Oh boy stay away from this race. The course is listed, advertised, as a flat race. This is not true. I, and many other, challenged athletes ran/walked this event because of how flat the course is. Not true. Several of my friends complained to the race director because it was not what they expected. Flat and hills are two different things.
Next the course is a loop. There are timrs you are running on roads. And there are times you are running on sidewalks. Most of the sidewalks have just enough room for 2 runners (side by side). This means if you are behind someone slow and runners are coming in the opposite direction you can not pass the slow runner (or walker). Faster people were yelling at the slower people.
Bathrooms were located in one area. So if you were not by that part of the loop you had to hold it for several miles. Also most bathrooms had no toilet paper.
If you want a tech shirt forget about it. A cotton t-shirt is what was handed out.
As for the scenery it was ok. Nothing special. And after 6 loops who cares just get me across the finish line.
The aid stations had Gatorade and water. I forgot if there was food. The volunteers were polite, cheered you on, and helpful (the best part of the race).
Of all the races I have taken part in (well over 100), this one I can honestly say I will not run again.

Running in Rhode Island (and in the Northeast) during May is tricky. Weather wise you will never know what to expect so be prepared. The morning started off beautiful (cool, slight breeze, and sunny). By race time this changed. And about a hour into the race the skies opened up. Good thing I brought along a running rain coat. Not fun with soaking wet socks and shoes.
This race started, and ended, on a rocky dirt (and mud) road. The rest of the race was on streets. Very senic race in mostly residential (urban) areas. You will cross several bridges. I suggest you bring your phone, or other device that takes pictures, because you are going to stop and take pictures.
The course is a double loop. Plenty of aid stations. Friendly, helpful, and motivational volunteers (cheering on the runners) along the route. Very hilly, and with the rain starting early, challenging course.
If you place in your division you win a pint glass with the race logo on it. Along with this the race director had people taking pictures at the finish line. Photos were placed on the website. You can download them for free.
After the race was over the race director had extra pint glasses. He played a trivia game and gave away glasses. (One option for every half I ran was you could purchase a pint glass, so this was nice perk of staying around and talking with people after you finished).
The race director is friendly and polite. The race company, 3C Race Productions, donates part of the entry fees to a charity. The charity provides the volunteers for the aid stations. So you can see where your money is going and talk to the people who benefit from the donations.
Like all the other 3C races there is plenty of parking. After the race there is a buffet style table of food to choose from. Peanut butter, bagles, bananas, nutrition bars, water, Gatorade, pretzels, cookies, watermelon, and many other options.
3C races are fun, challenging, and a good time. I hope to see you at one of their races.

Saratoga Springs Half Marathon is a 2 loop half marathon. It is in historic Saratoga Springs (horse racing). You start off running in the grass, and the rest of the course is on roads.
You run through a park so the course is very scenic, and hilly. If you are not a fan of hills, or train on hills, this course will be a challenge.
Like all the other 3C Race Productions half marathon races the aid stations are manned with volunteers (from the charity 3C Race Productions donates to). They are friendly, cheer you on, and provide support.
(One of the many things that I like about 3C is they give back to the community. The race charity for this race is Strong to Serve... benefits soldiers).
Runners get a tech shirt and finisher's medal. If you place, in any division, you win a pint glass with the race logo on it.
If you live near New York I recommend you take this challenge.

If you love running hills this is a race for you. It's an out and back course. So you get the ups and downs of every hill. (Just don't ask the locals if the race is hilly. I was told there is one hill during the first mile, and that's it.). Boy were they wrong.
3C Race Productions, and the race director Michael, puts on great, and challenging, events. His races are mostly out and back (or loops) courses. This means double the aid stations. The volunteers are great, supportive, and cheer you on.
Each race (for the half marathon) you get a tech shirt and finisher's medal. Place in any category and you win a pint glass with the race log on it. At the end of any of their half marathons they have food. This changes based on time of year and place.
If you decide to race with 3C check out their package deals. Discounted prices and great times.
I drove over 4 hours (one way) to get to this race. Great scenery. Stay after and enjoy the fort, seafood, and talking with some terrific athletes.

This was my first marathon. Highly recommend it. Incredible expo, swag, support, crowds, aid stations, etc. Perfect weather. Cool, overcast, and slightly humid.
Hit the aid stations early and often. Do not get fooled by the weather. Gatorade endour and water at each one.
The crowd cheering and calling your name (make sure to use tape) keeps you pumped and motivated. High fives for 23 miles. (Run the course and you will understand why). Great music, DJs, and athletes on the course.
Not much in elevation, so I would recommend this marathon for first timers.