Bounty of Fall Races

By Laura Clark

With winter fast approaching, do you find yourself with something to prove? Want to cash in on that summer training and enjoy some cooler racing weather? Rather than groaning at November’s time change, embrace the inevitable with our region’s bounty of events.

We begin with the fifth annual Brookhaven Oktoberfest 5K Trail Run on Saturday, Oct. 29. It’s held at Brookhaven Golf Course and adjoining trail system in Porter Corners – in the town of Greenfield, just 10 minutes north of Saratoga Springs. A kids’ 1K fun run follows, then an Oktoberfest Party! All proceeds go towards expanding XC/Nordic skiing and snowshoeing at the Brookhaven’s wonderful Winter Park trail system. Register: skireg.com.

Also on Saturday, the 29th annual Adirondack Runners’ Goblin Gallop is at Abraham Wing School in Glens Falls. The 5K course is described as “so fast it’s scary!” and the first 150 runners receive a commemorative string backpack. Following, there’s also a free kids’ 1K Halloween Hop. Proceeds benefit Adirondack Runners and the Nepal Village School Project. Register: zippyreg.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 5, the flat and fast 10th annual Revolutionary Run for Veterans at “America’s Turning Point” 5K along the towpath at Fort Hardy Park in Schuylerville. The run/walk route then crosses the Champlain Canal to Hudson Crossing Park and enters the nature path along the water. For me, this is a meaningful way to commemorate an early Veterans’ Day among my own community of fellow runners. A military posting of colors and a few inspirational speeches send us on our way with thoughts of those to whom we owe so much. Glance up as you approach Lock C5, where British soldiers under Burgoyne lashed together a bridge of boats to confront the Americans during the Turning Point of the Revolution. For younger kids, there’s a free Fun Nature Run immediately following the main event. Afterwards, all are invited to enjoy hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks provided by the American Legion. Proceeds benefit the Saratoga County Veterans Trust and Agency Fund. Register: finishright.com.

The following day, Nov. 6, after the clocks turn back, enjoy an extra hour’s sleep, which you will need to navigate the Saratoga Stryders’ Fall Back 5 Trail Race at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Nature’s original obstacle course has something for everyone: ups and downs, singletrack replete with rocks and roots, wide blacktop circling the disc golf area, scenic views of the Geyser Spouter, and even a stair climb! The route is permanently marked forwards and backwards with yellow diamond markers, so you can preview at any time. Race day will bring more signs and directional arrows to ensure no one makes a wrong turn. The entire event will be held outside, with registration in front of the Administration Building and bathrooms available at the Wired Coffee Shop. Stick around for some great raffle prizes. Register: runsignup.com.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, which is Friday this year, the 14th annual Shenendehowa Veterans Day Dash 5K will start/finish on the high school track, following a flat, fast course on the campus in between. It’s open to all runners and walkers, and veterans run free (email: shenrunners@gmail.com). Prior to the race, there’s a kids’ 0.5-mile fun run. In addition to overall and age group prizes, there are awards for teams and top male/female veterans. Partial benefits to CAPTAIN community human services and Shen Track Booster Club. Register: zippyreg.com.

For many, the MVP Stockade-athon on Saturday, Nov. 13 is a much-anticipated fall goal race. Begun in 1976, it is the oldest major 15K in the US and as such has become a fall reunion for impressive crowd of locals as well as regional elite road runners enticed by its generous slate of monetary awards. Fuel your motivation still further by joining with friends on a USATF Team. For the rest of us, there’s competition for age group recognition, a personal best, or simply finishing. Activities are based from downtown Schenectady. There are free activities for kids at the Y, a handy spot for designated babysitters. There’s a free Half-Mile Kids Run, with preregistration needed. Runners in the 15K follow a scenic route that winds through the historic Stockade district, Central Park and Vale Cemetery. Dedicated in 1857, this was part of the Cemetery Movement, where folks took daylong outings to stroll, picnic and enjoy the peace and quiet. This is my favorite part of the route, an opportunity to regroup and gather strength, before the final push to the finish. Register: stockadeathon.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 19, is probably the “happiest race you’ll ever run” – the Girls on the Run 5K at Jennings Landing in Albany. It’s a joyful, untimed, non-competitive celebration, where all adults and children are welcome to run or walk. There are discounts for 15-under and proceeds benefit Girls on the Run Capital Region. Register: gotrcr.org.

And now we come to the main dish, the Turkey Runs that dominate Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 24) and vicinity. According to Running USA, it’s the most popular race day of the year, attracting walkers and runners alike. While a short run won’t offset the 2,000 plus calories consumed later in the day, it does salve your conscience, not to mention afford an escape from household preparations. And while the bald eagle is certainly regal and domestic, I can’t help thinking Benjamin Franklin had the right idea when he lobbied for the turkey to become our national symbol, especially since the male gobbler sports our patriotic red, white and blue. The swing point for most runners is that turkeys are fast: clocking top flight speeds of 55mph and running at a 25mph pace.

For a northern appetizer, on Saturday, Nov. 19, the Bolton PTO Turkey Trot 5K is at the Veterans Memorial Park in Bolton Landing on beautiful Lake George. It’s proceeded by a kids’ Block Trot one-mile fun run/walk. The 5K offers prizes for best costume. Proceeds benefit the Bolton Parent Teacher Organization. Register: boltoncsd.org.

In the Capital Region, the Thanksgiving running scene is all about family participation, with many flocks converging at the 75th running of the Troy Turkey Trot, the nation’s 12th oldest road race. The early bird option features the day’s only 10K. This 8am start is perfect for those who wish a less-crowded path and the best vehicle nesting spots. Later, herd your kids to the Grade School Mile. Not up for running? Then sample the Turkey Walk over the same mile route. The main spread is the 5K. This is an out-and-back route and if you are not concerned about your time, view it as a continuous costume parade. To make it easier for entire families to step up to the plate, kids under 14 are offered a $15 entry. Individual flocks are encouraged to bond together in many permutations of family team categories like sister/sister, husband/wife, mother/son, etc. In the spirit of community solidarity, participants are requested to donate to the event’s charities: Regional Food Bank of NENY and Joseph’s House & Shelter. Register: troyturkeytrot.com.

Also in the immediate Capital Region is the 41st annual Ellis Medicine’s 5K Cardiac Classic in Schenectady. Taking flight from Central Park, it centers around a large open pavilion equipped with fireplace, perfect for grooming any ruffled feathers. Runners circle around the park on a mostly flat route. The main event is preceded by a two-mile Wellness Walk and followed by a free one-mile Kids Duck Pond Fun Run. Families can enjoy the playground while waiting for their turn or for the rest of their flock to finish their loop. Proceeds benefit the hospital’s mission, a cause dear to all turkeys as they are particularly prone to heart attacks, with approximately 900,000 excitable farmed birds succumbing annually. Register: raceentry.com.

Heading north, the 21st annual Christopher Dailey 5K Turkey Trot is headquartered from the Saratoga Hilton and follows a challenging route up Broadway and around Skidmore College, culminating in a breathtaking free flight down North Broadway to the finish. Go online at to view a course map. Traffic along this route is fairly minimal so a dress rehearsal on the course is a good thing. Turkeys form tight-knit communities and we all look forward to once more honoring one of our own, Chris Dailey an eight-year-old who died suddenly this time of year.  His parents, the current race directors, then founded the Christopher Dailey Foundation to support area youth. Register: zippyreg.com.

With a quirky name like Glens Falls Gobble Wobble 5K, how can you resist? Based from the Open Door Mission, dedicated to feeding the hungry, the flat route squares off the surrounding area in downtown Glens Falls. Truly a family-friendly event, there is a considerable discount for kids four-to-10, while three-and-under can participate for free. Must-have shirts featuring a multi-colored running turkey are available for the first 400 registered. If you procrastinate, rest assured that the race directors plan a second printing for those who fail to follow timely flight patterns. Register: gfgw.org.

To get you in the mood for December holidays and holiday runs, do the Adirondack Runners’ Reindeer 5K Run/Walk, held at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury – just 85 miles south of the North Pole! Perks include a reindeer race shirt to the first 130 entrants. With youth discounts, it’s a family-friendly affair. Register: zippyreg.com.

These races will be the last hurrah for many before winter and the hibernation season sets in for some. If you are like me, fond of getting outside to enjoy winter, check out the Adirondack Sports calendar for the myriad of winter snow events and races just around the corner.

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.