"LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend
Loop the Lake offers a scenic half marathon around Onondaga Lake, celebrating New York State.
Race Date
Oct 17, 2026
Location
Syracuse, NY
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, October 17, 2026
- Location
- Syracuse, New York
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles, 5K with Half Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 5k with Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 10K with Half Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 10K with Marathon Excelsior Challenge
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 2,073
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Loop the Lake transforms Syracuse, NY, into a running hub each October, centered around the picturesque Onondaga Lake. This half marathon, now in its fourth edition, showcases a beautiful tree-lined course that circles the water, offering a refreshing escape for participants.
The event, which also includes 5K and 10K races, is designed to celebrate the Great State of New York. Runners can opt for the Excelsior Challenge, completing both a Saturday and Sunday race to earn a special medal. With a typical field size of around 1,155 finishers, the race draws participants from approximately 26 states, indicating its growing appeal.
While the course is known for its flat profile, with minimal elevation change, the ~18% repeat-runner rate suggests a satisfying experience for those who return. The event provides a strong sense of community and a chance to achieve personal bests in a scenic setting.
Race-provided description
LOOP THE LAKE!! A celebration of the Great State of New York, Races passes through a beautiful tree lined course that loops around Onondaga Lake. The weekend kicks off the morning of Saturday October 17th with the 5k and 10k runs. Then continues the morning of Sunday October 18th with the full and half marathon's. EXCELSIOR CHALLENGE! Test your endurance and achieve New York State acclaim! When you complete both a Saturday and Sunday race (5k/10k and half/full marathon) you'll earn the prestigious Great New York EXCELSIOR Challenge Medal - in addition to your 5k/10k finisher and half/full marathon medals. Sign up for one of our Excelsior Challenges and hit the trifecta of medals!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Start Time
8:15 AM
Giveaway
Unisex Long Sleeve Performance Tee
Start Location
Around Onondaga Lake State and finish ar, Syracuse, NY, 13209
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River, Forest
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+0.72 m
Separation
3.3%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
NY21045DNB · Great New York State Half Marathon
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
Runner Favorite824 years running
~883 finishers a year
growing or steady
18% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 4 photos
runners from 26 states
winner 1:14:08
typical high 59°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
45°
Afternoon (High)
59°
Ideal racing weather — cool and comfortable
0.2"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 2,073 finishers actually crossed the line across 4 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
2,073
Median time
2:08:34
Latest turnout
611
States
33
Turnout by year
2021–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend?
The "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend is held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, starting at 8:15 AM.
Where does the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend take place?
It takes place in Syracuse, New York.
What distances does the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 26.2 Miles, 5K with Half Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 5k with Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 10K with Half Marathon Excelsior Challenge, 10K with Marathon Excelsior Challenge.
Is the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend course flat and good for a PR?
The "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend?
HalfRuns has finish records for 2,073 runners who have completed the "LOOP THE LAKE" The Great New York State Marathon Weekend.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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