Best Run Yet!

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

Spring is here, races are back, and the time is right for your best run yet. With many races canceled last year or virtual, these spring races will get you motivated to jump back in. Pick your race(s), commit to training, and feel confident on the starting line!

5K Training and Races – For the ladies, check out the Freihofer’s Training Challenge, whether you’re new to running or an experienced racer. Starting on March 21, the Training Challenge offers a beginner program for those who are new to running, an intermediate level for those who completed last year’s challenge or want more interval workouts, and an advanced program for athletes ready for speed and distance workouts. The training challenge runs for 11 weeks and prepares you for the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K on June 4. New this year are the speed walking and run/walk tracks. The workouts, led by supportive mentors and experienced runners, are available at various locations and times to fit your busy schedule. Participants also receive membership to the Capital District YMCA, video tips, clinics and challenge t-shirt. Learn more and sign up: runsignup.com.

The Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation’s Run 4 Your Life 5K Run/Walk is on Saturday, March 26 at Central Park in Schenectady. The race benefits the foundation and its work to protect those who protect us. This year’s highlights include a free kids’ fun run, “pup walk,” and the return of Chowderfest. The race also kicks off the USATF-Adirondack Grand Prix Series for this year. Race director John Daniel Falotico says, “Come and hang out with some of Schenectady’s bravest as we have fun, food, and fundraising!” Register today: neverfightalone.org.

Also on March 26, the Albany Rowing Center’s Ice Breaker Challenge 5K Run/Walk is a one-of-a-kind Capital Region race challenging runners and walkers with ARC rowers. Runners/walkers will travel along the Corning Preserve Bicycle Path while rowers from the Albany Rowing Center will race alongside in shells on the Hudson River. Racing against rowing shells is a great motivator on race day! The event includes a kids’ fun run before the 5K. Register at: albanyrowingcenter.org.

Half Marathons and a Marathon – Go the distance with a spring half-marathon or marathon! If you’ve been running all winter, you’re ready to challenge yourself this spring. There are several to choose from in any direction you go. 

The first is the Helderberg to Hudson Half-Marathon on Saturday, April 16. The half is a point-to-point course on a ridiculously fast, downhill surface. It debuted in 2019 with over 2,500 registrants in its first year and is now faster than ever, taking advantage of recent improvements to the final two miles of the course that reduces the number of turns – plus, new pavement. Descend 500 feet and set your new PR! The race starts at Wallace Town Park in Slingerlands and finishes at Albany’s Jennings Landing with a post-race party. Join in for a half you’ll love: areep.com.

The Doc Lopez Run for Health is now happening on Sunday, May 1. The event, which will be held in person for the first time in two years, features a half-marathon and 5K. Sue Allott, race director and daughter of Doc Lopez for whom the race is named, says she expects the new race date to be a draw for those preparing for a future marathon – or just a unique race in the Adirondacks. “The Doc Lopez race has always been for the hardy, especially in years past when the event was traditionally held in March and temperatures could be below freezing. The half-marathon course will still be a challenge for runners, with the two-mile scenic climb up Spruce Hill, and the timing should make it ideal running weather.”

The half is an exciting race on a gorgeous stretch of mountain roads between the communities of Keene Valley and Elizabethtown. Athletes of all levels will enjoy the 5K run/walk on a fairly flat out-and-back course in Elizabethtown. The community support, aid stations, and complementary chili have long been runner favorites. Proceeds from the 2022 race will go toward farm shares for people in need by making organic produce from Champlain Valley farms available to those who can’t afford it. Register at: runsignup.com.

Enjoy beautiful scenery at the Great Sacandaga Half-Marathon on Sunday, May 15. The second annual race begins in front of the fire station in the village of Northville, proceeds southwest through the historic Sacandaga Park cottage community with its towering pine trees, along the shoreline, before returning northeast on a loop back to Northville. The terrain is mostly flat, with some rolling hills, offering spectacular views of the lakefront and the foothills of the Adirondacks.

All finishers receive medals and special prizes will be awarded to the top three overall men and women, and other awards will be given to the top two finishers in each age category. Proceeds will benefit the Northville Firefighter’s Association. Visit for details and sign up: greatsacandagahalfmarathon.com.

The Vermont Sun Half-Marathon, 10K & 5K on Sunday, May 15 is ideal for those among your family, friends or training group who may want race different distances. Nestled against the Green Mountains, just below Rattlesnake Point is Branbury State Park at Lake Dunmore. The lake region is a most spectacular and pristine place to run. The half-marathon course is very scenic and shady as it winds through the forest. All runners will also enjoy free professional digital photos, custom awards to top five overall, and top three in each age group, fully-supported aid stations, raffle giveaways, and post-race refreshments. Check it out: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

Finally, Miles on the Mohawk offers courses of 26.2, 10, and five miles staged at Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor on Sunday, May 29. Run the Erie Canalway Trail along the Mohawk River/Erie Canal to go after a PR on fast courses or just enjoy the beauty of running along the river. Marathoners and 5Kers start/finish at Mohawk Harbor, while the 10K is point-to-point from Mabee Historic Farm in Rotterdam, traveling back to Mohawk Harbor. If you’re from out of town, make a weekend out of it with hotels, restaurants, a brewery and casino just yards from the finish line. Afterwards, enjoy the post-race celebration with music and a boxed lunch from Bountiful Bread. 

Race director Josh Merlis adds, “My favorite race of 2021 was the inaugural Miles on the Mohawk 26.2M, 10M, and 5M for two reasons: 1) It was the most complicated race ARE Event Productions had ever produced, and 2) Part of my role included biking with the lead runners in the 10-miler (it was the most efficient way for me to return to the finish area), and watching two guys both break 50 minutes for 10 miles was amazing!” Register at: areep.com.

Give these races a try and see you out there! 

Mona Kulkarni Caron (mona@adksports.com) is a race director of the Good Karma 5K Run/Walk, mentor for the Freihofer’s Training Challenge, and enjoys running and training for races. She also works at Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.