Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon

When is the Race?
Sunday, September 7, 2025, 7:00 AM

Where is the Race?
Both the full and half marathon start and finish at the Madison Barracks/Polo Fields in Sackets Harbor, NY. Click here for the Parking and Directions page.

Is the course hilly? flat? fast? scenic?
We've worked hard at designing a great course and hope every runner enjoys it. It's an out-and-back route with rolling hills and a gentle elevation gain as the course gets further from the lake, then heads back down toward the finish. Perfect opportunity for a negative split! The half and full marathons share the first 13.1 miles. See the Course Info page for more details.

How many runners are expected?
1000+ runners. Last year we had 661 finishers from 36 different states and provinces.

Did you make a cool video of the 2023 race using awesome drone shots?
Yes we did, check it out here!

 
Are there any discounts available?
Current and former member of the U.S. military, first responders (including law enforcement, fire, and EMS), and front-line medical worker receive $10 off. See our Run with Friends program to earn a $15 refund! Note: the registration fee will increase as the race approaches, see our Pricing page for details.

Can I get a refund?
No refunds will be issued. No exceptions. But we do have several options available (Insurance/Deferral/Transfer to someone else). Visit the Registration Rules page for more info

Do you offer event insurance?
Yes! You can purchase event insurance at the time of checkout. See the registration rules page for more info.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Yes, transfer requests will be accepted online through 9/3/2025 for a $10 fee. To request a transfer to another runner go to RunSignup navigate to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer to Another Runner. Enter the Recipient Information (name and email). The recipient will receive an email notification with a unique link that they can use to claim this transfer. If the recipient does not claim it, you may still use this registration on race day. Visit this link for additional help.

Can I switch to the Full Marathon if I signed up for the Half? Or switch from Half to the Full?
Yes, you can switch to the other race for a $10 fee through 9/3/2025. If you are going from the Half to the Full you'll also pay the difference in cost of the two races. To process an Event Transfer go to RunSignup and navigate to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event. Then follow the steps to complete your transfer. Visit this link for additional help.

Can I just give my bib to my friend to run? Or Can I run without a bib? 
No, you must transfer the bib properly through the system. No, you must have a bib to participate.  

Is this a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, the marathon is a USATF certified course. Click here for more info and the certification maps.

Is the course certified?
Yes, both the half and full marathons are USATF certified courses. Click here for more info and the certification maps.

Who is timing the race?
Leone Timing & Results Services...they have spent the last two decades earning the reputation of one of the finest timing and results groups in the United States.

Why did my GPS show that I ran shorter/further that 26.2/13.1?
The race courses were measured as per USATF rules along the SPR—the Shortest Possible Route that a runner can possibly run. Most runners don’t actually run the SPR, so the distance recorded by their GPS device will usually be longer than the certified length of the course. Also, GPS units must have a clear view of at least three satellites to get a reading, and the more they can acquire, the more accurate they are. However, trees, buildings, and even a runner’s body can interrupt the signal, making it less accurate at any time. Click here for a statement by the USATF. 

Can I order Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon gear/merchandise?
Yes, we have items available in the store.

What is the deadline for registration?
You can register right up until race time (thanks to Leone Timing). But don't wait that long, Sign Up now!

Can I sign up for the race on race day?
Yes, if you decide to join the race last minute, Leone Timing can accommodate you.

Will there be pace groups?
We don't anticipate having pace groups this year.

When and where is Packet pickup?
Click here for Packet Pickup Info.

What is the schedule of events on race day?
Click here for the Schedule.

Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes, but we encourage you to pick up your own packet.

Will there be a gear check?
No. The start and finish are at the same location, conveniently right next to the parking lot. No shuttles are needed!

Will there be on-course portable toilets?
Yes, there will be 9 portable toilets located on the course, one at each water station that you will pass twice. Details are on the Course Info page and the Course Map. 

How many water stops will there be and what will they have?
There will be 8 water stops on the Half marathon course and 17 on the Full marathon course. Each stop will have water and lemon-lime Gatorade. View the interactive course maps for the locations and plan to vote for your favorite in the Water Station Contest!

Are hydration vests/backpacks like Camelbacks allowed?
Yes

Will the roads be closed to traffic?
We will be attempting to close the course traffic as much as possible but we can't guarantee there will be no traffic. Please be cautious of vehicles and other pedestrians/bicycles.

Will the miles be marked?
Yes. There will be distance markers at every mile. Click here if you'd like to sponsor a mile. 

What will the weather be like?
No guarantees of course, but over the past 10 years, according to Weather Underground the average temp in Sackets Harbor on the Sunday before Labor Day was 58 F at 7:00 AM, 67 F at 10:00 AM and 70 F at Noon. It's only rained on that day twice in the past 10 years. For the 2023 Race, it was a sunny day with the following temps: 66 F at 7:00 AM, 74 F at 10:00 AM and 75 F at Noon.

Is there a time limit for the event?
Yes. There is a 6-hour time limit for both the Marathon and the Half Marathon. Both races will begin at 7:00 AM and the course will open to traffic on a rolling basis by 1:00 PM. Registrants must be capable of completing the full distance within the event time requirement of 6 hours (or approximately a 13:45 minute per mile pace). Participants traveling slower than a 13:45 minute per mile pace will not be guaranteed Aid Station or Medical support once the 6-hour time limit has been reached. Police and course marshal support will end. Participant chip or net times greater than 6 hours may not be listed in the official results.

Where can I park on race day?
There will be free parking next to the start/finish line on race day. Please visit our Parking and Directions page.

Will my family and friends be able to track my progress?
Yes, go to this page for more information on live tracking with RaceJoy

Can I bring my dog?
No dogs, skates, baby strollers, or jogging strollers are allowed on the race course.

Does Sackets Harbor have an airport?
No, Watertown and Syracuse are the closest airports. Check here for info on Flights.

Where can I stay when I come to Sackets Harbor?
There are limited options right in Sackets Harbor, but Watertown is only 8 miles away and has many options. Check here for Hotel Info.

 

Where can I camp nearby?
There are several nearby camping options.

Can I wear headphones during my run?
We discourage the use of headphones; however, if you choose to use them, it is recommended that you keep the volume at a level at which you are aware of your environment, can hear course directions, and be aware of any emergency situations that may arise.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the Half Marathon?
You must be at least 13 years old by race day to participate in the Half Marathon and 16 years old for the Full Marathon.

What are the Age Group Awards?
There will be awards for the top 3 males and females overall and in the following age groups: 19 and under, then 10-year age groups through 80+. Overall awards will be based on Gun time and age group awards are based on Net (Chip) time.

Do finishers receive a medal?
All finishers will receive a finisher medal. Click here to see the medal design.

When is the awards ceremony?
The award ceremony will start promptly at 9:45 AM (Half) and 11:00 AM (Full). Please check the results to see if you placed in your age group before leaving. Awards will not be mailed. Please wait until the awards ceremony to get your awards, placing is a big deal and we want to recognize everyone at the ceremony!

Where can I find race photos?
Click here for free photos thanks to The Whiskey Coop, our photos sponsor!

Where can I find the results?
Click here for results!

Does this race benefit a group?
All donations will benefit the Sackets Harbor Ambulance Service and Fire Department. Click here to donate as thank you for their race day support!

I have a question that isn't answered here.
Contact us at sacketsharbormarathon@gmail.com