McKirdy Micro Marathons

Prepare for a meticulously crafted marathon experience designed to maximize your potential at the McKirdy Micro Marathons on March 28, 2026, in Valley Cottage, NY. This 26.2-mile event, held at scenic Rockland Lake State Park, is renowned for its incredibly fast and flat course, featuring a mere 13 feet of elevation gain over a 2.94-mile looped circuit that runners navigate approximately nine times. A World Athletics "A" certified course, it includes a precisely marked tangent line, ensuring you cover the exact marathon distance with optimal efficiency. Typical race day conditions in late March offer crisp running weather, with highs around 52F and lows around 34F, and only a 12% chance of precipitation, creating an ideal environment for personal bests.

The McKirdy Micro Marathons distinguish themselves by offering an unparalleled "elite experience" to every participant. Runners benefit from personalized bottle service at aid stations, where pre-staged bottles can be accessed every few miles, and dedicated pacers are available for target times such as 2:50, 3:00, and 3:10. Founded in 2021 by runners for runners, this series quickly gained a reputation as a prime location for achieving Boston Marathon qualifying times and even Olympic Trials standards, with a staggering 81.6% of finishers qualifying for Boston in a recent year. The race's focus on optimal conditions, from the pancake-flat terrain to comprehensive support, fosters an atmosphere where personal records are not just hoped for, but actively pursued.