Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon

When is the Race?
Sunday, September 3, 2023, 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.

When does registration open?
Early-Bird registration is open now! The early-bird discount price will end on Sunday 10/30/2023 at midnight, Don't miss out, Sign Up now!

Are there any discounts available?
The early-bird discount offers you the biggest discount, so Sign Up today. The registration fee will increase as the race approaches, see our Pricing page for details. Also, see our Run with Friends program to earn a refund on your entire registration cost!

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 Rules page for more info

Do you offer event insurance?
Yes! You can purchase insurance event insurance at the time of checkout. Insurance benefits are underwritten by Jefferson Insurance Company. AGA Service Company is the licensed producer and administrator of these plans. See the rules page for more info.

Can I transfer my registration to another person?
Yes, transfer requests will be accepted online through 8/24/2023 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.

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 8/24/2023. If you are going from the Half to the Full you'll also pay the additional $10 for the difference in cost of the two races. To request a race transfer to Profile > Upcoming Events > Manage Registration > Transfer Event.

Is the course hilly? flat? fast? scenic?
This is a brand new marathon and a new course. We've worked hard at designing a great course and hope every runner enjoys it. It's an out-and-back route with 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.

Is this a Boston Qualifier?
Yes, we will post the course certification once that process is complete. See the next item.

Is the course certified?
It will be. The course has been measured by Don Hughes, a very experienced course measurer. He is currently finishing up the maps and will submit them to the USATF soon...that is expected to be completed in March. We'll post the course certification as soon as we receive it from USATF!

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.

Did the Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon replace the 18.12 Challenge?
No, the 18.12 Challenge is organized by a different group and will be taking place on a different date in 2023. 

Can I order Sackets Harbor Marathon & Half Marathon gear/merchandise?
Yes, we are working on it. Items will be available to order in the coming months.

What is the deadline for registration?
You can register up until the day before the race on Saturday, September 2, 2023 (until 6:00 PM). But don't wait that long, the price will be higher. Sign Up now and save money.

Can I sign up for the race on race day?
No, the deadline is the day before, see above.

Will the 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?
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 porta potties?
There will be porta potties located on the course, the exact locations are to be determined.

How many water stops will there be and what will they have?
There will be approx 8 water stops on the Half marathon course and 16 on the Full marathon course (we are still working on the exact details). Each stop will have both water and a sports drink (tbd). View the Marathon Course Map or Half Marathon Course Map the for the locations and plan to vote for your favorite in the Water Station Contest!

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, as well as 5K, 10K, 15K, 20K, 25K, 30K, 35K, and 40K of the marathon.

What will the weather be like?
No guarantees but over the past 10 years, according to Weather Underground the average temp in Sackets Harbor on Labor Day was 65F at 7:00 AM and 69F at 10:00 AM.

Is there a time limit for the event?
Yes. There is a 6-hour time limit. 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 will 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?
We are working on making tracking available on race day.

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 info on Hotel Discounts

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. Medal design will be revealed as the race approaches.

When is the awards ceremony?
The award ceremony will start promptly at 9:30 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. An email will be sent to you following the race with instructions on how to purchase prints of your official photos!

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. 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