Lake George Run Course: Two Loops and a Question Mark Over the Elevation

Flat or hilly? The sources disagree

The IRONMAN 70.3 Lake George half marathon runs on two loops, finishing at Charles R. Wood Park in the lakeside area. And here's the first problem: the organizer lists the terrain as 'Flat,' but unofficial sources cite roughly 172 meters of elevation gain, with a climb heading out of town that you repeat twice. Over a half marathon, 172 meters is not a detail: it changes your pacing, shoe choice, and specific prep.

The honest answer is this: we don't know. It's the first edition, and there are no race reports on this specific course. Until the official elevation profile is published, prepare for the worst-case scenario. If the run turns out to be truly flat, all you've gained is stronger legs.

Preparing for uncertainty: hill repeats

The insurance is cheap. In the final 6 weeks before the race:

• 60-90 second repeats on a gentle hill, easy downhill jog recovery, once a week.
• Long runs on rolling routes, not just flat pavement: get your legs used to changing rhythm and footstrike.
• At least a couple of brick runs after a bike ride that starts uphill: it simulates race day, where you hit T2 after a bike leg with the climbing front-loaded.

If the official course turns out flat, this work costs you nothing. If it turns out rolling, you won't be among those caught out on lap two.

Pacing over two loops

Two loops mean you see everything on the first pass: any climbs, aid stations, sections exposed to the sun. Use the first loop to take notes, not to chase a split. If the climb out of town is real, you'll hit it the second time in the middle of the race, with legs already loaded: that's where a too-fast first loop comes back to bite you.

Rough reference times (unofficial): 2:25 for a comfortable finisher, 2:05 for a mid-pack target, 1:45 for a fast target, 1:30 for top age-group. Build two pacing plans: Plan A if the course is flat, Plan B with a more conservative pace on the climbs if it's rolling. Decide which to use after the official elevation profile drops or, at the latest, after your on-site recon.

Weather: mild, but the run falls in the middle of the day

In June the listed high is 25°C, the low 9°C. It's not peak-summer heat, but the run comes in the middle of the day, after an 18°C swim and 90 km on the bike. Hydrate steadily at the aid stations from the first loop. The number and location of aid stations haven't been published yet: check the athlete guide when it comes out.

The finish at the park

The finish line at Charles R. Wood Park is in the lakeside area, spectator-friendly. The two loops are a bonus for your supporters: they see you go by multiple times without moving. Agree in advance on the spots where they should look for you.

Action checklist

• Check the official website periodically: as soon as the run elevation profile drops, update your plan.
• Add hill repeats in the final 6 weeks, no matter what.
• Prepare two pacing plans (flat / rolling) and choose on site.
• Once at the race venue, walk or run the stretch out of town: it's the point where the sources diverge the most.