Ithaca Gorges Half Marathon Race Report – Marka OConnell

Race: Ithaca Gorges Half Marathon

Runner: Marka OConnell

Race Date: 06/17/2023

Location: Ithaca, New York

Results: 2:51:47

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  • Net downhill!
  • The views at the start
  • They had two waves

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

The 7:00am start time

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I enjoyed the downhills. I ran a 20 minute PR!

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

This is an easy beginner half marathon.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

The first 8 miles are downhill.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Very pretty course!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Pretty easy even for someone who has never run a half.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

A little bit of both but it effect anything.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

There were definitely an elite group of runners in the second wave.

Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.

It is popular with the surrounding area but it’s pretty assessable. There are lots of things to do in Ithaca so plan to stay a few days. Lots of nice airbnbs!

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

The volunteers were amazing at all the aid stations. Standard stations with an extra one that offered fruit!

Weather and typical race conditions

It can be very hot but we had perfect conditions. Some of it is on a rail trail so there is some shade.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Didn’t need anything special.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Once you get off the rail trail and onto the road headed back to town there are more spectators.

How’s the Swag?

Sway is pretty cool!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?

Definitely a 5 out of 5