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Great New York State Marathon

Syracuse, NY
Sunday, October 17, 2027


  3.6 Stars from 5 Reviews

Course Description

No course description available at this time.


October Other Marathons in October Other Marathons in New York Marathons near Syracuse, NY



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, October 17, 2027
2026: Sunday, October 18, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Multiple Loops
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: No

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 50°F (10°C)
Average High: 60°F (15°C)
Average Low: 40° F (4°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 99.23
Course Score: 99.23

Race Size

2026: 277 Finishers
2025: 204 Finishers
2024: 206 Finishers
2023: 178 Finishers
2022: 176 Finishers
2021: 178 Finishers

BQ Percentages

2026: 7.6%
2025: 2.5%
2024: 1.9%
2023: 7.9%
2022: 6.3%
2021: 7.3%

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: No

Weather Averages for Last 15 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 61°F  (16°C)
Low: 44°F  (7°C)

Race Start Conditions

45°F  (7°C)
Humidity: 82%

Mostly Cloudy
NW 7 mph

PR Score

98.09

Course Score

98.66






Great New York State Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The Great New York State Marathon was the 264th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 234th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 7.6% of Great New York State Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 2.5% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the Great New York State Marathon ranked 391st among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 159th so far in 2026. In New York, it ranked 19th in 2025 and 9th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the Great New York State Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The Great New York State Marathon has a Course Score of 99.23, ranking it as the 177th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 10th fastest marathon course in New York.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are within the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the Great New York State Marathon a PR Score of 99.23. The PR Score ranks the Great New York State Marathon as the 124th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 8th best marathon for a PR in New York.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the Great New York State Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and New York for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

Great New York State Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed177th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 10th fastest marathon course in New York
Top 38% Nationally#10 of 20 in New York
PR Potential124th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 8th best marathon for a PR in New York
Top 27% Nationally#8 of 20 in New York
Boston Qualifier Rate391st highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 19th highest BQ percentage in New York
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 82% Nationally#19 of 24 in New York
Race Size264th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 13th largest marathon in New York
Based on 2025 results
Top 45% Nationally#13 of 27 in New York

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 432 feet (131m)
Min Elevation: 360 feet (109m)

Elevation Gain: 340 feet (103m)
Elevation Loss: 340 feet (103m)


Great

Course updated 07/06/2026




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Compare the Great New York State Marathon to other Marathons

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Race Reviews


3.6
Based on 5 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Lackadaisical Attitude Towards Runner Support

Full Review:

I generally like and try to support small marathons. But I like when they do their best to support the runners back. The organizers of this one don't seem to understand how runners experience the marathon. There was great support and ample direction on the course in the early miles, but almost none in the late, when it is most needed. There was a big gap between some water stations in the mid-late miles--also when runners need it most. The mile markers were correct in places, and thrown down wildly in others (the distance between two of the worst of them wasn't even half a mile!!) Cars were allowed to charge at the backs of runners on the Hayes Rd. part of the course (miles 17-18ish), which was incomprehensibly coned on the yellow line in the middle, and cars allowed to use both directions (criminal!) I saw ZERO support staff on this road to help with this dangerous and obnoxious situation. Worst of all, in the late miles, there was no one to direct runners. I followed some over a bridge, only for a course official drive up and steer us back (after 1/4 mile; 1/2 mile lost in full.) Because of this terrible support, I did not make my race goal, when I would have without the lost time. Imagine running 25 miles just to have no support in the final mile!!!! Finally, finishing line food and support was minimal as can be. Water, milk, apples, bananas, and see ya next year. I don't think so.

Race Tips:

This race has a horrific amount of running on the side of roads which are highly graded (slanting crosswise to the runner.) Because of this, I do not recommend this course for anyone with knee or IT band problems. Personally, I'd like to see the course be all around the lake, with a reversal of direction to make 26.2. It would be more scenic, and avoid the absolutely horrific situation with cars (some cutting into the course to make turns, some actually running up runner's backs and demanding that they move to the side (Hayes). Ugh!!

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Logistically, this is an easy one, with packet pickup the morning of being a great perk for anyone who has to travel to it on the morning of. Signage needed to be much better though. Cars lined up to go into the wrong lot. As with the rest of the course, runners were left to figure it out on their own. Poor support!!!
Reviewed by DJM About 2022

2021 had new organizer and new course

Full Review:

The 2021 race had a new organizer (nonprofit -- Kelleigh's Cause, Inc.), and a new course. The event was well organized. The course started at the New York State Fairgrounds, straddled Onondaga Lake to Baldwinsville, followed a canal/river through a park for a few miles, and looped back to the Fairgrounds.

Race Tips:

Going in, I was slightly worried about the elevation profile, but I didn't find the inclines or declines to be terribly detrimental. The course has some hills. Nothing soul/leg crushing, and for every uphill, there is also a downhill. There is also a nice decline to the finish line. The course is 99.99% pavement (it follows roads and paved trails). Every mile was marked, and there were water stations about every 2.5 miles. 2021 was slightly windy, but the course was mostly sheltered from the brunt of the wind by trees, structures, etc.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

The NYS Fairgrounds has ample parking and signage, so logistics are straightforward.
Reviewed by D.S. About 2021

Full Review:

Mile markers 5 & 6 were inaccurate. Mile markers 8-10 were missing. The remaining markers were sporadic or missing and assumed inaccurate. There was no half marathon mat or mile marker. Poor starting line logistics, not organized. I am not sure if the race director has run or even organized a 5K.

Race Tips:

Nice, scenic, flat course.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Plenty of race day parking. We could literally arrived 5 min before the race and not missed the start.
Reviewed by EAK About 2016

Full Review:

Well run Mid-sized (500+in full; 1500 Half). Super nice section that runs along Onondago lake (miles 2-6 and 20-24). Some of the middle miles are run on the shoulder of the road w/ a pretty severe slope. Decent sized expo w/ race themed items if that's your thing. Even tho this year we didn't get great foilage I think usually you can expect fall at its best. Tons of water stops and all w/ sports drink but in 2013 it was accelerade (I can't handle that) so beware. Simple food afterward but they did have chocolate Milk! Yeah! Nice long sleeve tech shirt and good medal.

Race Tips:

There are some hills in the middle miles. They can be long but they are gentle inclines. There a mile long downhill @ 19 then super flat the final 10K when runners need it. We had sunny cool weather in 2013. Half begins after the full so no early road congestion.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

I stayed in a Motel 6 that was about 10 minutes away. Race begins and ends @ local baseball stadium so parking was easy (folks guided cars into place). There is a pasta dinner but I didn't go.
Reviewed by EMR About 2013

Full Review:

Beautiful Upstate New York Fall scenery
Great weather in 2011 and 2012 (in the 50s, no rain, some sun)
Supportive crowd
Logistically easy (plenty of parking, toilets)
Well-stocked aid stations (water and sports drink, gels)
Great race shirts
This is a wonderful race. I ran this race in 2011 and 2012 and will run again tomorrow for 2013. I ran my first marathon in D.C. and found the travel from Syracuse to D.C., travel on race morning, and long lines for toilets to be stressful. Then I ran the Empire State Marathon and I realized my experience in D.C. was not necessary. I am now reluctant to run a different marathon because the Empire State Marathon is so close to home, wonderfully organized, and beautiful. Running the marathon distance itself can be stressful enough so why not find a race that keeps other stress factors to a minimum. This race is it!

Race Tips:

If you prefer a particular type of energy gel, bring your own.
Reviewed by MLB About 2012