POTSDAM -- About 200 runners of all ages are expected to converge on the Potsdam Arena at 43 Pine St. March 30 for the annual Raquette River Marathon.

The event, now in its third year, will feature increased cash awards, music, food, and other festivities, as well as corresponding 5K and 10K events and a half marathon. All races will run along the scenic Raquette River along River Road.

Organizer Matt Tessier said the race enjoyed a good turnout last year.

"It was a bit of a surprise, but we tried to get the word out and had cash prizes in the Marathon which gets more people into a smaller event. We were shooting for 200, we had over 190 registrants," he said.

The organizer said the 2023 event had more than 170 finishers. He hopes for similar numbers this year.

"Again, we are shooting for 200 participants and trying to find an ongoing sponsorship partnership for the future," Tessier said.

"We expect that our runners again will give us great reviews for our organization and the fun they have with the race."

The local event will feature a festive air with live music and food and other activities as runners start and cross the finish line.

"There will be ongoing music at the start/finish. We will enjoy a pre-race pasta party on Friday night before the race with an early check-in," he said.   

"All four races start concurrently and break off at turn around points for each distance. Almost all of the 5k finishers are done before 10k leaders come in, then the same occurs with 10k runners finishing ahead of the half marathon finishers, and finally the half finishers are done before the marathon leaders," Tessier said.

"We give out awards soon after each event concludes and award top half and marathon runners as soon as the top 3 males and females are in since there is a large time spread for finishers. We will give to the charities of each volunteer group and reserve some for our other race event and charity with the middle school," said the organizers.

The race is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

"Setting up a Boston qualifying race just means getting a USA Track and Field certification of the measurement. That is a challenging process, but I am a certified course measurer and this is the 5th marathon course I have designed and measured. The Boston Athletic Association who manages the Boston Marathon, recognizes times from any certified course," the organizer said.

The event can still use volunteers Tessier said, but the event has relied on Clarkson Fraternities and Sororities to handle the water stations. "And they’ve been great," said Tessier.

Tessier said the marathon always is looking for sponsors to underwrite the cost of the event as well.

"We have 2-3 businesses donating money, but the cost of the event well exceeds registration fees and the current donations," he said. "We are looking for more partners and awaiting word on some current requests. We would love lots of companies and small businesses to add trinkets to our swag bags given to all participants."

To sign up for the event visit https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Potsdam/RaquetteRiverMarathonHalf10kand5k .

Tessier said readers who see this article can use the coupon code RRR15 to get a 15% discount.

Cost to register is $45 for the marathon, $35 for the half marathon, $25 for the 10K, and $20 for the 5K.