Color Your World

Vibrant Autumn Races

By Laura Clark

Tired of squinting into a blazing sun? Well, the good news is that in just a short month away, the leaves will begin turning and we will trade hot and humid for cool and crisp. This summer’s hot, humid weather has made long distance training more challenging, so you might want to include a medley of shorter events in your game plan. The cooler weather bodes faster times, even if it seems like you have been snailing it all summer.

Celebrate the end of summer on Monday, September 1, at the 39th annual HMRRC Labor Day 5K & Kids Mile. Schenectady’s Central Park venue is a perfect fit, with a playground for the kids and their own mile run circling the Duck Pond. Afterwards, families are welcome to relax and picnic on the park’s grassy areas. No time to pack a picnic? No worries, as after-race snacks will be provided by Bountiful Bread. The 5K running/walking route circles the perimeter of the park, and is mostly flat, but save some energy for a nice hill at the end! Being that this is an HMRRC event, directed by John Parisella, you can rest assured that all bases will be covered for a smooth, professional experience. This is also a Grand Prix event for Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club members, so you will have plenty of people to run with and lots of competition to encourage you to do your best. It’s encouraging to note that five-year age groups extend through 80-84, with an additional 85+ category: hmrrc.com.

Next up is the popular Malta 5K on Saturday, September 7, a competitive and friendly gathering, with a built-in extra as you get to run along the Global Foundries property that’s normally accessed by employees only. Celebrated as one of the flattest and fastest 5Ks in the Capital-Saratoga Region, this USATF certified race offers an opportunity for a fall baseline 5K and will head you down the road towards faster races to come.

All ages are encouraged to register, with five-year age groups extending to 80+, and many Roundabout Runners families will be there to show you the ropes. Since there is no time cutoff, this is a perfect event for children primed for their first 5K or for walkers as well. The roads are closed to traffic during the event, with plenty of volunteers pointing the way, making it a safe venue for independent kids who want to “go it alone.” This contest is all about community commitment and proceeds are funneled directly into local non-profits that serve to protect us, like Alliance180, Malta Ridge Fire Dept, Round Lake Fire Dept, and Malta-Stillwater EMS.

The Malta 5K is popular, so, if possible, stop by Fleet Feet Malta the day before to pick up your race packet and visit with your friends. Better still, stop by either the Albany or Malta store in August and receive a $10 discount off your registration! And when you register online, note that there are discounts for 70+ as well as 12-under, and for four participants signed up on the same cart. Spend an extra $20 for a long-sleeved T-shirt, perfect for cool autumn weather. 

According to founding race director Paul Loomis, this year there will be an increased emphasis on team competition, with teams of 25, 50, 75 and 100 members receiving a donation to be used for a non-profit of their choice. Afterwards, proudly display your bib at the post-race party at nearby Unified Beerworks for a free commemorative pint glass and first beer. For those who cannot race in-person, there is also a virtual option. Register: zippyreg.com. 

 On Saturday, September 13, prepare for takeoff at Schenectady County Airport’s Run the Runway 5K, so flat and fast you will truly feel like you are flying. Boarding begins at the Empire State Aerospace Museum where you can pre-flight your gear and taxi to the runway for a 9am departure. This is a terrific opportunity for families, walkers and runners to experience the airport from the inside out on the cleared runway where you can cruise past visitor-ready C130s. 

The lollipop-shaped loop is simple to follow and a guarantee that no one will stray off-course. The back half passes right by the New York Air Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing base and directly outside the fence where the ski-birds, the world’s only ski-equipped LC-130 Hercules Airplanes, are parked. And what kid is not eager to get up close and personal to an airplane? Ages 12 and under are invited to participate in a free One-Mile Fun Run. Afterwards, all are given free access to the Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Register: zippyreg.com.

Also on Saturday, September 13, is the Wilcox Wild Ultra 50K trail run on beautiful trails in Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, mostly in the southwest corner of Warren County. It’s held at Harrisburg Lake with a lollipop race route in the southern Adirondacks – and was previewed in the July issue. Register: ultrasignup.com.

The 43rd annual Arsenal City Run 5K – one of the oldest road races in Upstate NY – takes place in Watervliet on Sunday, September 21. The “Charlie Diamond” 5K will take place at 10am, with the One-Mile Fun Run at 9:30am. The Arsenal City Run has generous awards including prize money for the top three male/female in three categories: overall, Watervliet resident, and sponsored runners. 

There are post-race activities for the whole family. Activities for the kids include face painting, balloon sculptures, and more. There will also be complimentary hot dogs, ice cream, beer (21+), and live music. Due to the generosity of sponsors and participants, a ports of the proceeds benefit the city’s Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program. Register: zippyreg.com.

On Saturday, September 27, get a head start on Halloween festivities with the 25th annual Great Pumpkin Challenge 5K, 10K & Kid’s Fun Run at the Saratoga Spa State Park. A much-anticipated fall staple in our community, participants are invited to run, walk or roll along the mostly traffic-free park roads. Look for the large Ainsley’s Angels contingent with their fleet of riders and their runners all outfitted in tropical pink attire. The 5K is flat, but you can anticipate a few hills on the 10K route. The first 1,200 registrants will receive wicking, long-sleeved T-shirts so register early, as these will be a handsome addition to your colorful fall attire. I know 1,200 sounds like a lot, but this extremely popular family event will exceed these numbers. 

Everyone is welcome to enter the highly-contested costume and pumpkin decorating contests. Since Halloween is still a month away, pay attention, and you might just get some ideas for your costume! Clients of Saratoga Bridges will bake an endless supply of treats for us to enjoy. There will also be a virtual option, so you can run with your phone to join in with friends who have since moved away. Register: saratogabridges.org.

A component of the Adirondack Marathon Distance Festival, the Chestertown 5K Run/Walk & 10K Run, will launch from the town of Chester’s Municipal Center on Saturday, September 27. This fun community event hosted by the Chestertown Rotary features a tour of the town’s paved roads, shaded by trees that are beginning to display their color. 

The 1K Fun Run for ages 4-12 is held near Sunday’s marathon finish line in Schroon Lake. Afterwards, kids can enjoy wading in Schroon Lake’ beautiful beach and playing in the sand. Sunday, September 28, features the 29th annual Adirondack Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay, popular races around scenic Schroon Lake, which were previewed in the July issue. Register: adirondackmarathon.org.

Whether you choose to color your world with family runs, get a head start on leaf-peeping, or line up for a PR 5K, these races will deliver!

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.