Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon 2024

Short review

The Gorges Ithaca Half Marathon, presented by Cayuga Medical Center, brings you a taste of gorges Ithaca. We're planning on extending the COVID Modifications and Mitigation plan used for Red Newt's 2020 trail events to the 2021 Gorges Ithaca Half. While we hope we'll be out of the COVID waters by September, we'd like to err on the side of caution. We'll continue to assess and make changes as needed including moving to a mass start with post race gathering if things are deemed safe to do so, or refunds if things don't improve and the event is not able to run.

Updates for 2021 per COVID considerations:

Please read over this document with more complete details: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GA07di7w_X15MvF9BNk6v8rXkEmGQKt9uZK4BJ6GTQM/edit?usp=sharingMoving to a downtown-contained new loop-course format so as to remove the bus-to-start formatTime-slot designated check-in and start times (5 runners every minute on the minute) to foster increased physical distancing Start-Times will be on this spreadsheet by race-week: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1EdinrCfcNOiiwWvOdGNvxi4k03CLstMISQyU54EJap0/edit?usp=sharing Mask-requirement at check-in, ahead of start, and after you cross the finish line unless physically distancedEncouragement of entrants to carry their own hydration to reduce aid station cross contact and interactionPost-race food in to-go style format / containers

2021 Course Format / Highlights:

2021 Interactive Course Map can be viewed here (aid station locations not yet added in) https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1199865?units=miles Start 1 block south of the Hotel Ithaca on Cayuga St, headed SouthShort / steep (but only) uphill 1/2 mile in to access grassy recreation railbedPasses through and by Buttermilk FallsRetains use of full Cayuga Waterfront TrailRetains signature finish through Fall Creek to the finish just shy of the Ithaca CommonsAlthough there's one hill in the opening mile, this course may be the fastest version yet

What you'll get:

Each runner will receive 6 aid stations on courseDelicious post-race food in to-go format from Fittnell Farms CateringEvent tech-tee (only guaranteed to those registering before August 5th)Event finisher's medalAll else that goes into the event including your help in allowing us to donate back to multiple entities each year including high school teams, parks, and fire marshals

Logistics:

Wednesday, September 1st through Friday, September 3rd We will encourage all entrants who live in the Ithaca-area to pickup your packet Wed, Thurs, or Friday ahead of the race in order to reduce congestion on race-day. For those not able to pickup pre-race, please plan on checking in at the start 45 minutes ahead of your designated start-time.Location: Finger Lakes Running Company: 700 Cascadilla St., Suite 101, Ithaca, NY, 14850Please Note: We will have designated packet pickup as well as race-day morning check-in / start times per COVID considerations Saturday, September 4th 06:15 - First designated packet pickup time begins at start staging area (304 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY, 14850) 07:00 - First designated starting wave sets off09:10 - First finisher anticipated to reach finish line (213 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY, 14850)11:00 - Last finisher anticipated to reach finish line and course closed

Start / Finish Lines:

Start Line: 304 S Cayuga St, Ithaca, NY, 14850Finish Line: 213 N Tioga St, Ithaca, NY, 14850

Parking:

Parking Garage with entrance on Seneca Street on the north intersection corner of Tioga (closest to Finish Line)Parking Garage on Green StreetParking Garage on Cayuga Street (closest to Start Line)