Spring Forward Races

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

It’s time to get started! It’s spring, a season of new beginnings and optimism, and races on the calendar every weekend. Find a distance that suits you and kickstart your spring racing all while supporting great causes. Here’s a preview of races in our area over the next six weeks.  

On Saturday, April 22, enjoy the 11th annual Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K Race/Walk & 10KRace in the beautiful farm country of Bacon Hill, near Schuylerville, for all comers. Both races start and finish at the Bacon Hill Reformed Church. The 5K is an out and back while the 10K is more challenging with a few hills through country roads. Post-race awards include pies and desserts. The race proceeds go to the Bacon Hill Church repair fund the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls. Visit: baconhillbonanza.com.

Bring your dog and run or walk together at Peppertree Rescue’s Furry Fun Run 5K for People & Dogs on April 22 at the Warming Hut in Saratoga Spa State Park. It’s the 15th year and the first area 5K for people AND dogs! This great fundraiser benefits Peppertree Rescue and takes place along the scenic Avenue of the Pines. If you collect $100 or more in donations for Peppertree Rescue, your registration fee will be refunded. A maximum of two dogs per person are allowed and dogs must be up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. Go to: peppertree.org.

Also on April 22, the Glens Falls Rotary Community Wellness 5K Run/Walk will be back at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury on a new course. The event starts at the traffic circle near the main campus center and finishes on campus. Your race participation benefits three community non-profits: Adirondack Vets House for homeless and at-risk veterans, Tri-County Literacy, and Charles R. Wood Theater. Check out: itsyourrace.com.

The following weekend, on Sunday, April 30, the seventh annual Sasha’s Superhero Run to Help Ukraine is a 5K Run/Walk, starting at Halfmoon Town Park and on adjacent country roads. There are also Kids’ Fun Runs. The family-friendly race was organized by the family and friends of Sasha, who passed away unexpectedly as a baby on Christmas Eve in 2016. The superhero theme of the event was adopted to honor parents whose babies and children passed before their time, as it takes superhuman strengths to go on after a child dies.

Sasha’s family is Ukrainian so when the illegal invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, the fundraising turned to helping Ukrainian children affected by the war. In 2022, $42,300 was raised and distributed among children’s hospitals in Kyiv and Sumy, charities helping families of seriously injured children, volunteers feeding displaced pets, and direct contributions to 14 families with kids fleeing the war. This year the race will continue to raise funds to aid Ukrainian children, as well as towards portable power stations for Ukrainian civilians and military. 

Children and adults are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costumes. Teams and groups are welcome. Raffles, vendors, and a memorial ceremony to honor lost children are part of the event. Visit: sashasrun.com.

Also on April 30, celebrate the finale of Autism Acceptance Month at the Hero 5K for Autism at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady. The Autism Society Greater Hudson River supports programs that impact and enhance life skills, mental health, and personal safety of Autistic community members through Structured Life Coaching, SenseAble Swimming providing 1-on-1 water safety instruction, and SenseAble Play community meet-ups. Superhero costumes are encouraged! Go to: asghr.org.

Or, head north on April 30, to join the fun at the 43rd annual Doc Lopez Run for Health Half-Marathon & 5K Trail Run. It’s a great way to celebrate springtime in the Adirondacks and support the health and well-being of the community. The Doc Lopez Run for Health is “a race for the hardy,” requiring half marathoners to climb the challenging Spruce Hill between Keene Valley and Elizabethtown. The new 5K trail loop along the Cobble Hill Golf Course is mostly flat and fast so it’s very welcoming to all runners and walkers.

Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez, a veterinarian and accomplished runner, started a special tradition when he carried the torch for the 1980 Winter Olympics through Westport and Elizabethtown. Running up and over Adirondack “hills” became the foundation for a beloved, local Adirondack running event, the Doc Lopez Run for Health. Today, his daughter, Sue, carries on the tradition as race director. Though the race route and charity have changed since it was first held in 1980, the event has always been about inspiring people to get outdoors and run for a good cause. Check out: ech.org/doc-lopez-run.

On Saturday, May 6, the Joan Nicole Prince Home “Still Human” 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk at Schenectady’s Central Park, supports those most in need at the end of life at the Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia. All proceeds benefit the care residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home in their final days at no charge. Register to run/walk or simply to support their very worthy services. Visit: joannicoleprincehome.org.

Also, on Saturday, the 16th annual CCRC 5K Run/Walk & BBQ in Clifton Park runs on a relatively flat quiet neighborhood course, around Clifton Commons, and back. This 3pm event has a convenient afternoon start. It promotes well-being and healthy lifestyles in the community with a USATF sanctioned 5K race, two-person family team competition, and 1K Kids’ Race at 4pm. Immediately following, there’s an included BBQ chicken dinner, plus a huge prize drawing for all. It’s chip-timed by Underdog Race timing and proceeds benefit Under the Woods Foundation. Visit: itsyourrace.com.

On Sunday, May 7, the Literacy 5K Run/Walk is at the Corning Preserve in Albany, a new location. Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome. Race day includes a Youth Mile and an awards ceremony. A virtual option is available between May 5-7. Proceeds from this Literacy Volunteers’ event make it possible to offer free, confidential tutoring to adults, out-of-school teens, and English language learners and individual and group classes in math, reading, writing, and conversational English in Albany and Rensselaer counties. Lunch time reading programs are offered to elementary-aged school children. As they say, run today and tutor tomorrow! Go to: zippyreg.com.

Also, on May 7, Alpha Win’s Hudson Valley Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K & 1M offers a distance for everyone. Alpha Win gives athletes of all levels the chance to race with family or friends at a distance that suits each person. This year it’s the all-new event at the Walkway Over the Hudson with breathtaking views of the scenic and historic area from the Catskills all the way to the Hudson Highlands – from the longest elevated pedestrian bridge in the world. Originally the Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge, it was rebuilt as the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park. Check out: alpha.win.

On Saturday, May 13, it’s time to do the 33rd annual Prospect Mountain Road Race with just one (doable) hill! Run 5.67 miles, up 1,601 feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain. It’s a low-key start at the Prospect Mountain entry gate, with water stops along the way, snacks at the top, and amazing views of Lake George. This year’s it’s part of USATF Adirondack’s Grand Prix Series so you’ll share the scenic highway with runners of all ages and abilities, and joggers who enjoy the challenge. The run benefits the Michelle Lafontaine SUNY Adirondack Nursing Scholarship Fund. Next, you can take NY’s fifth highest peak by storm as the Whiteface Uphill Foot Race is back on Saturday, June 3! For Prospect, visit: zippyreg.com.

In Ballston Spa, check out the Scotties Stampede 5K Run/Walk for Education on May 13. This community event includes a Kids’ Color Run and Wellness Day and Expo. Event organizers invite the community and encourage students and families to participate in healthy and active lifestyles. Check out: scottiesstampede.org.

On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14, celebrate moms at one of three races. First up is the 11th annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk at the Saratoga Spa State Park. All proceeds directly support the Kelly’s Angels mission to help children who’ve lost a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness or who are battling a life-threatening condition. Join 1,000 runners and walkers and help bring joy to the lives of children and their families who are facing grief and loss. Visit: kellysangelsinc.org.

Run, walk or roll the Sunnyview in Motion 5K through Schenectady’s Central Park on Mother’s Day. Organized by Sunnyview Hospital Foundation, the proceeds raised will benefit Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital’s life-changing mission. Participate individually or gather family, friends or coworkers to form a team for a great cause. Go to: sunnyviewinmotion.org.

Also, on May 14, choose your distance at the Vermont Sun Half Marathon, 10K & 5K Runs. Nestled against the Green Mountains, just below Rattlesnake Point is Branbury State Park, the Lake Dunmore region is a spectacular and pristine place to run (and do their popular triathlon series this summer). Enjoy the out and back courses and rolling hills of central Vermont in all three races. Check out: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

The Malta Mile is happening this year on Saturday, May 20. Staged from the Malta Community Center, this closed course runs along Route 9 in front of the Malta Veterans Appreciation Day Parade, quickly wraps around the roundabout at Dunning St./Route 67, and finishes up in front of Bowled in Ellsworth Commons. The Roundabout Runners Club partners with town of Malta to keep the sidewalks and bike paths clear and safe for use during the winter months and race proceeds help offset the maintenance costs. Visit: roundaboutrunnersclub.org.

You can still register a team of four or six runners for the Peak 2 Brew: Finger Lakes Relay on May 20. Peak 2 Brew is a local, independent relay event organizer based in central New York offering three relay events in the Finger Lakes, Adirondacks and Finger Lakes regions. All P2B relays start at a peak, follow a beautiful and challenging course, and finish at a local brewery for a fun, unforgettable post-race party. The Finger Lakes Relay is a one-day sprint distance race that starts at Greek Peak Mountain Resort in Cortland and finishes due north at Heritage Hill Brewery in Pompey. Pull a team together for a great time! Go to: p2brelay.com. 

The 19th annual Team Billy Walk & Ride for Research will be on Sunday, May 21 in Saratoga Springs. It will kick-off with bike rides of 50, 25, and 10 miles, and a three-mile walk starting at the Farmer’s Market at High Rock Park. The walk covers the historic district of Saratoga Springs. The bike routes of 10/25 miles visit rural Saratoga County and 50-mile ride includes Saratoga Battlefield. Post event festivities will be at Henry Street Taproom for food and drinks. The event honors the life of Billy Grey, who died of glioblastoma multiforme in 2001, just short of his 13th birthday. His life was one of remarkable strength, courage and love, and this fundraiser helps support brain tumor research. Check out: teambilly.org.

On Sunday, May 28 on Memorial Day Weekend, join the Memorial 5K Run & Duathlon at the Saratoga Casino Hotel. This event, running and riding since 2004, welcomes runners and duathletes to support a great cause and enjoy the beautiful east side of Saratoga Springs flat, fast running course. Enter to win the raffle with over $5,000 in prizes! All event proceeds benefit the Saratoga Springs Lions Club’s efforts to help individuals with sight and hearing disabilities, funding diabetes research, and supporting other youth and community initiatives. Visit: thememorialduathlon5k.com.

Finally, the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay will be held on May 28 in Burlington, Vt. and registration is still open. The 26.2-mile course will feature two loops of 13.1 miles, running through all the best spots of Burlington. You’ll see Church Street Marketplace, and run along the beautiful bike path with epic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. There’s also a 3-5-Person Team Relay with leg distances of 6.2, 6.9, 6.2, 3.9 and 3 miles. Go to: runvermont.org.

Give these races a try and see you out there!

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