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2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic

2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic

The 48th Annual Dutchess County Classic offers a fast, scenic tour of the Hudson Valley.

Race Date

Sep 19, 2026

Location

Poughkeepsie, NY

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
Poughkeepsie, New York
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 10K, 5K, Half Marathon (Wheel), 5k & 10k COMBO, 5k & Half Marathon COMBO
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyBeginner FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat MedalGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatScenic RouteWell Marked

The Experience

Now in its 48th year, the Dutchess County Classic is a beloved fixture for runners seeking a fast, scenic race. This event, split over two days, features a USATF-certified course designed for personal bests, with minimal elevation changes and a net drop that aids runners aiming for a PR.

The 10k and Half Marathon courses wind along the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail and the iconic Walkway Over the Hudson, offering picturesque views of the Hudson River and surrounding farmland. This blend of natural beauty and a flat, fast path makes it appealing for both seasoned competitors and newcomers to the sport.

Runners can expect a well-supported race with professional timing and a commemorative t-shirt for those who register by August 23rd. The event's enduring popularity is a testament to its combination of a great course, scenic setting, and community appeal.

Race-provided description

Join us for the 48th Annual Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club Dutchess County Classic! Similar to the last few years, this years event will be split over two days with the 1k Kids Fun Run and 5k on Saturday, September 19th on Robinson Lane in Wappingers Falls, NY and the 10k and Half-Marathon on Sunday, September 20th on the William R. Steinhaus Dutchess Rail Trail / Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie, NY. We want to thank our Platinum Sponsor, CDPHP, for their generous support of the Dutchess County Classic.  Please be sure to visit our sponsor page to find out more about CDPHP and all of our great sponsors! All courses are flat and scenic, great for seasoned runners and first timers alike.  The races will showcase the beauty of the Hudson Valley, including beautiful farm land and views of the Hudson River.  Each race is professionally timed and takes place on a USATF certified course, making the Dutchess County Classic a "must-race" for anyone looking to set their next PR. There are t-shirts for pre-registered (on or before August 23rd) runners and finisher medals for the 1k Kids Fun Run, 5k, 10k and half marathon.  COMBO prices reflect a $5 discount. There will be price increases for all races after the first 350 registrants then on July 1 and September 14, so register early to save! Start Location & Times Saturday, September 19th The kids 1k race will be held on Saturday, September 19th, starting at 8:30 am from Robinson Lane Park (95 Robinson Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590). Kids who are pre-registered always run for free. This event is for kids ages 12 and under. The 5k race will be held on Saturday, September 19th, starting at 9:00 am from Robinson Lane Park (95 Robinson Lane, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590).  We have adjusted the course to start/finish at the pavilion to reduce traffic congestion at the gate.  This is a flat, out and back "T - Shape" course and is USATF certified. Runners must maintain a pace of at least 15 minutes or better in all events with the exception of the kids 1k fun run. Sunday, September 20th The half marathon and 10k will both start and end at Dutchess Community College (53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601).  Both races will start at 7:30 am. There is a wheel chair option for the half marathon only. Due to the large volume of runners expected, area road closures and the likelihood for congestion during parking, it is recommended that you arrive at the race at least an hour and a half before race start time even if you already have your bib. Both the half & 10k will enter the Hudson Valley Rail Trail via the Morgan Lake Trailhead and will include an out & back over the Walkway Over the Hudson.  The 10k runners will head to the finish when they get back near the Morgan Lake Trailhead while the half marathon will continue straight at Morgan Lake and do an out and back from there to the end of the overpass on Manchester Rd and then finish along Creek Road to DCC.  Both courses are USATF certified. Runners must maintain a pace of at least 15 minutes or better in all events.  NO WALKERS IN THE HALF MARATHON! Giveaways & Prizes There will be giveaway shirts (image to be released once available) for all kids, 5K, 10k and half marathon participants who register before Sunday, August 23rd, 11:59 pm. There is no guarantee that you will receive a shirt if you register after August 23rd. Prizes will be given for the top 3 overall finishers in each race as well as awards for the top 3 in each age group (10 year age groups). We will have CASH prizes for our top 3 overall male and female and 1st place masters (50+) male and female athletes in the 5k & HALF-MARATHON ONLY. Half-Marathon Overall: $300 - 1st, $200 - 2nd, $100 - 3rd, Half-Marathon Masters (50+): $200 - 1st 5k Overall: $100 - 1st, $50 - 2nd, $25 - 3rd, 5k Masters (50+): $75 - 1st Bib Pickup & Registration Details  Bib pickup information will be released as we get closer to the event and details are finalized.  There will be an option for bib pickup prior to race day and race morning.  Please plan to register ahead of time as there may or may not be race day registration depending on if an event sells out. Unfortunately, there are no refunds. Restrictions & Special Circumstances Runners may register for only one race per day.  Runners must maintain a pace of at least 15 minutes or better in all events with the exception of the kids 1k fun run.  NO WALKERS IN THE HALF MARATHON!  All participants under 18 years of age must have parent/guardian approval to run a race. There are NO STROLLERS allowed in the 5k, 10k or Half-Marathon.  Strollers are permitted in the Kids 1k Fun Run. If you have special circumstances which require direct attention, please let us know -- we will do our best to accommodate you. Please direct all inquiries and requests to mhrrc.info@gmail.com **Please visit www.dutchesscountyclassic.org and follow our Facebook page MHRRC / Dutchess County Classic for up to date news and information!**

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, September 19, 2026

Start Time

7:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

53 Pendell Road, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River, Rural

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

10K5KHalf Marathon (Wheel)5k & 10k COMBO5k & Half Marathon COMBO

USATF Certified Course

NY25004JG · Dutchess County Classic Half-Marathon-Alt

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage0/20

first year

Size0/15

no finisher counts yet

Momentum3/5

small race — neutral

Loyalty0/20

needs a few years of results

Course & details15/15

USATF certified · 4 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

no finisher data yet

Front-pack speed0/5

no winner time yet

Weather2/10

typical high 75°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

56°

Afternoon (High)

75°

Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively

0.1"

Precipitation

8 mph

Wind

77%

Humidity

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic?

The 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic is held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.

Where does the 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic take place?

It takes place in Poughkeepsie, New York.

What distances does the 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 10K, 5K, Half Marathon (Wheel), 5k & 10k COMBO, 5k & Half Marathon COMBO.

Is the 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic course flat and good for a PR?

The 2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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