From Lost Winter to Hopeful Spring

By Laura Clark

Normally, I am fairly sanguine about whatever snow the fates grant us and am upbeat in my quest for an endless winter. But not this year. While I have managed to find snow, mostly in the Adirondacks, it has been a struggle. Like all winter race directors, I dread the inevitable questions about snow conditions and long for Frosty the Snowman’s magic hat.

And while you can pretty much always have a spring road race because there is pretty much always a road, the odd weather patterns have impacted us all. Snow enthusiasts, counting on the white stuff to keep them in shape, were left to play a waiting game. And even die-hard roadies were derailed by ice and darkness. It is a good thing that the April race schedule features a mix of shorter events for the treadmill set, spiced with some longer excursions for those of us who persisted despite it all.

April Fools! The 43rd annual Salem April Fools’ 5K & 10K will be on Saturday, April 13, the weekend after it’s traditionally held, because of Easter Break when school is closed. It’s a great opportunity to run in scenic and historic Salem. The runs begin/end at Salem Washington Academy (Salem Central School). This race offers a 10K and 5K on roads through the village and countryside. The 10K (9am) and 5K (10:30am) are staggered, with a 1M kids race in between, so it’s possible to run both the 10K and 5K. The 10K is hilly for a scenic tour of southern Washington County farm country and the 5K is blessedly flatter for those who are doubling. Look for enthusiastic students as it supports Salem Central School Class of 2026 and the historic Salem Courthouse. There will be numerous prizes and fun for all runners. Visit: aprilfoolsrace.com.

For those of you who’ve been training throughout the winter, the Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon, directed by ARE Event Productions, is on Saturday, April 13. It debuted in 2019, and is a major event in Upstate NY, boasting over 2,000 registrants annually. This is a point-to-point course so you must pay attention to prerace logistics, but are rewarded by the rare opportunity to feel like you are actually running somewhere, rather than overlapping circles. The start is at Wallace Town Park in Voorheesville and finishes at Jennings Landing in Albany, on the Hudson River. The first two miles are on the streets of Voorheesville, the next nine miles are on the gently descending paved path of the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, and the final two miles are on the rail trail connector to the Hudson River bike path, with inspirational views of the Hudson and USS Slater ship. Even if you are not in tip-top shape by April, the flat course on a fast surface and net downhill will give you a needed push!

In addition to an awesome experience, amenities include bus ride to the start, finisher’s medal, post-run meal, Fort Orange beer, live music and more. The race website has an amazing overview, worthy of any major marathon, with its detailed participant handbook, spectator’s guide, and videos of the route – you’ll be prepared and know exactly what to expect. The charity of choice is South End Children’s Café, a nonprofit that provides free healthy meals, homework help and activities for Albany youngsters. Visit: zippyreg.com.

RunVermont’s Half Marathon Unplugged offers “no frills, no hills” on Saturday, April 13. If you’d like to run the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon on May 26, this is an excellent training race for motivation. Sign up for their Unplugged+ marathon special and save. It’s a point-to-point course from Airport Park in Colchester to Switchback Brewing in Burlington. It can be done solo or as a two-person relay. Perks include bus ride, finisher’s medal, food trucks and Switchback beer. Visit: runvermont.org.

If you’re not ready for a half, volunteer or spectate for Helderberg on Saturday, run the 34th annual HMRRC Delmar Dash five-mile race at Bethlehem Middle School in Delmar on Sunday, April 14. This flat course is perfect for a PR or a spring return to racing. The route circles the neighborhood, with many residents cheering the runners. There are not that many five-milers out there so be sure to take advantage! Visit: hmrrc.com.  

The Glens Falls Rotary Community Wellness 5K Run/Walk is at SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury on Saturday, April 20. The flat, fast course skirts the campus. This year’s beneficiaries are Glens Fall Symphony Orchestra and Glens Falls Area Youth Center. Visit: itsyourrace.com.

April is also Autism Acceptance Month and this is your opportunity to don your superhero gear as costumes are encouraged! Join the Hero 5K Run/Walk for Autism at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady on Sunday, April 21 to support the Autism Society Greater Hudson Region in their mission to assist children and adults affected by autism, as well as the families who care for them. No one is too fast or too slow and walking the beautiful course around Schenectady’s Mohawk Harbor is a delight. You may also invite your fellow workers to join a corporate team. All participants will receive a water bottle and are encouraged to relax and socialize over a refreshing Kona Ice. Visit: asghr.org.

A down-home favorite is the 12th annual Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K & 10K in Schuylerville on Saturday, April 27. The USATF certified races start simultaneously, with the 5K being fairly flat and the 10K featuring some challenging hills. Both travel through farm country, with cows and chickens cheering you on. Children 12 or under may do the kids run for free if another family member is participating in the 5K or 10K, making this an affordable family outing. The first 300 to register will receive a race shirt, so make sure you sign up early as the handsome shirts are always eagerly-anticipated. Age group winners receive a farm-fresh pie and all are invited to refuel with King’s Dairy chocolate milk and homemade cookies. (Bonus: stop by the nearby dairy on the way home to enjoy an ice cream cone and take a few quarts home for later). Proceeds benefit the Bacon Hill Church, an historic landmark built in 1818, and Schuylerville Caring and Sharing, which provides students with school supplies. Visit: baconhillbonanza.com.  

The 44th annual Bill Robinson Memorial 10K & HMRRC Masters 10K Championship will be held at Guilderland High School on Saturday, April 27. The 10K is now open for runners of all ages. The race honors the Bill Robinson, a member of the USATF HMRRC masters team that won a 10K national title. This event attracts a high caliber of runners, so if that is you, you are invited to challenge yourself. Otherwise, come on out and enjoy the atmosphere of this high-quality race. Visit: hmrrc.com.

The 16th annual Furry Fun Run: 5K for People & Dogs at Saratoga Spa State Park will also take place on Saturday, April 27. This was the first 5K in the area to welcome dogs and it’s a do-not-miss event, and walkers are welcome too. Proceeds and donations benefit Peppertree Rescue, a volunteer run organization that finds homes for good tempered dogs in need, regardless of breed, age or health. Visit: peppertree.org.

The 44th annual Doc Lopez Run for Health: Half Marathon & 5K Trail Run/Walk in Elizabethtown on Sunday, April 28. The Run honors prolific runner and race director, Dr. Robert “Doc” Lopez, after he carried the torch for the 1980 Lake Placid Winter Olympics up and over the Adirondack hills. He shared his love of running with his 14 children and today his daughter, Sue, carries on the family tradition. The half begins in Keene Valley, then makes a challenging two-mile trek up Spruce Hill, and towards the Cobble Hill Golf Course in Elizabethtown, treating us to another point-to point experience. One of the attractions for older or slower runners is there’s no cut-off time so the course is open until the last person crosses the finish. The 5K trail loop starts alongside the golf course before entering the wooded trails. The route is hilly, and again offers rewarding views – but keep a lookout for rocks and roots. A unique aspect of the Run for Health is its focus on health promotion. The finish area will have booths offering info on nutrition and exercise, as well as physical exams by volunteer physicians, with race proceeds benefiting the UVM Health Network’s Elizabethtown Community Hospital. Visit: ech.org/doc-lopez-run.

With all these opportunities, there is no reason not to spring ahead!

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.