May is Packed – Exciting Races for All

By Mona Kulkarni Caron

Enjoy the bounty of spring races with this preview of May events. There’s a distance for every runner or walker whether you’re just getting started, at your peak fitness, or somewhere in between. Get signed up.

5K & 10K RACES – A spring favorite is the 14th annual Bacon Hill Bonanza 5K Race/Walk & 10K Race near Schuylerville on May 2. They start simultaneously, with the 5K being fairly flat and the 10K featuring some challenging hills. Both travel through farm country, with plenty of cows and chickens. Children may do the Kids Fun Run. Overall prizes for first place for both the 5K and the 10K races are a gift basket of local goods and gift certificates. Age group winners for each five-year age group receive a homemade apple pie, gift certificates for a King’s ice cream cone, and homemade cookies. The finish line will also feature food and other goodies. There’s also a raffle drawing that features great local prizes. Ten percent of proceeds benefit the SAFER Food Pantry, with the remainder going to Bacon Hill Church, a historic landmark built in 1818: baconhillbonanza.com.

Stand up and run or walk for those in need at the Joan Nicole Prince Home “Still Human” Community 5K Walk & Run in Schenectady’s Central Park on May 2. All proceeds support the Joan Nicole Prince Home in Scotia’s mission dedicated to providing a safe, comfortable, caring residence for terminally ill patients in need of a home, free of charge, during their final days. You can walk or run between 9-9:45am and for each lap around the pond, you receive a raffle ticket for chances to win gift baskets: joannicoleprincehome.org.

The eighth edition of Sasha’s Superhero Run to Help Ukraine is back at the Halfmoon Town Hall on May 3. Sasha’s Run will include a 5K run/walk and Kids Superhero Run with two distances. Since 2022, $61,000 has been raised for reputable charity organizations and children's hospitals in Ukraine. From its inception, $55,000 has been donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. Proceeds will be split between both causes. Superhero costumes are encouraged for the kids. Organized by the family and friends of Sasha, who passed away unexpectedly as a baby on Christmas Eve 2016, the superhero theme honors all parents whose babies and children passed before their time – because it takes superhero strength to go on after a child dies. Sign up early for performance shirts and teams/groups are welcome: sashasrun.com.

Join the 46th annual Steve Zemianek Bennington Road Race at the historic Park McCullough House in North Bennington, VT, on May 3 for a traditional spring run, with enjoyable courses, and friendly competition. There’s a 10K in scenic rural countryside along the Walloomsac River, where you can run through a covered bridge twice. And a 3.8M loop on quiet country roads with rolling hills, with walkers welcome. There’s also a 1K Kids Fun Run. Proceeds benefit Steve Zemianek MAU Scholarship, Batten Kill Valley Runners scholarships, and the Park McCullough House. To keep it budget-friendly, there are family registration discounts for four or more people: runreg.com.

The 17th annual AdiRUNdack 5K Trail Run Series is at Cole’s Woods in Glens Falls on Tuesdays at 6pm on May 5, 12, 19, 26. Runners and walkers are welcome, so join in the fun. At family-friendly prices, sign up for one, any combination, or do all four races for the 20K Challenge. It’s presented by Adirondack Runners and benefits the Glens Falls Youth Center: zippyreg.com.

The second annual Sacandaga Sprint 5K & 10K is at the Sport Island Pub in Northville on May 9. Join this great community event, with a new 10K and Kids’ Fun Run. The 5K and 10K use scenic courses on County Route 152 to Houseman Street, and back along the Great Sacandaga Lake – and walkers are welcome. The event benefits Northville Educational Foundation enriching the quality of education supporting students in the community: runsignup.com.

Join a Mother’s Day tradition at the 14th annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk in Saratoga Springs on May 10. Meet at the Orenda Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Run or walk through the beautiful park with about 1,000 participants to support Kelly’s Angels, whose mission is to help bring joy to children who have lost their parent or sibling to cancer or other illness or who, themselves, are battling a life-threatening condition. Kelly’s Angels, was conceived by WNYT-TV anchor/reporter, Mark Mulholland, in memory of his wife, Kelly, who passed away in 2007 at the age of 37: kellysangelsinc.org.

Sign up for the Sunnyview in Motion 5K Walk, Roll or Run at Schenectady’s Central Park on May 16. Hosted by Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, all proceeds benefit their life-changing mission of helping patients get back to living life. If you’re not up for a 5K, there’s a one-mile Wellness Walk/Roll option, which starts after the 5K. Teams are welcome, so gather your friends, family or coworkers to join in the fun. Bring your pups too and get a neckerchief for your four-legged companion: sunnyviewinmotion.org.

The Lions 5K Run for Sight, Hearing & Diabetes is at the Lions Pavilion in Scotia’s Collins Park on May 16. The run/walk course starts at the park, travels through neighborhood roads, and finishes in back in the park. Your race entry includes a T-shirt and backpack and kids under 12 participate for only $12. The race benefits the Scotia-Glenville Lions Club to support their community programs: sglions.org.

The Randy’s Run 5K and Murphy’s Mile will celebrate their 25th and 13th years in Lake George on May 16. Both community events are in memory of two former Lake George Elementary School teachers, Randal Madison and Ed Murphy, and are held at the school. Randy’s Run is a challenging 5K road race, which features an uphill run and finishes with a downhill sprint, and walkers are welcome. Murphy’s Mile is a fun run/walk that winds around the perimeter of the school grounds. Kids will receive a Stewart’s Shops ice cream gift card. Proceeds benefit the LGHS freshman class and the LG Education Association’s scholarship fund: zippyreg.com.

The Girls on the Run 5K is at Shaker High School in Latham on May 17. Join this joyful 5K celebration, open to adults and children, runners and walkers. All proceeds benefit the Girls on the Run Capital Region scholarship program: gotrcr.org.

The Aloha Family 5K & 1-Mile Fun Walk is in Glens Falls on May 30. This festive family-friendly race will kick-off at Haviland Cove Park Pavilion and will run along the beautiful, historic Feeder Canal. The return course will follow the Pruyn Island Trail along the Hudson River. Be inspired by beach tunes as you run or walk the off-street course and welcome in summer. Come dressed ready to hula in your best Hawaiian gear! Stick around for the awards celebration afterwards with music, kids activities, and photo opportunities. Aloha is organized by the Glens Falls Hospital Foundation: runsignup.com.

The 15th annual Rail Trail to the Footbridge 5K is in Granville on May 30. The 5K trail race and fun walk is held on the beautiful rail trail with mixed scenic trail and road surfaces. It starts at the Slate Valley Museum and finishes right on the foot bridge over the Mettawee River – on the eastern edge of Washington County, abutting Vermont with amazing views. This is a very scenic and relatively flat course, and there are unique local prizes, so you don’t want to miss it! There’s also a 1K Kids’ Fun Run: runsignup.com.

DISTANCE AND CHALLENGES – A new addition is the Wilton Wildlife 30 for 30 Trail Challenge, which takes place from April 22 to May 25 – Earth Day to Memorial Day – at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park – and celebrating 30 years! This fundraiser challenge is for individuals and teams of four to run, walk, cycle, roll, or trot to log 30 or more miles during this time. All who register receive a T-shirt, and those who log 30+ miles are entered into a special raffle. There are also prizes for individuals, teams, horses, and dogs with the most miles. Learn more about Wilton’s trails and register for the challenge: wiltonpreserve.org.

On May 9, run just one hill at the 36th annual Prospect Mountain Road Race – 5.67 miles, 1,601-feet to the summit of Prospect Mountain. Starting at the Prospect entry gate in the village of Lake George, there are water stops along the way, very little road traffic, great refreshments at the top, and a run/walk or carpool back downhill. The view at the top is amazing and finishers receive a finisher magnet. If you’re inclined, Prospect is also a perfect training run for the Whiteface Uphill Foot Race in Wilmington on June 6. The Prospect is the New England 65+ Runners Club’s NYS Banner Race. Presented by Adirondack Runners, Prospect benefits the Michelle Lafontaine SUNY Adirondack Nursing Scholarship Fund: zippyreg.com.

Combine a beautiful drive to Vermont with an entry in the Vermont Sun Half Marathon, 10K or 5K, at Lake Dunmore on May 10. Branbury State Park, nestled against the Green Mountains, is a spectacular place to run. All three races have some rolling hills, so you’ll have some opportunities to challenge yourself. Enjoy three free digital photos, refreshments, custom awards, supported aid stations, sponsor samples, and raffle giveaways: vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.

The sixth annual Miles on the Mohawk 10M from Rotterdam Junction to Schenectady is on May 24. It offers a point-to-point 10-mile race on the mostly flat Empire State Trail and Mohawk Hudson Bike-Hike Trail along the Erie Canal and Mohawk River. The upbeat post-race gathering includes food, beer, live music, and awards: areep.com. 

ONE-MILE SERIES – The new ‘America 250’ Mile Series brings a fresh, high-energy approach to road racing one mile at a time. Spanning four iconic community events across the Capital-Saratoga Region, the series transforms historic parade routes into fast, spectator-lined race courses that are as meaningful as they are memorable.

Timed to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary, each race reflects a different chapter of the nation’s story. From the reflective tone of Memorial Day in Glens Falls, to the community pride of the Malta Veterans Appreciation Day Parade, to the celebration of Flag Day, and the excitement of the Fourth of July, the series connects runners to something bigger than the finish line.

Designed for everyone, from first-time participants to competitive athletes chasing personal bests and short enough to feel accessible, yet challenging enough to race all-out, the mile invites runners of all ages and abilities to take part. Participants can complete individual races or take on the full series, earning special recognition and a custom koozie for finishing three or more events. There will also be gift certificates from Fleet Feet up for grabs. Share the experience that blends fitness, community, and history.

Starting with the Malta Mile on May 9, this closed course runs in front of the Malta Veterans Appreciation Day Parade, and all are welcome, whether you run, jog or walk! Beginning at the Malta Community Center, it quickly wraps around the roundabout at Dunning/Route 9 and 67, then finishes up in front of Ellsworth Commons. Stick around to watch the parade. The race benefits the Roundabout Runners Club: runsignup.com.

On May 25, it’s the Memorial Mile in Glens Falls. Race down Glen Street on the parade route from Downtown Glens Falls to Crandall Park and support our veterans. All proceeds go directly to local veterans organizations: runsignup.com.

Kick off the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Flag Day Parade on June 11 at the 17th annual Route 50 Mile for some electrifying community spirit. More than a race, this cherished tradition supports CAPTAIN Community Human Services vital programs, providing food, housing, and crisis services to those in need: captaincares.org.

Finally, celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday on July 4 at the 6th annual Freedom Mile in Clifton Park. Starting on the Shenendehowa Central School campus, follow the town parade route to Clifton Commons. The race benefits three seasons of cross country/track & field teams at Shenendehowa High School: runsignup.com.

Mona Kulkarni Caron (mona@adksports.com) is an editor for Upstate Sports and Vermont Sports, race director of the Good Karma 5K Run/Walk in Clifton Park, training mentor for the Run for Women Training Challenge, and enjoys running, biking, hiking, and traveling. She’s also director of trails & stewardship at the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.