JANUARY 2026

Delightful Run for Women Launches New Initiatives

As the 48th annual Delightful Run for Women approaches, race organizers are launching new ideas to engage the community throughout the year, with a focus on women’s wellness and a way for men to participate in the running festivities. Event director Kristen Hislop recently rolled out the new initiatives before it takes place in downtown Albany on Saturday, May 30. They include a new winter wellness challenge, a podcast focused on women’s wellness, and an inaugural virtual 5K race for men.

The LiftHer Virtual 5K is for men and teenage boys over the 14-year-old age limit for the Capital Kids 3K who want to support the race. Participants will run a 5K in the week preceding the Run for Women and record their times online. Registration is $20, and proceeds will go directly to the scholarship fund that provides entry fees for prospective Run for Women participants who otherwise couldn’t afford to run.

The new FitHer Forward Challenge is also launching this year. The wellness challenge is designed as a winter complement to the event’s annual Training Challenge, which starts on March 23. Registration for the FitHer Forward Challenge is open through Jan. 16, and participants will receive a custom journal to track not only their training goals but also their sleep and nutrition.

In conjunction with the FitHer Forward Challenge, the FitHer Forward Podcast has also been launched. The podcast, which debuted Wednesday with health and wellness coach, runner, and former NewsChannel 13 anchor Benita Zahn as its first guest, focuses on women’s wellness. Learn more and register: runsignup.com.

DEC Announces Camp Santanoni Winter Weekends

NYS DEC announced three Winter Weekend events to be held in 2026 at the Historic Camp Santanoni in the town of Newcomb, Essex County. Hosted by DEC and Friends of Camp Santanoni, along with partners Adirondack Architectural Heritage, Town of Newcomb, and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry’s Adirondack Interpretive Center, the Winter Weekends invite visitors to enjoy winter recreation and exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former great camp. The 2026 Winter Weekend events will take place Saturdays and Sundays on January 17-18, February 14-15, and March 14-15.

Camp Santanoni is a 9.8-mile round-trip cross-country ski or snowshoe excursion with rolling terrain. The trail starts from the Gate Lodge, then past the Farm, to the remote lakeside Main Camp complex, providing a moderate ski or snowshoe, and a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Visitors are required to use skis or snowshoes on this trail in winter, and this year the AIC will loan out complimentary snowshoes for any visitors without their own. Snowshoes will be available at Newcomb Pines, located across the road from the Santanoni Preserve, starting at 9am each day of the Winter Weekends.

During the Winter Weekend events, cross-country skiers and snowshoers are invited to visit the Main Lodge of Camp Santanoni, view displays about the great camp, and take interpretive tours with AARCH volunteers. The Artist’s Studio, a stone building near the Main Lodge on the shores of Newcomb Lake, is open as a warming hut during the winter weekend dates.

DEC reminds recreationists to Hike Smart – and ski or snowshoe smart – this winter. Remember to pack your 10 Essentials, including a fully charged headlamp (with extra batteries), warm non-cotton layers, food, and water. Reservations are not required and events are free. For more info, visit: dec.ny.gov.

Albany Ski Club Sponsors Royal Snowboard Instructor

The Albany Ski Club is sponsoring snowboard instructor Maya Canton to assist in her quest for Level 1 Snowboard instructor from Professional Ski Instructors of America and American Association of Snowboard Instructors.” Maya started skiing at three years old and switched to snowboarding six years ago. She has been instructing at Royal Mountain near Caroga Lake for the last three years. Maya says, “I found genuine excitement in teaching others the sport”

The award was presented in memory of past Albany Ski Club vice president, Dory Alexander, who was active in introducing many to skiing. Albany Ski Club is a non-profit organization that offers adventures year-round. Members enjoy a more affordable way to ski and participate in other activities. They offer trips, race programs, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, golf, disc golf, biking, and whitewater rafting. Learn more: albanyskiclub.com.

Saratoga Trails Alliance and Lapland Lake Seek New Hires

Saratoga Trails Alliance is ready to launch into its next phase of growth with renewed energy, deeper community engagement, and more progress on trail advocacy and connectivity. The Saratoga County organization is seeking a new executive director to shepherd the organization into its next chapter. This is a part-time, paid role for 10-15 hours per week – ideal for someone looking to do impactful work in the trails community while maintaining flexibility. Contact: anna@saratogatrails.org.

Lapland Lake XC Ski & Vacation Center in Northville is looking for someone 18+ to work seasonal weekday daytime hours this winter. This position is based in the lodge and includes a variety of duties: register, customer service, rentals, and the café. Learn more: laplandlake.com.