While there hasn’t been a lot of races this year locally, not every race has been cancelled in the area. In fact, we saw a brand new running event form this year called the Upstate Classic. The Upstate Classic took place at the Altamont Fairgrounds and included a 5k, half-marathon and full marathon. This is probably the last organized and fully timed local race for the 2020 season. 35+ Nark Running & Strength runners showed up and joined 1000+ other runners to close out our running season with a grand finale.

I ran the 5k race and was hoping a 5k PR for my last race of the year, but it was not meant to be. I had pacing issues related to my watch on the easiest stretches (running slower than my watch said) and when I neared the end and let loose, I was already too far behind to make up the difference. Regardless, it was amazing to get outside, run with others and compete. While I’ve gotten used to the social distancing, masks and rigmarole that we all have to do, I’m still not used to the staggered starts and how that affects pacing.

Total Time: 20:31
Pace: 6’37”
Place: 50 / 407
Division Place: 5th
Bib #: 195

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From the Website

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.

The Scoop

All 3 races start and finish by the Grandstand at the heart of the Altamont Fairgrounds.
The 26.2M is 2 loops of the USATF certified (NY20003JG) 13.1M course.
The 26.2M is a USATF certified (NY20004JG) Boston Qualifier.
The 5K shares the same first 1.6M as the longer races, at which time it turns around. (The 5K starts separately after the 13.1M/26.2M.)
All 3 races have the same final 0.35M (put another way, they all do the same thing when on the fairgrounds property.)
The event does cross railroad tracks. These tracks are inactive on weekends.

Course Cut-offs

There is a whole course cut-off time of 6:15*. Marathoners must complete the first half in under 3 hours to be permitted to continue in the 26.2M; if over 3 hours, they will be switched to the half marathon.

These cut-off times are based upon the time of the final starter - so ultimately all others will have some varying additional amount of time beyond 6:15 / 3 hours to reach halfway.

At 3 hours (based upon the final starter) at 13.1M in the 26.2M, a pace of 14:30 or faster must be maintained. Those falling behind pace will be picked up by one of our course sweeps. You will be switched to the half marathon with your time at the halfway split.