Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon
Sackets Harbor, NY
- Marathon, Half Marathon
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Join us for a Boston-qualifying Marathon and Half Marathon through the scenic lake-side village of Sackets Harbor and the surrounding area. This is an out-and-back course with the START and FINISH of both races on Pike Road along the Madison Barracks Polo Field in Sackets Harbor, NY. You will enjoy … MORE
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Good for a first time marathon
I was pleased with the race itself, but not at all with the race photos. There were only about 9 photos of me!? Over the course of 26.2 miles you’d … MORE
I was pleased with the race itself, but not at all with the race photos. There were only about 9 photos of me!? Over the course of 26.2 miles you’d think they could snap at least 20? Not to mention none of them were good quality. If my family hadn’t been there to snap pictures of me, I would have nothing to post online because of how bad the race photos were. Especially my finishing photos…it was only me and one other girl in front of me, no one behind me, so it should have been easy to get a good one. I will not be returning because of the way they publicly embarrassed me on social media. Some guy posted a story on Instagram with a picture of ME because two of his bib numbers coincided with mine and a photo of me accidentally ended up on his photos page. He wrote something like “this is the best photo of me.” Then Sackets Harbor Instagram re posted the story to their account and wrote “ha ha!” Why would they think that was appropriate? I messaged them and they apologized and deleted it but the damage was done. Won’t be participating in their race again.
A fantastic race in a historic NY town
This race is fantastic! It’s organized by fellow runners, so you know it’s going to be good! The course is a good mix of quaint village streets and rural roads … MORE
This race is fantastic! It’s organized by fellow runners, so you know it’s going to be good! The course is a good mix of quaint village streets and rural roads and the swag is top notch! Lots of water stops that are manned by local sports teams/clubs – there is also a vote by runners to select the best water one. I have done both years this race has existed and will definitely run it again next year! Can’t say enough good things about it.
My Favorite End of Summer Tradition!
The Sackets Harbor Marathon and Half Marathon is my new favorite end of summer tradition. Karyn & Mark put on a fabulous race with a BEAUTIFUL course. The hills close … MORE
The Sackets Harbor Marathon and Half Marathon is my new favorite end of summer tradition. Karyn & Mark put on a fabulous race with a BEAUTIFUL course. The hills close to the 6.5 mile mark are a good challenge for me because I hate hills, but I know to prepare for them. I really appreciate that Karyn & Mark are supportive and welcoming to slower runners like me – I never get nervous or stressed running this race because I know my slower pace is welcomed and celebrated. The spectators are phenomenal, too! I can’t wait to return for year 3!
Such an amazing race & great experience!
Everyone (race director, race crew, volunteers, etc) are so nice! The race is ran so smoothly! There are so many water stations & everyone is so encouraging & enthusiastic cheering … MORE
Everyone (race director, race crew, volunteers, etc) are so nice! The race is ran so smoothly! There are so many water stations & everyone is so encouraging & enthusiastic cheering on the runners! The course is challenging in a fun, competitive way. The scenery is absolutely stunning! You can tell how much time & work is put in, to make the race as successful as it is!
Fantastic Race
This was my first half marathon and I couldn’t be happier it was this race. Beautiful views, very manageable course and an amazingly encouraging community made it such a fun … MORE
This was my first half marathon and I couldn’t be happier it was this race. Beautiful views, very manageable course and an amazingly encouraging community made it such a fun race! The extremely well coordinated volunteer force who made packet pick-up to parking to finishing a breeze. I’m already looking forward to next year’s race! A very well planned and enjoyable race!
Great "Big Little" Race on the Lake
For context, I was planning a road trip and stumbled upon this race as part of a charity project. I had not specifically planned for this race, yet decided last … MORE
For context, I was planning a road trip and stumbled upon this race as part of a charity project. I had not specifically planned for this race, yet decided last minute to make it a destination about 10 days in advance. That said…
What I liked: I stayed in Watertown and traveled to Sackets Harbor for race day. The commute was straight forward and butter smooth. Volunteers made sure we parked appropriately. Packet pickup and portajohn amenities were available. (Side note, not sure if this is a metro NY thing or not, there was ultimately one long queue for all the loo’s, rather than multiple lines for batches of them. Runner psychology, eh?) The corral was simply laid out with wide enough roadway that front-runners didn’t jostle elbows. Per the course, the scenery was unexpectedly awesome, between running “downtown,” through neighborhoods and farmlands. Water stations competed for your attention, which really helped the atmosphere, and was perhaps one of the most unique experiences I’ve had on races like this! (I didn’t forget to vote!) Post-race, the spread was large and generous. The swag shack had plenty of offerings in various colors. The swag bag also had coupons for various downtown business we coincidently ran by, which was a great plus!
What I wish could have been better: Not much, really. The race date in early September still meant warmer weather. The aforementioned portajohn line wasn’t managed well, yet that’s me nitpicking. Course layout was easy to follow, turning arrow signs were clear. Mile markers were precisely placed out. For an out-and-back style race, it was pretty straight-forward. For someone who registered really late relative to the race date, I found it easy to get to, get what I need, and get ready to go. There were moments post-race where announcers may have lost track of runners (e.g. the lead marathon runner came through without much fanfare until it was too late). Again, I’m nitpicking. Getting out of the race area, there was ample traffic control, just have patience in the downtown area if you need to get around soon after a half-marathon finish.
TL;DNR? Great race, so happy I stumbled upon it, would recommend it!
Such a great race!!!!
Over all my years of running, not many races are set up and run as well as this one….definitely a new favorite and really looking forward to coming back again. … MORE
Over all my years of running, not many races are set up and run as well as this one….definitely a new favorite and really looking forward to coming back again. Love the race directors and everything they do to make to such a great race for the participants. 10/10, highly recommend, can’t say enough great things about this race!
Don’t skip Sackets race !
This my 2nd year to run this race . Running it last year has helped me a lot and I obtained a lot of tips and experience from running the … MORE
This my 2nd year to run this race . Running it last year has helped me a lot and I obtained a lot of tips and experience from running the course . I honestly didn’t achieve the goal I wanted this year ,However; I shaved about 30 minutes off of last year . Last year when I crossed the finish line and my friends asked me right away “ Are you going to do it again ?” I was like Omg No then I went home and after I recovered, I told myself “ I can do better than this, never judge from the first time ! So I came back this year and decided I will do 3 marathons in my life since I’ve done 24 half marathons then I will be done or just do Halfs But , there’s just something keep bringing me back to this specific race “ it’s magnetic haha “ I feel so attached to it more than any other race .. The atmosphere, the cozy village, cheering people and runners from all over NY, other states and a few countries ! I will either do the full or half next year but definitely coming back :)…It’s a great course & experience for those who want to qualify for the big beast “ Boston”.
The Sackets Harbor Marathon is awesome!
The Sackets Harbor Marathon is awesome! Here's why: - The route is beautiful, with great views of Lake Ontario - The event is well-planned and runs smoothly - People at … MORE
The Sackets Harbor Marathon is awesome! Here’s why:
– The route is beautiful, with great views of Lake Ontario
– The event is well-planned and runs smoothly
– People at the water stations are super cheerful and give you a boost (One station was giving double boosts!) Lol
– The local folks in Sackets Harbor are really supportive
– The finish line is great, especially if your family is there to cheer you on (They hype up every finisher)
– A lot of thought goes into the medals – they are beautiful!
I didn’t find any downsides to mention. This is a race I plan to run every year!
Overall, this marathon is a great experience. The pretty views, friendly people, and stunning medals make it special. Whether you’re trying to qualify for Boston or just want a nice run, this race is a good choice.
Bonus: My family and I stayed a few extra days to explore the Zoo and other historical sites in the area, which made for a fantastic extended trip!
Awesome Race!
Great race, beautiful views, and awesome people directing/volunteering! The water stations were unreal compared to any other race. Biggest downside was not a lot of shade from the sun. Other … MORE
Great race, beautiful views, and awesome people directing/volunteering! The water stations were unreal compared to any other race. Biggest downside was not a lot of shade from the sun. Other than that, wouldn’t change a thing!
5 star organization!
It's earlier in the season so my run was a bit hot, on a windy day! The organization is fabulous, the city really comes together to host the event. MORE
It’s earlier in the season so my run was a bit hot, on a windy day! The organization is fabulous, the city really comes together to host the event.
Great Race
Overall, the Sackets Harbor Marathon is a great choice for first-time marathoners looking for a scenic and manageable race in a welcoming environment. Just make sure to prepare for variable … MORE
Overall, the Sackets Harbor Marathon is a great choice for first-time marathoners looking for a scenic and manageable race in a welcoming environment. Just make sure to prepare for variable weather and enjoy the unique charm of this lovely lakeside village.
Beautiful race, marvelously run
Beautiful scenery across the race, and in the area. Downtown is incredibly friendly and energized for the race, and the staff are some of the nicest and most excitable I've … MORE
Beautiful scenery across the race, and in the area. Downtown is incredibly friendly and energized for the race, and the staff are some of the nicest and most excitable I’ve come across. Such amazing touches on the swag – from a quarter zip (included), the medal, and drawings/letters from local kids (which was so thoughtful and motivating). Absolute gem of a race. Would definitely come back for the full next time!
Great marathon, great people
This was my first marathon and despite being nervous everything went very smoothly from pre race day communications and emails and Facebook posts, to packet pickup, and race day itself. … MORE
This was my first marathon and despite being nervous everything went very smoothly from pre race day communications and emails and Facebook posts, to packet pickup, and race day itself. The town and course are absolutely beautiful with a very supportive and enthusiastic community of people. If you’re looking for a first half or full marathon or just a great race and a good runcation I would definitely recommend!
Incredible event, and will be for years!
The atmosphere, the scenery, and everything and everyone involved made this race truly great! It is only going to become even a bigger event in the coming years! MORE
The atmosphere, the scenery, and everything and everyone involved made this race truly great! It is only going to become even a bigger event in the coming years!
First Marathon
This was my first marathon and I lucked out with a very good one! The course was a relatively flat out and back finishing in Sackets Harbor. The town really … MORE
This was my first marathon and I lucked out with a very good one!
The course was a relatively flat out and back finishing in Sackets Harbor. The town really turned out to support the race with plenty of volunteers and aid stations. (There was even a horse)
I definitely recommend the race to other runners!
First 1/2Marathon
Not only was this my first 1/2 marathon, this was also the first inaugural Sackets Harbor Marathon, that was a Boston Marathon qualifier. For first time race organizers, it was … MORE
Not only was this my first 1/2 marathon, this was also the first inaugural Sackets Harbor Marathon, that was a Boston Marathon qualifier. For first time race organizers, it was planned beautifully. Communication with important information about the race was frequent through email notification, all pertinent information was given in a timely and organized manner. The course was an out and back with few inclines, as a new runner the views were great and the crowd encouraging. There is a mixture of lake views and country roads. Be sure to pack hydration and gels, the weather in upstate NY can vary. This day was unseasonably high temps for the location in September. Plenty of food post race after receiving your finishers medal, great post race atmosphere and music. Swag was a beautiful race pull over that I plan to wear all of fall and winter. There are a lot of merch options to purchase prior to race on line and at packet pick up. Lots of photographers with lots of race pics available. Plenty of places within walking distance of finish line to eat, grab a beer and relax post race as well. If you’re new to races and looking for a 1/2 or full, this is a very welcoming race and a great place to start. Register and plan early for hotel accommodations in town. Once filled, the next closest hotels are a 10min drive from start of race. Lots of parking directly at start/finish line of race. This is my second race in total and I’m looking forward running this again next year. I plan on doing the full marathon next time around.
Such a wonderful race
This was the first race for this RD who is a runner. The prerace communications were the best I’ve ever seen. Even with coming from out of state, I felt … MORE
This was the first race for this RD who is a runner. The prerace communications were the best I’ve ever seen. Even with coming from out of state, I felt I knew what to look for on course along with things to see in Sacketts Harbor. The course was great, just a couple small hills. The support along the course both from volunteers and the community was spectacular. The medal was beautiful featuring the logo and historic sites in Sacketts Harbor. The 1/4 zip was very nice
I would recommend this if someone is looking for a great race in NY
A race that makes you happy you run
This was a great race from start to finish . The emails leading up to the race inspired you yo train. This race was put on by someone who ran … MORE
This was a great race from start to finish . The emails leading up to the race inspired you yo train. This race was put on by someone who ran and knew what runners wanted – a great shirt that had an elegant design on the long sleeve shirt that was quality- you couldn’t see through the shirt. The medal captured the city and runners. The crowd support was wonderful from the jello cups to the frozen ice pops to the sprinklers on and the homes that had turned up their stereos. It was a home town feel and everyone was cheering for you to finish. The course was well marked and there were volunteers at all turns so your brain could go on auto pilot . The race was scenic and historical . The course was rolling but not hills. There was plenty of parking at the start of the race and there was lots of things to eat at the end of the race. This race deserves a 5 out of 5