Mohawk Hudson River Marathon Event Policies

Race Entry Fees are Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable (i.e., race entry fees will not be refunded and registered participants cannot transfer their race entry to another person).

Race Day Cancellation/Alteration Policy
The primary goal of the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club (HMRRC) is to put on a fun and safe event for all involved. We will not expose participants or the community as a whole to undue risk as a result of staging our event. There may be times when we feel it is unsafe to proceed with the race. While we recognize the aspirations and commitment of those that have entered the race, we will make decisions about the race based on the participation population as a whole. Furthermore, if the community resources are threatened, we will act to protect them from unnecessary stress.

HMRRC reserves the right to cancel or postpone an event if, in its sole discretion, the event might pose a threat to participant, spectator or community safety.  In the event of a cancellation, all or some of the race entry fee will not be refunded.  Less threatening conditions could result in an alteration of the course or race length to promote a more safe result for the participants. These conditions will be recognized as an “Act of God” and will not result in the refunding of race entry fees or future race credits. The staging of a race of this magnitude results in substantial expense prior to the actual race itself. Thus, in the event of a forced cancellation or alteration of the event, it is very likely that the financial impact on the race would not be any different than if the race was held without compromise.

The Race Directors will make decisions regarding the cancellation or alteration of therace.

Prior to the race, participants will be apprised of weather conditions and advised on how
to adjust to them.  The Race Directors will also describe any course modifications. If a course evacuation is necessary, marathon personnel, the police agencies in the cities on the race route will direct participants to designated areas to await transport to the finish area.  Although unlikely, the threat of a tornado, hurricane or other natural disaster could prompt the cancellation of the event for all participants. Severe thunderstorms with the threat of lightning that are threatening the course and are forecasted to continue throughout the day of the event may also result in cancellation of the event for all participants. High heat and humidity, as measured in accordance with the American College of Sports Medicine’s recommendations for participation in endurance events, could result in cancellation or alteration of the race. The measurement system is based on the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), which has been used for many years by many marathons to determine heat risk to runners. It is calculated by an equation that includes ambient temperature (20%), relative humidity (70%), and radiant heat (10%).

Conditions that entail high risk place a burden on the community health care system, including emergency medical transportation and emergency room capacity. This burden encroaches on non-participants’ safety and must be recognized as an unnecessary and ill-advised situation. The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club will not knowingly place the community in such a position. 

In the event of warm conditions, participants must realize that the single most influential behavior in preventing heat stress is to slow pace. Hydrating and using water to cool does not prevent heat stress if pace is not adjusted. The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon and Half Marathon provide fluid every 1.5 – 2.5 miles on the course. There will be more than adequate amounts to ensure proper hydration under favorable conditions. Additional fluids will be deployed as necessary, but it should not be assumed that fluid availability would be limitless due to logistical constraints entailed in such distribution.

All runners and walkers should be discerning of their own fitness level in their decision to enter the marathon or half marathon.  Participants should be considerate of those behind them who will also require additional fluids. It is strongly recommended that all participants slow their pace and reduce their risk to heat stress when conditions warrant. Each participant assumes this responsibility when entering an event with the potential risks that a marathon and half marathon presents. Furthermore, HMRRC encourages all participants to cooperate with directives given during the race by event personnel and to assist in ensuring the safety of all competitors, particularly at times when conditions are less than ideal.

Volunteer Team Captains at the water tables and the bike patrol and road marshals on the course will be ready to inform you about conditions that may affect your safety.    Please pay attention to these conditions and modify your pace and hydration according to your needs.

We are committed to the safety of all participants and will not sacrifice the safety of any one.   Notifications about weather conditions, cancellations, and other race information will be communicated via this website, email and the onsite announcer.  All registration fee and all associated costs are non-refundable.