Contribution: Dave Dazé. Edited/posted by Harold P.
Event Name: Syracuse 1/2 marathon
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2024
Location: Syracuse, New York
Synopsis: The hills! A very long one at the 1km mark, and they just seemed to keep coming (although we did also get some nice downhills haha).
Really nice finishers medal and a post race party.
What was provided at the aid stations?
Water/gatorade/gu every two miles, which was nice.
How was the weather?
Syracuse had 8cm of snow the day before, which impacted road conditions on race day. Actual race day started out -9C but sunny, and warmed up as the race progressed. Nice winter morning for a run.
My Race Experience:
Was hoping to run this race in shorts but the weather gods said otherwise. Syracuse had 8cm of snow the day before, so many sections of the course were snow covered and/icy. Tried not to overdress as it was going to warm up as the morning went on, but wore a jacket, pants, toque and gloves.
Targeted 2:00 hrs (5:41 per KM). Was bang on after 5km, 28:23, including the biggest climb. Ran KMs 6-10 in 28:02 (5:36/K) and was now thinking sub 2hrs might be a reality…was still feeling pretty good at this pace. KMs 11-15km had a nice downhill in the middle of it, which allowed me to pick up the pace a bit…27:12 (5:26/K) for that 5km segment. Now it was feeling like work, for KMs 16-20 but I was able to maintain close to a 5:30/K pace and went through it in 27:33…several rolling hills in this section made it a challenge. With 1.1km to go I knew I’d be under 2hrs and now it was a question of by how much…pushed that last 1100m at 5:13/k pace. Very happy with a 1:57:11 finish. Completed 6th/30 in the M60-64 age category. Good test of my fitness, and I know my training is on the correct path to the Ottawa Marathon in May.
Would you do this event again?
Lots of races out there so I’m not sure if I’d do it again. Certainly a challenging course. But fun, so who knows, I might be back haha
Would you recommend this event?
If you like hills this race is for you. Beautiful medal. Race kit pickup was pretty efficient. Race hotel an easy 12 minute walk to the start/finish line. Big, indoor after-race party with food and live music. So overall a pretty good event.
Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear?
Syracuse is an easy 3hr drive away. Stayed at the Crown Royale Syracuse hotel, which was a short walk to the start/finish line. I knew the weather looked iffy so driving down allowed me to bring a ton of gear….and food cuz’ there weren’t many amenities close to the hotel.
Other Stats
Overall Venue Rating: 3 – Good
Overall Course Rating: 3 – Good
Overall Aid Station Rating: 3 – Good
Run K2J 