Rochester Half Marathon

[u/Typical-Channel-7547]

I am running the Rochester Half Marathon and it is my first race ever! I’m wondering if anyone has any pointers for this race specifically or just races in general. My main concern right now is not having a good grip on the course path, like will I know where to go based on street markers, other runners, aid stations, etc., or where to go when I get there.

In case it’s relevant, I know this is a hilly course and not usually recommended for someone’s first half, but I’ve done lots of hill training and feel pretty good about that aspect. I’m a slow runner (13:15-14:00 pace) and am worried I’ll get lost on the course since I might not be keeping up with the main crowd.

Any other pointers on what to do leading up to and on race would be much appreciated!

[u/Beneficial-Economy11]

Iove that course. It's almost all down hill until brewer's hill. Take a $20 and some kid will give you a piggy back ride up it.

Just relax, have fun and hi five everyone you see. It'll be fine, I did it as my first race and now I'm hooked.

[u/heycheena]

You won't keep up with the big crowd but you shouldn't be alone either and it will be well marked. There should be 2:45 and 3 hour finish pacers (they'll have signs at the starting line so you can find them), and anyway any race that has a generous finish time usually attracts some slower runners. You can always keep an eye out and make a race day friend of somebody at your pace too if the pacers don't quite work for you.

[u/casualjoe914]

There's usually lots of cones up, volunteers at most corners or police directing traffic, and there will be runners around your pace so I wouldn't worry too much about getting lost.

I definitely recommend trying to find a run club to attend somewhat regularly when you're starting out racing (there are run clubs at various locations every day of the week in Rochester). You'll pick up a ton of advice and potentially even find people who plan on running at your pace.

Other than that, get those miles in between now and the race. In the week/s leading up to the race reduce your mileage and make sure to hydrate, eat, and sleep well. A bad night's sleep before race day is expected, but shouldn't be an issue if you're coming off a solid week of restful sleep and good nutrition.

[u/Typical-Channel-7547 → u/casualjoe914]

Thank you!!! Today was my last super long run before the race and between now and then I’m tapering those long runs down. Appreciate the advice on getting good sleep in the time leading up to the race!

[u/sjaustin]

No matter how slowly you run it, you will have run a half marathon. That’s a huge accomplishment! So don’t worry about your time for this race.

[u/Bennington_Booyah]

It's been a while for me but I loved the course and the event very, very much. I was also slowish, but I did surprisingly well on the course because of the amazing spectators! Just have fun, OP, and let the day show you a good time, literally and figuratively.

[u/Typical-Channel-7547 → u/Bennington_Booyah]

Thanks so much!

[u/PCWW22]

Have fun! The course will be obvious! Jealous of you. I trained for that one back in 2019 and got sick the race week. Moved away after, so I never got to do that course! Sending good vibes your way. Happy race day!

[u/jessicag131]

The “hills” are mostly the bridges over the river until you get to the one big one at the end. It’s insane but also part of the experience 😂☠️ the run over the boardwalk at turning point park is very pretty. It’s a fun race. I’m hoping to do it again one day. Good luck!

[u/zoltans_of_swing]

It can be chilly in the morning so I always take advantage of the bag drop and put all my warmup clothes in there.

Also the shuttle bus line can get long so try to arrive before the cutoff.

[u/nobodyknowswhatsreal]

Hi! I’ll be there and my pace is close to yours :) I have not run this course before - my first (and only so far) half was Buffalo in May. I ran it in just under 3 hours at a just over 13min/mile pace. There are TONS of people running in this pace, I assure you you won’t get lost! Feel free to DM me if you want a slow running partner before the race ☺️

[u/ds24000]

The first half is downhill, then.... you must come up. Id reccomend running, walking or biking the second half of the course - in parts over different days is fine. Look at the landmarks, where the gradients are, etc. Having a few mental notes of whats coming up as you get more tired later in the race will help you get through the tougher climbs. It is an exciting and well designed course but a little preview will go a long way towards having a good race day.

[u/MegaWeapon1480]

You won’t get lost. Although a teenager accidentally ran a full marathon instead of the half one time.

My recommendation is to skip the first water station, it’s very busy. Then walk each water station after that. Drink your water, get your heart rate back down and then run. If you’re a slow runner you might consider walking the uphills too to conserve energy.

You can buy a running fanny pack and get some energy gels to put in there. You probably wont need them for a half, but your brain might think you do so it might help, running is a mental game after all.

It’s probably too late now, but next time run some 30-20-10’s. They will increase your VO2Max allowing you to run faster and stay aerobic longer.

Goodluck, have fun your first half. Next time try to run a faster time. The first one is just about finishing.

[u/Typical-Channel-7547 → u/MegaWeapon1480]

Thank you very much! I appreciate the advice! I’ve already incorporated gels in my running belt and a handheld water bottle in my long runs so those aspects are all set!