Energetic, Fun Spring Races

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

March is the start of the road racing season. Races are opening up registration and it’s time to start planning for your spring season. Let these upcoming races energize your training or see how your winter running, snowshoeing, and cross-training has helped you!

The first major race of the Capital Region road racing season is the fifth annual Electric City 10K at Mohawk Harbor in Schenectady on Saturday, March 8. The ARE Event Productions race starts near the amphitheater and finishes at the courtyard of the Landing Hotel by Rivers Casino. Enjoy the mix of road and paved trail along the Mohawk River, Scotia, and downtown Schenectady. Afterwards enjoy the post-race gathering and refreshments with welcoming runners eager for spring. Visit: areep.com.

Check out the 29.3 Challenge to take on ARE’s spring races: Electric City 10K, Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon in Albany on April 12, and Miles on the Mohawk 10M in Schenectady on May 25 for a mileage challenge. Those registering for the 29.3 Challenge receive a discount and a cool medal for the completing it. Give yourself an awesome spring goal!

It wouldn’t be St. Patrick’s Day without this pair of long-time races. The HMRRC spring classic, Runnin’ of the Green is now a 5K event. Held at Schalmont High School in Rotterdam on Saturday, March 15, the course moved from a four-mile race to a 5K to create a safer route. Enjoy the fast course on newer roads with good pavement and zero net elevation drop, and there’s discounted registration for HMRRC and USATF members, and youth runners. Awards includes mixed team competition with cash prizes. Teams consist of one open women, one open man, and two age-graded. Go to: hmrrc.com. 

Runnin’ of the Green is the kickoff race for USATF Adirondack’s 2025 Grand Prix Road Series. USATF members who complete six or more of the 11 races will earn Grand Prix Series apparel, and there are generous prize purses for division winners. There’s also a new USATF 2025 Trail Series for those who prefer off-road. Runners who complete four or more of the five trail runs will receive a “Complete the Series” award. There will be a USATF Adirondack Series Kickoff Event at Fleet Feet in Albany on March 1 at 10am for info, membership, and race registration. Visit: adirondack.usatf.org.

The following weekend is the Shamrock Shuffle at Glens Falls High School on Sunday, March 23. The five-mile loop is a fast course. The first 300 entrants by 3/9 will receive a long-sleeve shirt. This Adirondack Runners race benefits Project: Cameron’s Story, to support the bonding of parents with premature babies in the NICU. Stay for the awards and post-race refreshments. If you have kids 12 and under, show up early for the Leprechaun Leap Fun Run, a doable 7/8-mile distance – and all participants receive a reflective zipper pull. Then, if you haven’t already on Saturday, visit us at the Adirondack Sports Summer Expo at the Saratoga Springs City Center on Sunday until 4pm. To register for the Shamrock Shuffle, go to: zippyreg.com.

Are you looking for group training or a plan to help you get started? For the ladies, join the 15th annual Delightful Run for Women Training Challenge which starts on Monday, March 24. Now through April 6, you can register for the Training Challenge and be well prepared to run or walk the 47th annual Delightful Run for Women 5K at East Capitol Park in Albany on Saturday, May 31.

Train alongside other women and experienced running and walking mentors. Groups meet at many convenient locations on Mondays and Wednesdays at places like your local Y, University at Albany and Siena College. On Saturday mornings, gather at the Halfmoon Town Park in Halfmoon for the weekend workout. 

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or have never run a 5K, there’s a training group for every ability level and pace. There are four levels this year: speed walking, run/walk, beginner walk to run and the intermediate/advanced run program. Each location will have a progressive training plan and mentors for every level to guide you through 11 weeks of training. New this year, Siena College and Hudson Valley Community College have been added to the list of training locations. 

Each week of training builds your endurance and you’ll get expert advice on nutrition, stretching, injury prevention, clothing, and cross training. The Training Challenge fee of $55 includes coached workouts to walk or run the 5K, a custom shirt, and on race day the use of the Training Challenge tent with tables, chairs and refreshments. For details and to register, visit: runsignup.com.

On Saturday, March 29, two area races are fun events that support great causes. In Albany, the 15th annual Ice Breaker Challenge 5K is held at Albany Rowing Center’s boathouse/launch on the Hudson River. It’s a unique race against rowing sculls on the Hudson River as runners and walkers travel out and back along the Corning Preserve bike path. It’s like having a pacer while you run! Race organizers have also lined up great prizes from local vendors for all age category winners and overall event winners. Be one of the first 250 registered to receive a race T-shirt. For ages 10 and under, a Free Half-Mile Kids’ Run kicks off race day, followed by the 5K. Go to: runsignup.com.

The Ice Breaker Challenge is an important fundraiser to support Albany Rowing Center’s mission of fostering the sport of rowing in the Capital Region. The ARC’s Rowing Summer Camp for ages 12-18 starts in June, and their Adult Learn to Row Program begins on May 5. Learn more: albanyrowingcenter.org.

In Schenectady, the 16th annual Run 4 Your Life 5K, is the main source of fundraising for the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation. In 2012 a group of Schenectady Firefighters banded together to address a rapidly growing problem in the firefighting community. Firefighters are up to 200% more likely to contract upwards of a dozen forms of cancer as a result of exposure to carcinogens during the course of their duties. The foundation was formed with the intent to address this problem through education and advocacy, and to lend financial assistance to those afflicted with the terrible disease. Learn more: neverfightalone.org.

The 5K run and walk begins at the pavilion at Central Park in Schenectady. Both an in-person and virtual option are available, so that anyone can participate and support this important cause. Podium prizes are available for the top finishers, and runners/walkers with dogs or strollers are welcome. A Superhero Kids Fun Run starts prior to the 5K. Chowderfest is back for the post-race festivities. Platoons from the Schenectady Fire Department as well as area eateries will bring their best for a chance to win “Best Chowder.”  

New this year is a free six-week training program in partnership with Best Fitness. It’s open to new runners, people who workout but don’t run, or to anyone who wants to get back into running. Starting on February 16, a 1K time trial will get you started, and each week you’ll progressively add to it culminating to a 5K on race day. Best Fitness is also providing access to their training classes. Use promo code C25K for $5 off your race registration and to sign up for the Couch to 5K style program. Visit the website for locations and times. Visit: zippyreg.com.

With training programs, mileage challenges, great causes and the road racing back on the calendar, there are no excuses! Sign up, we’ll see you out there – and get your name in the race results!

Mona Kulkarni Caron (mona@adksports.com) is a race director of the Good Karma 5K Run/Walk, mentor for the Run for Women Training Challenge, and enjoys running and training for races. She works full-time at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.