March 2025

Run for Women Training Challenge

ALBANY – Registration is open for the 15th annual Run for Women Training Challenge to prepare you for the Delightful Run for Women 5K on Saturday, May 31. There are four levels this year: speed walking, run/walk, beginner walk to run, and the intermediate to advanced run program. 

The speed walking program will focus on walking the 5K. You will learn to vary your pace, walk efficiently, and build cardio vascular fitness. The run/walk program is built off of Jeff Galloway’s successful run/walk concept. Participants will follow a progressive run/walk program that works for their pace and goals. A beginner run program for those who are new to running or are coming back after a break. This program starts with run/walk and progresses to a 5K run as we head to race day. The intermediate program is for those who have completed a 5K or want more challenging workouts. The advanced program is for those athletes ready for focused speed and distance workouts. Athletes should already be able to run five or more miles at a time. The advanced program is open to all paces.

For 10 weeks starting Monday, March 24, give your motivation a boost, improve your performance and make some new friends by choosing to participate in the 2025 Training Challenge. The group runs are led by mentor coaches.

There are 10 training challenge workouts throughout the Capital-Saratoga Region on Mondays and Wednesdays, one on Thursdays, and the large group workout on Saturdays. New this year are the addition of workouts at Hudson Valley Community College, Siena College, and SUNY Albany. Learn more and register: runsignup.com.

Tenandeho White Water Derby

MECHANICVILLE – Sunday, April 6 will be the 50th anniversary of the Tenandeho Whitewater Derby on the Anthony Kill. The Tenandeho Canoe Association hopes to see canoers, kayakers, and many spectators there for the race and celebration. 

Paddlers can see the online application for race details. On race day, there will be no registrations after 11am or at the start line at Coons Crossing, so preregistration is encouraged. Helmets and PFDs are required to be worn from start to finish by all competitors and participants in the race. The men’s short kayak class is for boats under 13 feet long. The men's long kayak class will be for boats 13 feet long and over. The shorter class is intended for whitewater playboats, slalom style kayaks, and shorter recreational kayaks. The long class is for racing designs, wildwater boats, and longer recreational kayaks.

As part of the Tenandeho White Water Derby, the Mechanicville Area Community Service Center will once again be hosting the Anything that Floats event. Check out their website for more information: mechanicvilleacsc.org. Bring your family and friends, whether you’re paddling, supporting, or spectating. For those that are members of the New England Canoe and Kayak Racing Association, the Tenandeho will be included in the race series this year. This provides NECKRA members with an opportunity to earn points. If interested, visit: neckra.org.

The TCA would like to share special thanks to all the area fire, emergency, police, and rescue crews that help make this event possible each year. The Tenandeho Canoe Association is also looking for new members who would like to join their group. For suggestions to make your racing experience safer and more enjoyable, and for a map of the route, photos, and past results, check out: tenandeho.org.

Join CATS for The Grand Hike

WESTPORT – Organizers are excited to invite you to their signature celebration of Champlain Area Trails’ town-to-town trails on Saturday, May 10. Prepare for an unforgettable day filled with joy, camaraderie, and the stunning beauty of the Champlain Valley’s majestic low-peak mountains and lush farmlands. This exciting 16-mile hike through the beautiful scenery of the Champlain Valley features four rest stops with food, water, and restrooms, as well as a chance to connect with fellow hikers and make new friends. Thanks to hikers’ feedback, they have improved parking, enhanced on-route amenities, added more trails along the route, and created a vibrant finish line celebration to honor your accomplishment! Local food vendors, musicians, and community organizations will join this post-hike celebration. Shuttles and shortcuts will be available to customize your hike, ranging from two to 16 miles. Plus, each participant will receive an event T-shirt. 

            The Grand Hike starts at Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center in Lewis, and the end location is outside the Whallonsburg Grange in Whallonsburg. A lively post-hike celebration awaits hikers and walkers, featuring live music, local food and drinks for purchase, outdoor games, and participation from community groups. Everyone is welcome to attend the post-hike and community celebration, so even if you can’t participate in the hike, they’d love to see you there.

            The start time is 10am. Hikers will board a bus at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport to get to the Twin Valleys Outdoor Education Center. You can also start your hike at one of the Oases or take a shuttle to the celebration from the fairgrounds. Registration is discounted until May 5. Children under 18 can hike for free and do not need to register. If you can’t make it but would still like to support CATS, you can donate or become sponsor online. All event proceeds support CATS’ mission to save land and create trails that connect people to nature, all promoting economic vitality in the Champlain Valley. Visit: champlainareatrails.com.