Kick Up Those Fall Leaves!

By Laura Clark

Growing up in Queens, I have fond childhood memories of dragging my feet in the gutters for the sheer pleasure of kicking up piles of leaves. Now I do the same on upstate trails, although I must admit my more grown-up pleasure is to study the mosaic of colorful leaves at my feet and vow (yet again) to learn how to quilt. This childlike joy translates to the running community where it seems as if every weekend offers at least six running options. Rather than dashing like a mad hatter from one to the other, use these listings to select your races thoughtfully according to your personal game plan. Seeking to up your mileage or turn in a decent 5K in crisp, clear weather? Want to try a new, pre-marked trail in the woods? Want to do all of this and support meaningful charities? Whatever. Just make sure to include a few fun low-key events where you can join with friends and family.

Protect your waterways by registering for the 8th annual Amy’s Adventure Race on Saturday, October 5 at Amy’s Park, a vital wetland area of the Lake George Watershed. Organized by the Lake George Land Conservancy’s Next Gen Committee, proceeds will be funneled directly into their Indian Brook & Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative which helps with the effort to filter pollutants out of the water before it reaches Lake George. The committee encourages you to “embrace the mud” and tackle the challenging, rocky terrain. You will be rewarded by breathtaking views and stunning lake foliage. 

For the first time, this year there will be a 10-mile option, which will consist of two 5-mile loops, almost identical to the original 4.5 with a bit extra added. The 4.5 route, while technical, is imminently doable and has hosted ages ranging from 8 to 75 (me). In fact, I remember one mom giving her son a scolding because he forgot his sneakers. He ran in his flip-flops and did just fine. Probably because he was too young to know better! For me, the greatest hazard is the twisty nature of the course, so remember to glance up occasionally, enjoy the foliage, and pinpoint a marker ahead. Afterwards, all are invited to a party at Bolton Landing Brewing where there will be beer, a raffle and perhaps a few local ghost stories. Visit: lglc.org/amys-race.

On Saturday, October 5, join the 4th annual Michael J. Pitney Farm Run 5K and Youth Fun Run at Pitney Meadows Community Farm in Saratoga Springs. Proceeds from the event will support the farm’s mission and programming. The races take place alongside the Saratoga XC Invitational Meet, with the Community Races kicking off before the high school events.

This special run honors Michael J. Pitney, an outdoor enthusiast whose legacy lives on through the scenic 1.7-mile trail loop at Pitney Meadows, where visitors can explore the beauty of nature just as Michael did. The 5K course winds through Pitney Meadows’ open fields, featuring a mix of grass and stone dust trails. It’s a mostly flat, easy-to-follow route with no road crossings, making it safe for runners and enjoyable for spectators.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a family looking for a fun way to enjoy the fall weather, the Michael J. Pitney Farm Run promises a memorable day for all participants. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this special event and support a vital community resource, celebrating and exploring agricultural education, healthy food production, and recreation on this preserved working farm. Run the trails. Feel the breeze. Support the farm. Go to: pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org. 

Despite having accumulated lots of “institutional memory” (meaning that I have gotten much older), up until last year I still had one more running goal to accomplish: I had always wanted to participate in a round-the-circle event. I did have one in Vermont all pegged out, but then Covid-19 struck. Last year I finally got my chance at the Flutters and Foliage Endurance Run at Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. Entrants choose between six-, three- and one-hour options, with relay possibilities thrown in for good measure. To get the most bang for my buck, I chose the six-hour opportunity, but what I learned was that oddly, the experience was the same, yet different, for everyone. I got passed by fresh relay runners and felt totally justified with my slower pace. I got passed multiple times by the 21 individuals seeking to log a flat, fast 50K for under $100. I got to hike a recovery loop with faster runners whom I never would have had the opportunity to chat with otherwise. There were quite a few who hiked a loop or two, then recovered at their camp, only to head out a few more times.

Teams could set up along the perimeter and oddly, one of the things I amused myself with was circling back past the camps every two miles and seeing what provisions, clothing items had been consumed or shed. That and running past the amazing Cohoes waterfalls and breathing in the revitalizing oxygenated air. Sara King, of iRun LOCAL, ran the inaugural last year with many questions: “Could I do it, actually run for six hours? What would it feel like? What would I need to keep going? What would I do if I got tired? How would I manage discomfort? Could I get over a marathon distance in the time allowed?” And this time around, the Saratoga running store is a major sponsor, citing the fact that there is no other nearby event quite so inclusive. “There are no awards for first, second or third place. There IS a group of people celebrating every lap you do whether it is two or 20. When you run this event, you run for you and no one else.” Proceeds benefit Flutters of Hope, which aims to increase awareness of eating disorders and offer support for those battling that disease. Visit: ultrasignup.com. 

When is a road race not really a road race? When it is the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon & Half Marathon on Sunday, October 13, where much of the action takes place on the shaded bike path along the paved Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail, the original highway of the Mohawks and the early colonizers. Long recognized as a flat, fast course, perfect for a personal best or a Boston Marathon qualifier, it is also prime real estate for first-time marathoners and those who seek the distraction of colorful fall foliage and crisp running temperatures. While both point-to-point routes involve carefully considered logistical planning, the Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club’s website gurus have you covered from bus routes, parking directions and complete YouTube course previews. 

If you are like me, it is always reassuring to be able to recognize landmarks along the way, especially when I tend to miss the mile markers. If you would like to “leave the driving to us,” the marathon has pacers beginning at 3:25 and continuing in 10-minute increments to 4:20: marathonpacing.com. Stick with your designated group to reach your goal time and meet some new friends. 

Behind every marathoner or half marathoner there is a team who is there to babysit, supply nourishing meals, commiserate and otherwise pick up the slack. Make them part of your day too, by encouraging them to come and cheer you along to the finish with the website’s  Spectator’s Guide, detailing all the spots along the way where you can cheer your runner and perhaps supply a special drink, a dry shirt. Additionally, there are timing mats at designated spots along the route enabling you to track your runner’s progress by entering her bib number. While all of this requires a bit more effort than just “jump out of bed and run,” it works seamlessly to provide a memorable experience. Go to: mohawkhudsonmarathon.com. 

On Sunday, October 20 the Roundabout Runners invite us to journey to Christopher Robin’s 100 Acre Woods and search for Eeyore’s house at the Malta 5K Trail Run/Hike & 3K/2K Kids’ Trail Run. It is truly inspirational to see a crowd of excited kids ready to race either the 2K or 3K with their parents cheering them on and then to reverse the process and see the kids applauding their parents as they cross the finish of the 5K. The hilly route is a mix of wide stone dust covered trails and twisty dirt paths, built and meticulously maintained by this family-oriented club, with all proceeds supporting trail design and maintenance. Their pride in their work is obvious and fall cross country teams benefit from their commitment. Visit: roundaboutrunners.com.

If you are a snowshoer or Nordic skier, do register for the seventh annual Brookhaven Octoberfest 5K Trail Run on Sunday, October 20 held at the Brookhaven Golf Course in Porter Corners. While there is no snow expected what you may not be aware of is that Brookhaven Golf Course transforms itself into Brookhaven Winter Park once the snow flies with FREE groomed ski trails and wooded snowshoe treks. This trail race supports the Town of Greenfield’s efforts to purchase groomers, maintain and expand trails and support high school and citizen races. Trail runners will kick up leaves on a combination of paths, wooded trails and roads winding around and through the course, and 5Kers are encouraged to stick around to cheer the Kids 1K Fun Run. And this is definitely a family event, as the races will be followed by the Town of Greenfield’s Fall Festival at 1pm with trick or treating (think decorated golf cart stations), a live animal show, indoor and outdoor food options, live music, sack races and, of course, pumpkin contests. Go to: skireg.com.

If snow is coming, can Christmas be far behind? Head on out to Veeder Tree Farm in Earlton for their 13th annual Veeder Tree Farm 5K on Sunday, October 20. This is probably one of the most unique race formats you will ever encounter.  While a few events, notably Salem’s April Fool’s Race, offer consecutive races which can be run back-to-back on pretty much the same course, Veeder invites you to register singly for either a road or trail 5K or, new this year, a beastly combo! The trail is a two-loop challenging route through the backwoods of the tree farm, with the guaranteed scent of pine needles enhancing your journey. Afterwards, take the family and hike the farm, imagining your future tree, all decked out with your favorite ornaments. All participants will receive a discount on their selection. Enjoy a celebration of founder Skip Veeder’s legacy with music, smores, tailgating and a bonfire, knowing that your participation will benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Visit: raceentry.com.

And so… back to the almost-present with the Pumpkin and Halloween themed races. It seems like every year the seasons and weather get more mixed up and I guess I am not helping by embracing our new reality. Join the Adirondack Runners for their 31st annual Goblin Gallop 5K at the Abraham Wing School on Saturday, October 26. The 5K is a two-loop fast route circling downtown Glens Falls – “so fast it’s scary!” For me, the highlight has always been watching the Free Halloween Hop 1K for kids 12 and under. Children proudly wear their prettiest or scariest costume and feel like they are in a parade. Every kid receives a Halloween treat bag. This Goblin is the prime fundraiser for the Adirondack Runners and the Nepal Village School Project, which has already financed a new regional secondary school in Nepal. Current goals include improved sanitation, clean water, a library and increased computer and internet access. Go to: zippyreg.com. 

You can then double your pumpkin fix by heading over to Washington Park for Albany’s Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run 5K which begins at the spooking hour of 4:30pm. Walk or run through a family-friendly Halloween decorated route. Take as much time as you would like, stopping to take selfies along the way. Children under 10 will automatically receive a $5 discount and a shirt while kids 5-under can register for a free kids’ option. Join the afterparty event featuring giveaways, vendors, decorations and music. And wear your costume! There will be prizes for best adult costume, best duo costume and best kids’ costume. Bear in mind that there will be a few days left before Halloween, so snap some ideas you might want to experiment with. Visit: zippyreg.com.

And now… we close with a gorilla on the trail at Hairy Gorilla Half Marathon & Squirrelly Six on Sunday, October 27 at Thatcher State Park near Voorheesville. Besides actual costumed gorillas roaming the course, hiding behind trees and snagging bananas, the conceptional gorilla in the field delights in seasoning the often muddy course with random weather events. While wind and rain are more normal, he has been known to throw in some surprise snow. Like in 2011, the only time the race was cancelled due to the park’s insistence. According to ARE’s Josh Merlis, “While not ideal weather on race day, it actually wasn’t all that horrible.” With all the hundreds of decorations already in place, wouldn’t it have been neat if it could have been a snowshoe race? The wild card happened during the Covid year of 2020. With no snow in Saratoga, but some predicted for Albany, I threw in my spikes just in case and was forever grateful. With Covid restrictions, it took 28 minutes for the staggered start to be completed. Luckily, I was placed in one of the first groups and so received an extra 28 minute reprieve from the cutoff. This was the last time I ever made that tough cutoff and was extremely grateful to the Gorilla.

Named the “Best costumed trail race” in America by Runner’s World, make sure you continue that standard by wearing your own costume to the party. Kids 12-under will have their own opportunity to dress up for the Half-Miler Gorilla Chase Kids Race prior to the main event. Enjoy hunting for your own personalized gravestone while trying to avoid the scary creatures hidden behind trees. More of a party and only incidentally a race, it’s a time to celebrate the almost-end of the running season. Go to: areep.com. 

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.