Summer Training and Fall Races

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

Summer training in June, July and August yields the best results for the fall racing season. Who’s waiting for cool temps during swimsuit season? Runners with a fall goal race! While it’s tempting to kick back during the dog days, if you have a fall event, summer is the time to be focused, whether it’s a distance, time or destination. These September races are great goal races and/or opportunities to test out your training, endurance, speedwork, nutrition and everything else if you’re pursuing longer races. 

To start, the 14th annual Malta 5K & 10K is on Saturday, Sept. 9. The Roundabout Runners Club hosts this road race, starting at the HVCC TEC-SMART Center in Malta’s Luther Forest. The recipients will be Malta EMS/Fire/First Responders and local veteran agencies in honor of 9/11. Since its inception, the race has raised over $300,000 for local groups.

Both courses feature roundabouts, wide boulevards and closed to traffic roads. The race can boast great support from local officials. It’s a well-organized, community event and a great way to run a fun small-town race with a big town feel.  

See the Calendar of Events listings for Malta Course Preview Runs. After the practice run, join fellow runners for socializing. To register, go to: malta5k.com.

On September 16, head to the village of Lake George for the ADK 5K. Starting and finishing at the Adirondack Brewery, the 5K provides panoramic views of Lake George in early fall with some foliage. Runners hug the lake for an out and back with minimal hills. Hosted by Great American Brewery Runs, this is part of their fall series in the Northeast.

After the race, kick back with a beer, live music, food trucks, and yard games at the brewery. Race socks are included with registration. This year’s race beneficiary is the Lake George Land Conservancy. Register by 9/8 using code ADKSPORTS to receive $5 off. Visit: adk5k.com.

On Sunday, September 17, sign up for the inaugural Farm Fest 5K Run/Walk, part of Clifton Park’s annual Farm Fest Weekend. The course is an out and back on primarily closed roads starting and finishing in Clifton Commons. It’s a great family event with a discount for a household of four or more registrations. Afterwards, head to the local farms and orchards to enjoy activities sponsored by the festival. 

Farm Fest is a two-day celebration of history, while you visit working farms in Clifton Park – ride a horse, pick apples, take a hayride, and more. The event supports the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Shen Track Club. Learn more: zippyreg.com.

The FAM 5K “Fund” Run/Walk is on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the Cobleskill Fairgrounds, in picturesque Schoharie County. The mission of the FAM 5K “Fall Classic for Charity” is to endorse and promote the qualities of family, health, and service to the community. Each year the proceeds from the race are donated to one of five different local charities on a rotating basis. This year’s race benefits Cobleskill Regional Hospital. The hospital, an affiliate of Bassett Healthcare Network, is a not-for-profit hospital and the county’s only provider of acute inpatient medical care, emergency care, other diagnostic and therapeutic services.

Join for a day of fun-filled activities including a free kids’ fun run for ages six and under, refreshments after the race, and awards ceremony. Register: fam5k.com.

Also on Sept. 23, is Saratoga Field Day, a throwback to grade-school field days but for all ages! Classic events like relay races and tug-of-war, games to challenge your mind, and other fun activities – all staged at Pitney Meadows Community Farm. Teams will earn points in each event to add up to your total for the day. Activities include Yoga at the Farm, a Cornhole Tournament, Field Day Team Games, and the I Run for Twilight 5K. The 5K is run on the Pitney Meadows trails that features a flat sandstone-packed surface that that takes runners and walkers along the perimeter of the beautiful farm.

The 5K is inspired by Building on Love families who offer financial assistance to those who are facing life-altering medical illnesses. The idea is participants run or walk for someone special in their lives. Each of the families helped has had their life changed by a serious medical diagnosis and their assistance allows families to spend time with that person when they need it most. Add your loved one’s name onto your version of the race title and your bib when you run/walk. Families can fundraise in honor of that special person leading up to the event.

Gather a team of family and friends for a fun day with food trucks, beverages, and swag. All events take place at Pitney Meadows. Games will end with an awards ceremony and post-game live music, bonfires and s’mores. Learn more and register: saratogafieldday.com.

On Sept. 30, you’ll find three great races to choose from: the Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K and 10K, Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake 4.5M Trail Run, and the Chestertown Rotary’s 5K and 10K.

The 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K & 10K and Kids’ Fun Run will be at Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, which is held earlier this year due to park construction. Run, walk or roll the 5K or run the 10K through the beautiful and historic park. The day also includes a one-mile fun run for kids 12 and under. The first 1,500 participants receive a wicking race shirt. The event includes costume and pumpkin contests, prizes for overall winners and age-groups, and treats galore! 

The race is a fundraiser for and hosted by Saratoga Bridges, provider of services and programs to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. A virtual option is also available. Register: saratogabridges.org. 

The seventh annual Amy’s Adventure Race for the Lake is a 4.5-mile trail run at Amy’s Park in Bolton Landing. Amy’s Park offers challenging and rugged terrain amidst ponds, marshes, and forests. A virtual option on race day is also available. An after party with refreshments and raffle basket will be at Bolton Landing Brewing Company’s Oktoberfest. All proceeds of the raffle will go to Lake George Land Conservancy’s Indian Brook and Northwest Bay Conservation Initiative. Participants have the option to create individual and team fundraisers, with the highest individual and team fundraiser each receiving a prize. 

Amy’s Race was spearheaded by LGLC’s Next Generation Committee, a group of young professionals committed to bringing awareness to the overall mission of protecting the lands that protect Lake George. Sign up: lglc.org. 

There’s something for everyone at the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival. The Chestertown Rotary 5K and 10K is on Saturday, Sept 30 in Chestertown while the marathon events are located in Schroon Lake on Sunday. Family and friends can choose a distance and marathoners can sign up for a shakeout run before the big day. The 5K and 10K races are run on paved streets through the heart of the village of Chestertown. Learn more and register: adirondackmarathon.org. 

Register for these great races and benefit your community while enjoying the gains of your summer mileage – see you out there!  

Mona Kulkarni Caron (mona@adksports.com) is a contributing editor at Adirondack Sports, race director of the Good Karma 5K, and a program manager for the NYS Canalway Water Trail at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. She enjoys running, bicycling, paddling and all outdoor activities.