Yonkers Marathon

The Yonkers Marathon, held in Yonkers, New York, is the second oldest marathon in the United States, after the Boston Marathon. Known for its many hills, it is considered by many runners to be one of the toughest marathons in the country. For this reason, most elite runners avoid this race.

The Yonkers marathon (the standard distance, 42.195 km) is typically held on the third Sunday in September. It is a double loop course which also stages a half marathon (21.1 km).

The first few kilometers (miles) of the race are very scenic, overlooking the Hudson River. However, the majority of the race is in urban industrial areas that are less than aesthetically pleasing.

Every year approximately 200 runners participate in the Yonkers marathon.

In 2006, the marathon and half marathon both started at 8:45 am on September 17. The 2006 course includes a 5 mile uphill at the start, plus two cliff-like downhills (one overlooking a cemetery). After completing this difficult course at mile 13.1, the marathon runners get the privilege of running it again.

For 2007, the registration website can be found at http://www.yonkersny.gov

Until 1997, the Yonkers Marathon was also famous — or infamous — for its gut-wrenching hills. Then Augie Cambria, the race director, changed the course to make it more runner friendly, a change that also confined the race to Yonkers. The race starts and finishes on the Yonkers City Pier overlooking the Palisades and an easy walk from the train station.

In 1999, on Sept. 19, John Kagwe, the winner of the last two New York City Marathons, was a surprise entry in the half marathon that is run jointly with the marathon. Using the race as a tune-up for New York, Kagwe set a course record of 1:04, and vowed to return. Prize money totaling $12,000 was divided among the 10 top finishers in four categories. A post-race meal and massages are popular with those who finish out of the money.