Race Review: Helderberg to Hudson
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Helderberg to Hudson race shirt and bib, Photo By John Murray
Kicking off the second race in our capital district challenge, Helderberg to Hudson is a half marathon that goes from voorheeseville to Albany.
Bib pick-up is recommended for Thursday or Friday at Jennings landing, which is where the race will finish on race day. Parking on bib pick up day is a bit crazy, with runners having a small area to park, expect to have to parallel park at Jennings preserve following the GPS.
Remember to have your bib number on hand as volunteers only have a limited information.
Helderberg to Hudson: Race Day
The day started in 40’s with a lite wind through the air.
Finding parking isn’t too hard if you arrive early, we parked right off the highway 787 on Quay Street, outside the Corning Preserve, but saw many people opting for the lot just a block away and parking garage on the other side of the highway which allows easy access with a pedestrian bridge which goes right over 787.
Within a .25 mile walk is event central, with the finish line, merch store, and just yandere over the bridge, is the busses to the start.
Much like going to NYC marathon start, busses were lined up waiting to take runners. Loading on like packed sardines, the busses they chose were school busses for full grown adults… I don’t believe this was an appropriate choice. In the past other promotions used larger coach busses like that of Greyhound.
Arriving at start your dropped off at New Scotland Town Park. What seems like an empty place for the first two busses quickly becomes a field of people. The field was rather muddy, and walking around dirtied shoes before the race even started, making the start a bit tougher on the feet. A lot of NYRR & HMRR race shirts were seen in the crowd.
Runners, are shot through Voorheesville, headed towards Albany, mostly following the Mohawk Hudson bike trail, a long trail that goes from NYC to Buffalo & Montreal.
Runners will be able to enjoy beautiful waterfalls, large groups of spectators, little towns, abandoned train bridges, a view of the USS Slater, and finally the Hudson River.
There are plenty of spots all along the trail from which spectators can watch from, which are outlined in the spectators guide provided by ARE.
When you finally hit the finish line, you will be greeted with a medal, water, and food provided, as well as food trucks for purchase. We found the times square catering truck to be the best option, with burgers, quesadillas, and more!
How Was the Helderberg to Hudson Race?
Overall, this race offered a great experience and would be perfect for a first timer. The fact this race was mainly down hill offered a comfortable race experience that wasn’t overly challenging. There were plenty of amenities for a race its size, and staff was helpful and friendly offering a superior experience.
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