The Gorges Ithaca Half is one of the most scenic half marathons in the country. It offers a point to point course from the quintessential small town of Trumansburg, passing gorges and cascades with a net descent elevation course profile, finishes in one of the most rad small towns in …
MORE
The Gorges Ithaca Half is one of the most scenic half marathons in the country. It offers a point to point course from the quintessential small town of Trumansburg, passing gorges and cascades with a net descent elevation course profile, finishes in one of the most rad small towns in America. It’s a great excuse to make a long weekend in Ithaca running a Half PR or first finish.
Runners will set off on the opening mile descending through downtown Trumansburg before bending East and South while rolling through a few hills within Village neighborhoods to begin heading for Ithaca. They’ll pass through the upper tip of Taughannock Falls State Park before reaching the head of the Black Diamond Rail Trail. From there it’ll be a steady descent along the hard packed gravel surface to arrive back in Ithaca. Once you emerge it’ll be just under a mile to sail through the finish in front of Island Health and Fitness / Cayuga Sports Medicine along the Cayuga Inlet.
What you’ll get:
- Each runner will receive 5 aid stations on course
- Delicious post-race food in to-go format from Fittnell Farms Catering
- Event tech-tee (only guaranteed to those registering before May 1st)
- Event finisher’s medal and bottle
- All else that goes into the event including your help in allowing us to donate back to multiple entities each year including high school teams, parks, and fire marshals
LESS
Gorges views
Great race to help explore the Finger Lakes. After routing thru the Village of Trumansburg, hop on the Black Diamond Trail and all but coast down the hill to Ithaca. … MORE
Great race to help explore the Finger Lakes. After routing thru the Village of Trumansburg, hop on the Black Diamond Trail and all but coast down the hill to Ithaca. Enjoying lots of shade and great support at the road crossings. Minimal traffic as the majority of the race is on the BDT.
Ithaca is Gorges (and so is this race)
Decided this was one of my favorite races I have ever done. The waterfalls and scenery were amazing-the miles flew by. I was very lucky because it had rained all … MORE
Decided this was one of my favorite races I have ever done. The waterfalls and scenery were amazing-the miles flew by. I was very lucky because it had rained all week before and you could hear the waterfalls as you approached. The race was mostly on a flat, smooth, shaded trail which was great for June. Water stations were always stocked and some even had strawberries!!
My only complaint would be the line for bathrooms, however they were really apologetic and seemed like they would add more next year.
Overall, I loved the vibes. The race was pretty low-key and everyone who I ran into- volunteer, runner, spectator- were the nicest people and were awesome! I usually don’t repeat half marathons but this one is making me change my mind.
A great reason to visit the Fingerlakes!
This is a mostly downhill course along a nice rail trail. A very nice race with a great Patagonia tech shirt and a BBQ at the finish. I would highly … MORE
This is a mostly downhill course along a nice rail trail. A very nice race with a great Patagonia tech shirt and a BBQ at the finish. I would highly recommend this race to anyone who might want to spend a weekend in the Fingerlakes region of NY.
great support and very scenic
plenty of cheer squads to keep you going, aid stations have sports drinks and water and some have gels. first part of race is on a rail trail and a … MORE
plenty of cheer squads to keep you going, aid stations have sports drinks and water and some have gels. first part of race is on a rail trail and a gradual downhill second half brings you through two parks and around a lake then you finish at a high intensity commons area in the city. great fun look forward to doing it again
Balanced
The course was changed this year (2016) from 3 hills to 1 hill. The first 7 miles were flat and along a nice river. Then were the 5 miles uphill--which … MORE
The course was changed this year (2016) from 3 hills to 1 hill. The first 7 miles were flat and along a nice river. Then were the 5 miles uphill–which was more gradual than I expected. There were a few short steep parts but it ended up evening out to rolling hills after you got past the steepness. There was A LOT of shade which was very nice since it is summer. The post-race was amazing–lots of food, beer, and music. We received 2 finisher’s items: a water bottle for the half and a “plaque”–no medal. If you wanted a race shirt, you had to buy it, which I didn’t appreciate but I bought one anyway. BUT you did get a free 13.1 Ithaca magnet and sticker with your bib, so that was cool! I would 100% run this again. It was a very well-organized fun race where runners are really appreciated.