McKirdy Micro Race Series: Breaking 3

Embark on your journey to a marathon personal best at the McKirdy Micro Race Series: Breaking 3, set to challenge runners on March 28, 2026, in scenic Valley Cottage, NY. This unique 26.2-mile marathon is meticulously designed by runners, for runners, with the explicit goal of helping athletes achieve the coveted sub-3-hour marathon—a feat accomplished by less than 4% of marathoners globally. The course, hosted at Rockland Lake State Park, is a certified 2.94-mile looped track, renowned for its virtually flat profile with a minimal 13 feet of elevation gain, making it one of New York's fastest marathon courses. Typical race day conditions in late March offer ideal temperatures, with highs around 52°F and lows near 34°F, alongside a low 12% chance of precipitation, creating optimal conditions for speed.

What sets the McKirdy Micro: Breaking 3 apart is its unparalleled focus on runner support and performance. Every participant receives "elite perks," including dedicated pacers for 2:30, 2:50, and 3:00 finish times, personal bottle support (athletes provide bottles for a per-lap handoff starting on lap 2), and a precisely marked tangent line to ensure you run the shortest possible distance. The race maintains a small field size, typically capped around 225-300 athletes, fostering an intimate and highly supportive atmosphere where runners unite in their pursuit of ambitious goals. Historically, the McKirdy Micro series has a strong reputation, boasting that 69% of finishers achieved a personal best and 85% ran their second-fastest lifetime marathon or better in past editions, even producing two Olympians in 2023.

Entry to this highly sought-after event requires qualifying times (e.g., a marathon under 3:15:00 or a half marathon under 1:33:00), and a strict 3:15:00 cutoff time ensures a focused and competitive field. With its fast, certified course, comprehensive support, and a community of like-minded athletes, the McKirdy Micro Race Series: Breaking 3 offers an exceptional opportunity to push your limits and achieve a breakthrough performance. The looped course also provides fantastic spectating opportunities, allowing friends and family to cheer you on multiple times.