Festive September Races

By Laura Clark

With the hot, humid and occasionally rainy summer hopefully coming to a close, runners are excited to get outdoors in more comfortable weather. But with summer’s curtailed training opportunities, tackling traditional longer races in the early fall is not as appealing. To focus your efforts, here is a sampling of unique September 5K, 10K, plus a few longer distance experiences. And look closely because these are not just races, but true events with venues that encourage you to shed your run-and-done mentality.

The first race on the docket is the Malta 5K on Saturday, Sept. 7, a competitive and friendly gathering, with a built-in extra as you run along the Global Foundries semiconductor manufacturing plant that’s normally accessed by employees only. Celebrated as one of the flattest and fastest 5Ks in the Capital-Saratoga Region, this USATF certified race offers an opportunity for a fall baseline 5K and will head you down the road towards faster races to come.

All ages are encouraged to register, and many Roundabout Runner families will be there to show you the ropes. Since there is no time cutoff, this is a perfect event for children primed for their first 5K or for walkers as well. The roads are closed to traffic during the event, with plenty of volunteers pointing the way, making it a safe venue for independent kids who want to “go it alone.” This contest is all about community commitment and proceeds are funneled directly into local non-profits that serve to protect us, like Alliance180, Malta Ridge Fire Dept, Round Lake Fire Dept, and Malta-Stillwater EMS.

The Malta 5K is a popular race, so, if possible, stop by Fleet Feet Malta the day before to pick up your race packet and visit with your friends. Better still, stop by either the Albany or Malta store in August and receive a $10 discount off your registration! And when you register online, note that there are discounts for 70+, 12 & under, and if four participants signed up on the same cart. According to race director Paul Loomis, this year there will be an increased emphasis on team competition, with teams of 25, 50, 75 and 100 members receiving a donation to be used for a non-profit of their choice. To focus more on the 5K, the 10K has been discontinued. Afterwards, proudly display your bib at the post-race party at nearby Unified Beerworks for a free commemorative pint glass and first beer. For those who cannot race in-person, there is also a virtual option. Register: malta5k.com.

Our next event, the Tugboat Chug 5K, takes place in Waterford on Sunday, Sept. 8 and is guaranteed to appeal to everyone. If you like trails, you will experience Peebles Island State Park, home of the “Peebles Eagles” Facebook group, noting bald eagle and wildlife sightings – but just remember to look down at the trails and not up at the sky! If you’re into boating, you will run alongside the Erie Canal and view the Tugboat Roundup taking place that weekend. If you prefer history, there’s the Erie Canal – celebrating its bicentennial next year – and the fascinating canal side houses. I ran this for the first time last year and completely enjoyed the laid-back family feel.

The mixed-terrain route takes you through the quaint village of Waterford, and across the bridge to Peebles Island, and then back through the village. While Peebles trails are user-friendly, there are rocks and hills, so I settled on my Brooks Cascadia shoes, which are a good all-terrain choice. But really, road shoes would work fine too. Peebles is also the setting for the Flutters & Foliage Endurance Runs on October 5, with 6-, 3-, and 1-hour options, sponsored by Saratoga’s iRun Local, so this would be an excellent opportunity to scope out the trail system. Bring the family to the Chug, as there is a free 0.25-mile kids’ fun run. 

Afterwards, my friends and I walked along the Waterford Harbor near the visitor center, enjoyed the food trucks and learned about the history of the area, which is the oldest continually incorporated village in the US. There were plenty of kids’ activities, with all ages welcome to board the tugboats, chat with the crew and take a ride on specially designated boats. I learned from the boaters that their route is part of the Northeast Island Waterways which many travel over the summer, just as we might journey on the Appalachian Trail. We were able to see Erie Canal Lock 2 in continual operation as the Tugboat Roundup, including “Paddle the Flight” for kayaks/canoes, ensured it was always busy. This experience was particularly meaningful to me as my Dad’s family lived on a barge on the Erie Canal and I enjoyed connecting with my heritage. Register: tugboatroundup.com.

For a big party, head out to the ADK5K on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Adirondack Pub & Brewery in the village of Lake George. Runners enjoy scenic views of Lake George on a closed course, with minimal hills, the largest being a 60-foot rise. Runners receive a custom race can shaped glass filled with your favorite Adirondack Brewery beer. Recruit your running club, friends, family or employer to sign up as a team and receive additional ADK swag. Upgrades include custom race socks and LGLC charity swag.

Afterwards, runners are invited to enjoy the family-friendly Food and Music Festival from 10am-2pm with food trucks, live music, and yard games at the brewery – including an ADK Stein Hosting Challenge. If you can’t make it, there’s a virtual option. A portion of the proceeds benefit Lake George Land Conservancy. Register by 9/6 and get $5 off with the code ADKSPORTS: adk5k.com.

Also on Saturday, Sept. 14, prepare for takeoff at Schenectady County Airport’s flat and fast Run the Runway 5K, another family-friendly event on traffic free roads past lines of tethered visitor-ready C130s. It’s a terrific opportunity for families and walkers to see the airport from the inside out. The lollipop-shaped loop is simple to follow and a guarantee that no one will stray off-course. The back half passes right by the New York Air Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing base and directly outside the fence where the ski-birds, the world’s only ski equipped LC-130 Hercules Airplanes, are parked. And what kid is not eager to get up close and personal to an airplane? Ages 12 and under can do a free one-mile fun run. Afterwards, all are given free access to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum  Register: zippyreg.com.

Round out your weekend on Sunday, Sept. 15 with the Farm Fest 5K Run/Walk, with start/finish at the ice arena in the Clifton Commons complex. After a brief jaunt through the park, the route heads onto a shaded tour of a residential neighborhood. The first 75 to register will get a T-shirt. Registration is family-friendly, with $5 off each for four or more family members residing at the same address. If that doesn’t work for you, share your referral link and get $5 back after two people register for the event. Afterwards, enjoy the nearby Farm Fest by visiting participating Clifton Park farms. Register: runsignup.com.

Celebrate fall on Saturday, Sept. 21 with the Leaf Cruncher 5K at Gore Mountain’s base lodge in North Creek. Open to those ages 7 and up, this is a serious and fun trail race with plenty of narrow trails, ups and downs, stumps, and curious forest animals. Guaranteed to be a challenging and exciting adventure! Faster finishers are encouraged to hang out, exchange war stories and cheer on the others. 

Raffles and awards will be distributed after the final runner has achieved their goal. And do stick around for the raffles, as Gore always provides worthwhile prizes – from maple syrup to items from their gift shop. Afterwards, remembering that fall colors display earlier in the Adirondacks, all runners can enjoy a free Scenic Skyride on the gondola. For those of you who have confined your Gore excursions to wintertime only, it will be a revelation to see what the mountains look like “naked,” without snow cover. Register: goremountain.com.

Or take a field trip on Saturday, Sept. 21 to the Great Cow Harbor 10K in Northport for the USATF 10K National Championship. Like our Delightful Run for Women, this 5,000 strong event offers the opportunity to stretch your legs with the best of them. Expect a star-studded cast, with last year’s male and female winners, not only qualifying for the Paris Olympics, but acquit themselves with honor: Clayton Young, placed ninth in the men’s marathon and Weini Kelati won gold in the 10,000 meters. There is also a 2K fun run/walk that attracts 1,000 entrants, so you can see how far removed this event is from our normal expectations. Register: cowharborrace.com. 

On the weekend of Sept. 21-22, there’s a distance for everyone in your family or training group. On Saturday, the Adirondack Marathon’s 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk, a fun community event hosted by the Chestertown Rotary, takes place from the Municipal Center in Chestertown, and the afternoon kids’ 1K fun run for ages four-12 is held near the marathon finish line in Schroon Lake. The 5K and 10K races take you on a paved journey through the heart of Chestertown.

On Sunday, the 28th annual Adirondack Marathon, Half Marathon & Relays, presented by the Adirondack Sports Council, allows you to discover the course that weaves around stunning Schroon Lake, finishing just above the town beach. Sign up as an individual runner or part of a two- or four-person marathon relay team. Also on Sunday, the half-marathon uses the second half of the marathon course from the hamlet of Adirondack to Schroon Lake. Enjoy the post-race festivities with a Paradox Brewery beer at the finish. Carved bear awards for the top finishers and commemorative finisher medals round out race weekend. Register: adirondackmarathon.org. 

On Saturday, Sept. 28, get a head start on Halloween festivities with the 24th annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K & Kid’s Fun Run in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Long a much-anticipated fall staple in our community, participants are invited to run, walk or roll along the mostly traffic-free park roads. The 5K is flat, but you can anticipate a few hills on the 10K route. The first 1,200 registrants will receive wicking, long-sleeved T-shirts so register early. For the kids, there will be costume and pumpkin decorating contests, plus treats and delicious homemade cookies. 

Since Halloween is still a month away, pay attention to other participants, and you just might get some ideas for your costume! Saratoga Bridges, the organizer and beneficiary, will also be holding a virtual option, so you can run with your phone to join in with friends who have since moved away. Register: saratogabridges.org.

Also on Saturday, Sept. 28, the Run to Remember 5K Run & Walk is held at RPI’s East Campus athletic village in Troy. Join this family-friendly, community-wide event to support local veterans and current college students. All are always welcome, especially this year as Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is celebrating 200 years. This community event is organized by RPI’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 550. Sixty percent of profits will be donated to Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a top-rated non-profit that supports our fallen veterans and America’s Gold Star families. Register: runsignup.com. 

For a big challenge, on Saturday, Sept. 28, go the distance at the Wilcox Wild Ultra 50K in Stony Creek. It’s a 31-mile rugged trail run on beautiful trails in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest in the Adirondacks. Start/finish is at Harrisburg Lake (near Hadley Mountain) with a lollipop race route of mostly trail and 3,028’ elevation gain/loss. Previous experience is required, and all runners receive a delicious catered postrace meal and beverages. Registration closes Sept 23: ultrasignup.com. 

Mix in these autumn events and explore the local sites with your family or friends!

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.