2026 MHRRC Dutchess County Classic

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.

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.

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.

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.  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!**