   
9. Can I wear headphones? 
   The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club’s prohibits the use of headphones in our running events.  This is an open course used by other runners, walkers, cyclists and, of course, vehicles.   We take the safety of our participants, course officials and volunteers very seriously.  By asking runners to stay alert during the race -- and leave headphones at home --  we feel we can make this a safer event for all.
   
   
10. What drink and gel will be available on the course?
    Water and Gatorade will be provided at each water stop and GU will be distributed at approximately mile 8 and 17 of the marathon.
    
    
11. What if I need to drop out during the race?  
    Medical volunteers on bikes will monitor the course.   A sag vehicle will be available by radio to pick up any participants who cannot finish.  If you need to drop out, notify the race bikers, a water stop captain or a road marshal.  They will contact our sag vehicle for transport.   If you cannot finish due to a medical emergency, inform the medical volunteers patrolling the course on bikes and they will be able to triage your level of medical need.  You can also notify volunteers at the water stops or a road marshal along the course or ask a fellow runner to notify the next water stop of your emergency and 911 will be called for you.
    
    
12. Is there medical help available on the course?
    Yes. Medically-trained bikers will patrol the course and will be able to triage any medical needs. There will be EMTs stationed along the course and there is an ambulance following the race. There are amateur radio operators at every water stop who can relay messages to the finish area and all water stop captains, medical bikers and road marshals have cell phones available to call 911 if a medical emergency occurs on the course.
    
    
13. Are there portable toilets on the course?
    Yes.  There is a portable toilet at every water stop.
    
    
14. What happens if I am stopped due to a train at the rail crossing in Cohoes?
     Although railroad officials are notified that our race is taking place, train traffic is not suspended and we cannot guarantee that trains will not come through the area on race day.  A timing mat will be placed prior to the rail crossing and experienced volunteers and railroad police are stationed at the rail crossing.  If a train comes through and you are stopped, your stop and start times will be recorded by a timing mat placed prior to the rail crossing.  Your time will be adjusted accordingly.
    
    
15. Is there a place for me to check extra clothing or baggage?
    Yes. A baggage bus will be at the start of each race to take your bags to the finish.  Please do not put valuables or breakable items in your bag, as the race is not responsible for loss or damage.
    
    
16. Will photos be taken along the course?
    Yes.   Ken Shelton Photography, our official race photographer, will be stationed at several spots on the course.  Don’t forget to smile!
    
    
17. Can I switch from the full to the half or vice versa?
    You may switch races if the race you are switching to has space available.   See “Race Switch/Opt Out” under the “Race Info/Registration ” tabs for complete details.
    
    
18. Are there hills on the course? 
    Although the course is primarily flat, there is a short uphill between mile 12 and 13 of the marathon.  A sizeable downhill will be experienced coming off the bike path in Cohoes and short, somewhat steep, downhills will be encountered at about mile 6 and 12 of the marathon.
    
    
19. Can I run with a running stroller, skates or my dog?
    No.
    
    
20. Can I get a refund if I cannot attend the race after registering?
     There are no refunds.  However, this year those who are unable to attend the race for any reason (medical or non-medical) may “opt out” of participating in the 2012 race.  Registrants must notify race officials on or before August 31st.   By opting out, participants will receive a $20 credit toward next year’s race.  See the “Race Switch/Opt Out” tab under “Race Info/Registration” tabs for complete details on how to apply.
21. Can I walk the marathon or half marathon?
    We welcome walkers who can complete the course in five and a half hours.  A walkers division with separate awards is available in the half marathon.  You can sign up for the walkers division when you register for the half marathon.
    
    
22. Will the miles be marked? 
    Yes.  Mile markers will be at every mile and at 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K, 35K and 40K of the marathon.  There will be a clock at the half marathon location.
    
    
23. Will the roads be closed to traffic?
    No.
    
    
24. Will the bike paths be closed to public use?
    No.
    

If you have a question not answered here, please contact the Event Directors at racedirector@mohawkhudsonmarathon.com