Ready for Racing Season

By Laura Clark

I can’t believe this is happening again. Here we are stuck in an endless Groundhog Day Covid-19 loop. Still, with vaccinations in place, races are determined to bounce back. The Dion WMAC snowshoe races (plus, other non-series events) are scheduled almost every weekend, including some doubleheaders for an ultra-experience: dionwmacsnowshoe.com. While New York still predominates, there are several events in Vermont and Massachusetts. Check these websites and individual sites before the race to determine snow conditions and any safety protocols. If you need loaner snowshoes, email the race director early.

Another big change is that the United States Snowshoe Association is no more and the American Trail Racing Association has become the new face of national races: trailrunner.com. This year the middle/high and collegiate national snowshoe championships will take place in Leadville, Colo. on Jan. 29. The open championships will take place in Cable, Wisc. on March 13. Book your plane tickets soon for the opportunity to meet ‘shoers from across the U.S.  Planning a winter vacation? For an updated listing of snowshoe races nationwide, visit: trailrunner.com.

Back to our region… The Brookhaven Trails 5K Race #1 is at Brookhaven Winter Trails in Porter Corners (10mi northwest of Saratoga Springs) on Jan. 8. Located just outside the Adirondack Park boundary in an enchanted Brigadoon area where snow flies early and stays late, the Town of Greenfield converts their golf course and extensive trail system into a groomed and mapped winter wonderland for XC skiing and snowshoeing. Race #2 is scheduled on Feb. 5 so it’s an opportunity to see if you improve. Snow conditions can vary dramatically from race to race, which can impact your time and challenge. The terrain is pleasant and flowing, perfect for a first venture out, and this year The Vista full-service restaurant/bar with scenic views will be open. The Winona Forest Recreation Area season opener is the Norway 5K at CCC Camp in Mannsville – on the snowy Tug Hill Plateau – on Jan. 9. The course is on the new singletrack “Norway” trail with overlooks, stone walls, and Norway spruce forests. It’s a good training run for their Stone Wall 5K & 10K on Jan. 23.

Follow that up with one of my favorites, the Gore Mountain 5K Citizens’ Races at Gore Mountain Nordic Center (Ski Bowl) in North Creek, Wednesday evenings at 6pm under the lights from Jan. 12-Feb. 16. Participants are welcome to snowshoe run/walk, cross-country ski (classic or skate) a groomed loop. Many of the same folks come every week so it is a big reunion with parents, kids and grandparents. Register day-of race in the lodge (wear a mask), enjoy the welcoming fireplace, and unique raffle prizes including fresh local eggs, hand-knit scarves, Adirondack calendars.

The Cock-A-Doodle-Shoe 5K & 10K is at the New Land Trust in the Town of Saranac (20mi west of Plattsburgh) on Jan. 16. This is often the coldest, snowiest venue so bring a change of clothes and base from your vehicle. Consider carpooling because parking can be tight and the access road can be challenging. The trek to this gem of recreational opportunity is well worth it, as the beautiful scenic route loops are amazing, with friendly volunteers to support you. The Kids’ Snowshoe Scramble half-miler attracts an impressive number of runners for free family fun. Registration is online only.

Join the Friends of Cole’s Woods for Thursday Night Winter Racing in Cole’s Woods (behind Inside Edge Ski & Bike Shop) in Glens Falls on Jan. 20, 27 and Feb. 3, 10. This free race series welcomes snowshoe runners and cross-country skiers (skate/classic) for 2K or 4K loops on groomed trails at 6pm under the lights – all skill levels welcome. This great community trails system for day/night skiing and snowshoeing has survived almost 50 years through support and donations from the local community.

For a unique, all ages experience, do the Gurney Lane 5K Snowshoe Race at Gurney Lane Park in Queensbury on Jan. 23, and stay there for Gurney Lane 10M & 5M Fat Bike Races and Fun Group Ride. It’s part of the Dion WMAC snowshoe series with rentals available. The route is a mix of singletrack and wider paths, with lots of twists and turns, and some challenging hills. Bring the family as there’s a heated warming area with bathrooms and playground with sledding hill for kids. The fat bike fun group ride (30-45min) is a no drop event for intermediate riders (limit 25, pre-reg only). Hop on your bike or cheer on the riders. Biking is sponsored by Grey Ghost Bicycles with some demos available. The events are fundraisers for a new Gurney Lane fat bike trail groomer.

On the same day, one of the Northeast’s signature snowshoe races, the Stone Wall 5K & 10K returns to Winona Forest at CCC Camp in Mannsville, where hundreds blast off in the snowshoe squall mass start. The 5K is family-friendly and 10K will test your limits and fitness level on the tough course. Both distances feature groomed forest trails, singletrack packed, and virgin snow singletrack.

Finish out the month on Jan. 29 at the Get Rec’d 8K (tentative) at Stratton, Vt. for an old-school ‘pay at the lean-to, huddle around the fire’ experience at the Town of Stratton Recreation Area. Enjoy a mix of singletrack, XC ski and snowmobile trails, all guaranteed to present some ‘real Vermont hills.’ Or, pick the Mt. Tom 5K & 10K Snowshoe Scramble in Holyoke, Mass. for a fun day of low-key, no frills running with stunning views and exciting trails.

February starts out strong with another doubleheader, the aforementioned Brookhaven on Saturday followed by Saratoga Winterfest 5K at Saratoga Spa State Park on Feb. 6. Power up the three landmark hills and enjoy a mix of wide and singletrack trails. This is a good course for beginner runners, joggers and hikers, and experienced racers – perfect spot for a PR.

Interested in a longer distance? Venture to Frigus Snowshoe Festival at Moreau Lake State Park in Gansevoort on Feb. 11-12. Beginning Friday, explore your outer limits with the 36-hour run to see how many loops of the 15K route you can manage. Saturday brings 5K, 15K and 26.2M (marathon) options, all with significant hiking pole-friendly elevation gain/loss. This is a well-attended event, attracting folks from across the Northeast. Last year, a special treat was finishing across frozen Moreau Lake. Follow that up with AREEP’s Brave the Blizzard 5K at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland on Feb. 13. Frosty the Snowman has explored multiple locations for his race, but seems to have settled in Tawesentha with its mix of fields and trails, and welcoming beginner format. Also on Sunday, the Snowshoe Hare Extraordinaire 8K is at Osceola Ski & Sport Resort in Camden, on groomed XC ski trails with post-race in the new ski lodge.

There’s another doubleheader weekend with Camp Saratoga 8K at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park on Feb. 19. Operating in tandem, the preserve will be hosting an after-race campfire and marshmallow toasting for runners and the general public. The route is moderate with gentle hills, wide trails and some singletrack, showcasing sections of the preserve you may not have traveled before. 

On Feb. 20, Stone Bridge Caveman 6K at Natural Stone Bridges & Caves in Pottersville offers a unique Adirondack experience. Starting at 990ft elevation, the route climbs to 1,445ft atop the Catamount Trail. Travel through old hemlock groves and see how many classic The Far Side comics you can spot! Afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate around the campfire, and hike the loop trail to view frozen waterfalls and the largest cave entrance in the Northeast. On the same day, the Orange Course Race at CCC Camp in Mannsville, features 3.65ish miles of glorious Winona Forest trails – a snowshoe ramble on the popular orange course.

Wind up the Dion WMAC race series with the Garnet Hill 5K at Garnet Hill Lodge & Outdoor Center in North River on March 6. The route is a twisty roller coaster mix of beautiful singletrack and doubletrack trails, and post-race enjoy great food and drink. Afterwards, bring your XC skis for some touring on their groomed trail system. I always enjoy spotting friends either ahead of me or behind me as we negotiate the switchbacks.

If you’d like to try an event like no other, after a year like now other, try the Festival of Flakes Weekend at Winona Forest in Mannsville on March 6. The Tug Hill weekend features the “IditaFAT” Fat Bike Race on Saturday, a popular fat bike race/ride. On Sunday, it’s the “SnoFatShu” (snowshoe & fat bike for teams/solo) Duathlon, the first winter multisport race of its kind – and also a separate Snowshoe 5K Run/Walk.

Snow cooperating, we have an exciting before-times calendar of winter races. Check the Dion/WMAC, RunReg, Winona Forest and ALTRA websites and Adirondack Sports Weekly emails for details and updates. Plus, there are a few other races – notably Hoot Toot & Whistle and Londonderry at Night – that are still in the storyboard stage. Happy Winter!

Laura Clark (snowshoegal133@gmail.com) of Saratoga Springs is an avid trail runner, ultramarathoner, snowshoer and cross-country skier. She is a children’s librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.