Winter Running

Kick Off the Season in Style

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

After Thanksgiving, the holiday season is a hectic time of year, so mix in some fitness and fun! Consider these winter and holiday themed races in December to New Year’s Day to enjoy the experiences, be social, and stay healthy. Change it up with a few snowshoeing races this winter and you’ll be ready for a happy, healthy 2025. See the Calendar of Events for our full road, trail, and snowshoe race schedule. 

The Adirondack Runners Reindeer 5K Run/Walk is on Saturday, Dec. 7 at SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus. While reindeer can run on either snow or pavement, their hoofs are happier on snow, so the weather will decide the advantage. The course along the campus has a few hills, so that will add a layer of challenge. If you’d like a Reindeer race shirt, register by 11/21 for a size guarantee. Entry closes at 250 runners/walkers, there are discounted entry fees for youth, and proceeds benefit Wait House. Register: zippyreg.com. 

The Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club kicks off their long-running Winter Series with Race #1 on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 10am with a 5K and 15K race. The series is every other Sunday (except for Race #2 on Wednesday, Jan. 1) through Feb. 9 at the University at Albany’s Physical Education Building. The series offers a casual atmosphere around the UAlbany Campus and outer loops of the Harriman State Office Campus. Each race in the series has two or three distances from which to choose. The long runs are great for building your fitness or spring marathon/half training, with fully supported courses with marshals, and free food – to keep the competitive spirit going over the cold weather months.

Races are free for HMRRC members and $5 for non-members – a good incentive to join the club! If you participate in all, and volunteer at least once in the five event series, you’ll receive Survivor status – and there’s a gift attached as well! Awards are given to age group winners and runners-up, with free cookies and hot beverages served afterwards. On New Year’s Day, Race #2 in the series is the Hangover Half Marathon & Bill Hogan 3.5-Miler. It starts at 12pm so you can watch the ball drop the night before, and still get a good night’s sleep! The Winter Series continues on Jan. 12, for Race #3 with a 3.5M, 10K and 25K; Jan. 26 for Race #4 with a 3.5M, 15K and 30K; and Feb. 9, Race #5 with a 3.5M, 10M, and 20M. Sign up: hmrrc.com.

Snowshoeing is a fun way to enjoy the snow and get a great workout. One of the first races of the season is the Gore Mountain Snowshoe Race on Sunday, Dec. 15 at the Gore Mountain Nordic Center (Ski Bowl) in North Creek. The start time is 2pm, with preregistration online, or day of entry at the Ski Bowl Lodge. The 5K timed race will be two 2.5K laps on the groomed trails and the untimed fun run/walk/hike is one 2.5K lap. The course length will depend on early winter conditions, with natural and/or manmade snow, which makes for a reliable opener! Gore gives great prizes to the top finishers plus all participants will be entered into the raffle prize drawings. Dion Snowshoes will be available to rent for $5 a pair but a limited number will be available so arrive early! Register: skireg.com.

The third annual Saratoga First Day 5K is back with a family-friendly New Year’s Day run or walk in downtown Saratoga Springs – a great community event to kick off 2025! Produced by the Firecracker 4 team, this 3.1-mile USATF certified course is emblematic of the Firecracker 4 route and starts at a doable 11am. Runners start at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Broadway and quickly turn onto Lake Avenue for the first three-quarters of a mile. The route then follows the Firecracker 4 course, with an optional trek on the Spring Run Trail – if conditions are safe. There are medals for the top three male/female, open, masters and age groups. Pre- and post-race atmosphere keeps the holiday festivities going when you have family, friends and the running community gathered for the first day of the year. Teams are also welcome. If you plan to run Firecracker 4 in July, you can save $10 when you register for both races. Register: zippyreg.com.

Enjoy the holidays with your running community at these fun events! 

Mona Kulkarni Caron is a consulting editor of Adirondack Sports, race director of the Good Karma 5K, and director of trails & stewardship at Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. She enjoys running, biking, paddling, and all outdoor activities.