The Upstate Classic: 5K, 13.1M, & 26.2M

by Josh Merlis

Community. It’s what makes a place a home, and since the early 1970s, led by the creation of the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club, the runners of our region have felt at home because of the numerous events that bring us together.

When ARE Event Productions launched the Druthers Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon in late 2018 as a spring 2019 event, we surely couldn’t anticipate what 2020 would bring, but one thing we were thinking about was adding another major event to complement that spring race. The constraints of the present day situation led us to the Altamont Fairgrounds, and while ultimately the Druthers event is intended for the spring upon its eponymous rail trail, we surely fell in love with its August 2020 home - a perfect venue to meet the needs of present day as well as beyond it. And so it is with great excitement that we announce the creation of our Upstate Classic!

The Upstate Classic, scheduled for November 15, offers participants a 5K, 13.1M, and a 26.2M. While it is staged from the same location as the August 2020 race named above, the course is different, and we’ve also modified the general staging and start of the event. What is not different is our focus on creating an event that is deployed safely and (not but!) with a focus on creating and providing an inspiring and motivating experience that brings us together. Not physically close together in the way races of “yesteryear” were held, but together as a community. Our eyes and ears can see a lot farther away than six feet, and so it is still very much possible for us to foster that same upbeat and energetic atmosphere spread out across a vast open space.

We welcome you to take part, to challenge yourself to train with purpose over these next many weeks, and to join us for an experience that has become far too rare in 2020: a race.

Volunteers are also welcome and receive the same shirt and boxed lunch as the participants. So, whether you want to toe the line or cheer on the runners as they chase PRs and new accomplishments, we welcome you. There’s also a virtual participant option for those who either do not want to physically attend or not able to.

Registration will remain open through October 15. For complete details about how we’re making for a safe experience, along with answers to all of your questions, check out UpstateClassic.com


DETAILS

ABOUT

The Upstate Classic is a new event created by ARE Event Productions. The inaugural running will be deployed and conducted in compliance with CDC and NYS Guidelines and Regulations similar to their 2020 Druthers Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon. Visit the FAQ for more details about event safety. A virtual participant option is also available.

WHEN

Sunday, November 15, 2020

  • 8:30AM: 13.1M/26.2M Start*
  • 9:15AM: 5K Start*

* The start will be conducted in a socially distanced and highly staggered fashion. The start duration is based upon registration levels; your exact start time will be determined and emailed/posted on this website in early November. More details available at the FAQ.

WHERE

Altamont Fairgrounds
129 A Grand Street
Altamont, NY 12009

PACKET PICK-UP (PPU)

PPU will be offered on Fri and Sat, 11/13-14 at the Altamont Fairgrounds. Exact times remain TBD. Race day PPU will also be available for those absolutely unable to attend (or send someone else) before race day. By mid October, all PPU details will be finalized.

WHAT YOU GET

  1. Outdoor, real life experience deployed both safely and with a focus on fun
  2. Long sleeve gender-specific shirt: Women's Men's
  3. 13.1M & 26.2M Finishers Medal: Design in progress, check back in late Sept.
  4. Photos
  5. Post Race Boxed Meal (Meat, vegetarian, and vegan options)

Premium Registrants (+$25) also receive:

  1. Unisex Commemorative Hoodie
  2. Your name (or nickname you provide) on your bib
  3. Priority Start - All premium registrants will begin before regular registrants

REGISTRATION DETAILS

We guarantee registration remaining open through October 16. The entire price matrix appears below, but that does not guarantee you can still register within the 4 weeks before race day.


 

5K

13.1M

26.2M

Before Oct 1

$25

$50

$65

Oct 1-14

$30

$60

$75

Oct 15-28

$35

$70

$85

Oct 29+

$40

$80

$95

 

Premium registration is an additional $25.

SWITCHING RACES ONCE REGISTERED

Yes, you are permitted to do this, and it is done via your confirmation page, accessible from your confirmation email or here. If moving up in distance, you pay the difference. If dropping down in distance, there is no cost to do so. (You are not refunded the difference.)

REGISTRATION TRANSFERS

Transfers are permitted through October 31. It is $15 to process a transfer. Click here for complete details.

Please read our Cancellation/Refund Policy before registering.

REGISTER

VIRTUAL PARTICIPANT OPTION

Want to be part of the event without having to attend? You can! Virtual participants receive the same giveaways, along with the ability to make their own customizable bib, submit a photo for our virtual runner photo album, and their results too! You have between Fri, 11/13 and Sun, 11/22 to complete your race. You will have the option to pick up your packet or have it shipped. Full details in the FAQ.

It is the same fee regardless of distance to register as a Virtual Participant. That fee is $25 before 10/1 and $30 after. 13.1M and 26.2M Virtual Runners receive the medal (everyone receives the shirt). You can register here.

RESULTS & AWARDS

Live tracking and results will be available. Exact locations of course splits will be announced by late October.

While the results will show placings in 5 year age groups (endpoints of 14-U/80+), there will be no overall/age group awards. All finishers in the 13.1M and 26.2M will receive medals.

CHARITY OF CHOICE

The Bender Melon Farm Initiative

The Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy (MHLC) is a nonprofit conservation organization working to preserve the natural, scenic, agricultural and cultural landscapes of the Mohawk and Hudson River valleys. Read More...

CONTRIBUTE TO MHLC / BENDER MELON FARM

CONTACT US

Reach us at events@areep.com


Loading Conversation

Partner Clubs

Partner clubs offer group runs and local races to the Capital Region running community

Create Account



Log In Your Account