Location: Syracuse, New York
Date: March 23, 2014
Race Organization:
This race is extremely well-organized. First, the website is good: http://syracusehalf.com/. Second, packet pickup the day before the race goes very smoothly at Fleet Feet. However, even if you decide to pick up your packet on race day, it isn’t a hassle. Third, you can stay inside (and warm) right up until the start of the race. In fact, there is even a small area where you can warm up a little. There is plenty of parking close to the start and the post-race party is a good time!
Cost:
Early registration ended yesterday and was $55. The cost is now $65 and it goes up to $75 on March 11 – and then $90 on race weekend! I think this is a little pricey for a race in Syracuse, which is why I only gave it three stars. However, there are entry perks for “elite” athletes (see http://syracusehalf.com/elite-runners/)
Course:
The course starts by climbing nearly 200 feet over the first two miles. However, that is the worst of it. The course is actually pretty fast. Check out the elevation map of the course:
http://syracusehalf.com/course-info/
The only reason I didn’t give it five stars is because it lacks scenery and does not have much fan support.
Swag:
There are some pretty nice awards and very nice medals for finishing.
Other:
Last year was the first year of this race and it was able to draw a pretty competitive field. Fred Joslyn won in 1:06:28 and two other guys were under 1:09. There were twenty guys total under 1:20 and nine women under 1:30. The race is in late March, which is a perfect time to run a half marathon if you are training for a full marathon in April/May/June.
Overall:
This is a nice race. It is well-organized, which is always a bonus, and the course is pretty fast. I definitely recommend it.
