Excited for Spring Races

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

After months of bundling up, warm-weather running is just around the corner. That first run when you feel the sun on your face, the breeze on your arms and legs, and take in the sights and sounds of spring – they’re all great reminders of why we run. Check out the full array of races on the calendar in May and get excited about these great spring races!  

Start the month with one of these three races on the first weekend of May. Stand up and run or walk for those in need at the Joan Nicole Prince Home Community 5K Walk & Run on Saturday, May 4 in Schenectady’s Central Park. Event proceeds support the mission dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home during their final days. Register: joannicoleprincehome.org.

On Sunday, May 5 it’s the 9th annual Tour de Force Half Marathon, 10K & 5K in Plattsburgh. All three distances are out and back courses and start and finish at beautiful Point Au Roche State Park along the shore of Lake Champlain. The event also includes 25- and 50-mile bike rides which head north from the park on an out and back course. 

The Tour de Force was started in 2002 after NYPD Det. Robert De Paolis (retired) decided to ride his bike to honor the fallen police officers in the September 11, 2001 attacks. He was then joined by members of the NYPD, a member of the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and four volunteers to cycle their way from the Pentagon to Ground Zero. Since then, the Tour de Force has evolved into a four-day, 280-mile ride, in which 300 law enforcement officers from across the U.S. and abroad, along with some family and friends, participate to raise funds for the families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. Register: runsignup.com.

The AdiRUNdack 5K Trail Run Series is every Tuesday during the month of May – 7, 14, 21, 28 – at Cole’s Woods in Glens Falls. Runners and walkers are welcome. Sign up for one or any combination or do all four races for the 20K Challenge. Presented by Adirondack Runners and benefits go to the Glens Falls Youth Center. Register (see 5/28 listing): zippyreg.com.

On Mother’s Day weekend, you have several options. On Saturday, May 11, the Summer Smith 5K Addiction Awareness Memorial Run/Walk is in its 8th year and will take place at Guilderland High School in Guilderland. Race day events include a memory ceremony for those lost to addiction, a kids’ fun run, Zumba warm-up, and the 5K. Afterwards enjoy the vendor fair, bounce house, raffles, and awards. Register: summersmith5k.com.

Also on Saturday, May 11, run just one hill at the 34th annual Prospect Mountain Road Race – 5.67 miles, 1,601-feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Starting at the Prospect entry gate in the village of Lake George, there are water stops along the way, very little road traffic, great refreshments at the top, and carpooling on the way down. The view is amazing and worth the trip! The run benefits Michelle Lafontaine ACC Nursing Scholarship Fund at SUNY Adirondack. Prospect is also the perfect training run for the Whiteface Uphill Foot Race in Wilmington on Saturday, June 1. Register: zippyreg.com.

Finally on Saturday, May 11, if you can’t run in the morning or need a double workout, check out the 17th annual CCRC 5K Run/Walk & BBQ in Clifton Park, with a 3pm start time. The 5K is flat, runs through neighborhoods, and encourages walkers too. The BBQ dinner is included in the race entry fee or can be purchased separately. A huge prize drawing is held for all participants regardless of finish place, along with special awards for the top three men and women and family team divisions. The 5K is organized to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles in the community with an afternoon of physical fitness, fun, and food. Net proceeds will go to Camp Under the Woods. Register: itsyourrace.com.

Start or keep a Mother’s Day tradition at the 12th annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, May 12. Join in person at the Orenda Pavilion at the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs or do your 5K virtually from anywhere. Run through the state park for a well-supported run. 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, themselves, are battling a life-threatening condition. Kelly’s Angels, was conceived by WNYT-TV anchor/reporter, Mark Mulholland, in memory of his late wife, Kelly, who lost her battle with cancer in 2007 at the age of 37. Register: kellysangelsinc.org.

Combine a beautiful drive to Vermont with an entry in the Vermont Sun Half Marathon, 10K or 5K, also on Sunday, May 12. Nestled against the Green Mountains, is Branbury State Park, just southeast of Middlebury. The lake region is a spectacular and pristine place to run. All three races have some elevation changes so challenge yourself with a few hills. Enjoy free digital photos, refreshments, custom awards to top three overall and top three in each age group, fully supported aid stations, sponsor samples, and raffle giveaways with your entry. Register: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

Join your fellow coworkers and run or walk with the Capital Region workforce on Thursday, May 16 at 6:25pm for the CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge in Albany. It’s the biggest race in our region with nearly 10,000 runners and walkers, and is organized by, and serves as the major fundraiser for, the Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club. Starting and finishing at the Empire State Plaza, it’s a 3.5-mile loop around Washington Park. Proceeds help underwrite many of HMRRC’s activities and offerings, including college scholarships, grants, free races for members, and the Just Run Program, which encourages grade school children to run for exercise and fun. This year’s Charities of Choice are Wizard’s Wardrobe and Reeling for Recovery. Register before the 5/1 deadline: cdphpwtc.com.

Test out your mile time at the Malta Mile on Saturday, May 18. The race takes place before Malta’s Veteran’s Appreciation Day Parade. The Malta Mile begins at the Malta Community Center, quickly wraps around the roundabout at Dunning/Route 9 and 67, and finishes up in front of Ellsworth Commons. Get an official PR on the certified course! Race proceeds go to the Roundabout Runners Club, a non-profit that partners with the Town of Malta to keep the sidewalks and bike paths clear and safe during the winter months. Register: runsignup.com.

Also, on Saturday, May 18, join the Girls on the Run 5K Run/Walk for their joyful celebration at the HVCC Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy. The fall and spring season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K and this closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. It’s open to adults and children, runners and walkers. All proceeds benefit the Girls on the Run Capital Region scholarship program. Register: gotrcr.org.

Finish up the month at these Memorial Day races with your choice of distances and geography. On Saturday, May 25, the Voorheesville Memorial Day Races: 15K Run & 3.25K Run/Fun Walk has been a part of Voorheesville’s Memorial Day celebration since 1976, and the Voorheesville Running and Cycling Club is conducting their 47th annual race. Run through the heart of the village and then out on quiet roads beneath the beautiful Helderberg escarpment. ​There’s even a section through the orchards of Indian Ladder Farms. Whether you’re looking for the chaos of preschoolers in the kids’ dash, the thrill of a 3.2K, or the solitude of a 15K challenge, they have you covered.  There’s a combined cap of 250 participants between both races so register early. Register: vrcclub.org.

On Sunday, May 26, run the 4th annual Miles on the Mohawk 10M, a point-to-point 10-mile road race on the scenic Empire State Trail and Mohawk Hudson Bike Trail along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. It’s scenic, flat, fast and PR worthy. Directed by the team at ARE Event Productions, this mostly paved bike trail race begins at Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction and finishes at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady. The post-race gathering includes great food, live music and awards. Register: areep.com.  

Also, on Sunday, May 26, it’s the Saratoga Memorial 5K & Duathlon, staged at the Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs. The 5K is a relatively flat course perfect for individuals and families. Compete for top honors in your age group or just start your day with casual run or walk for a good cause. The race is a fundraising event for the Saratoga Springs Lions Club.

What began as a fundraising idea to help participants train for triathlon races, the Memorial Duathlon & 5K has evolved from a road race into a community event that brings families, friends and businesses together for a challenging and fun athletic event while acknowledging our fallen troops and veteran population. The duathlon is a three-stage race with a 5K run, followed by a 30K bike, and an additional 5K run. While the race draws top level competitors, the course is designed to allow for many levels of participation. One can compete as an individual or part of a two- or three-person team. Register: thememorialduathlon5k.com.

Finally, the Vermont City Marathon & Relay, also on Sunday, May 26, is a flat, fast course that winds through Burlington and along Lake Champlain. The race hits the best of Burlington including the Church Street Marketplace and Burlington Bike Path with epic views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondack Mountains. The course is a double loop which starts and finishes in Waterfront Park. Run the full marathon or gather a team for the two-, three- or five-person relays. Register: runvermont.org.

Whether you’re fast or slow, competitive or recreational, there’s something for everyone. With so many great races and a variety of distances and locales to choose from, you’ll have a busy racing season!   

Mona Kulkarni Caron (mona@adksports.com) is a race director of the Good Karma 5K Run/Walk, mentor for the Run for Women 5K Training Challenge, and enjoys running and training for races, when she’s not working at Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.