Adirondack Sports August 2023

AUGUST 2023 11
RUNNING & WALKING
Summer Training
and Fall Races
▲ THE MALTA 5K ROUNDABOUT
COURSE IN LUTHER FOREST.
▲ 2021 AMY’S RACE FOR
THE LAKE RUNNERS BEFORE
OKTOBERFEST AT BOLTON
LANDING BREWING.
◀ MALTA 5K WOMEN’S WINNER.
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,
See RUNNING & WALKING 13 ▶