Adirondack Sports September 2023

By Laura Clark
Running through a sun-dappled
forest canopy just after a brief
shower, with my sneakers touching
lightly upon a mosaic of freshly fallen
colorful leaves never fails to define my
autumn experience. For others, it might
be planning to run in a festive costume,
sampling a locally brewed pumpkin ale,
or harvesting crops from your own garden.
This fall we are fortunate to be presented
with a roster of events that tap into
all these possibilities.
First up is the Leaf Cruncher 5K Trail
Run at Gore Mountain on September 23.
The 5K course runs through the woods on
natural terrain with variations of bumps,
stumps, forest growth, and rocks. Can you
hear the sound of crunching leaves beneath
you? Try this fun challenge before it’s covered
in snow! All runners receive a free
scenic gondola ride, raffle entry, digital finish
line photo, and an entry gift. Spectators
can cheer for the racers with cow bells and
they’ll have coffee and light breakfast available
at the open pit grille. Register: goremountain.com.
On October 7 is the third annual
Michael Pitney Farm 5K Run/Walk. The
mixed course is a blend of grass and stone
dust trail surfaces, primarily flat but with
some gentle rolling. Circling the perimeter
of the Pitney Meadows Community
Farm in Saratoga Springs, it is just waiting
for your attempt at a fast fall PR and
RUNNING & WALKING
A Mosaic of
Autumn Possibilities
at the same time, perfect for those new to
venturing out into the woods. Organizers
encourage walkers as well, and with no
road crossings, it is perfect for family
members of all abilities. Part of the Open
Space Project, the design is meant to
connect to the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail,
linking the western neighborhoods to the
Railroad Run Trail, downtown Saratoga
Springs and the State Park. With the rentable
Community Gardens, CSA opportunities
and self-service farm stand, it is
now possible to buy your veggies and get
your exercise at the
same time!
The main event
is followed by a
Half-Mile Youth
Fun Run on the
infield trail. Stick
around for the middle
school and high
school Invitational
Cross Country races
on this spectator-friendly
route.
Make sure to allow
some time to explore
the children’s greenhouse
and butterfly
and fairy gardens,
with picnic tables
available for a quick
snack. Funds raised
through the 5K and
half-mile will sup-
GORE LEAF CRUNCHER 5K.
port ongoing programs and improvements
at your Community Farm. Register:
runsignup.com.
Prepare for take-off at the Run the
Runway 5K on October 7! Lace up your
shoes, hit the tarmac and get ready for
this flat and fast course at the Schenectady
County Airport runway. Boarding
begins at the Empire State Aerosciences
Museum. Pre-check your race registration
and taxi to the runway for a 9am departure.
Young aviators ages 12 and under in
range of the runway are invited to run the
SEPTEMBER 2023 15
runway in a free one-mile fun run at 10am.
The 5K course takes you around the museum
and on the airport runway. A unique
experience that doesn’t involve luggage
or catching a flight! Runners and walkers
are welcome to this family-friendly event.
Register: schenectadycountyny.gov.
Test your mettle in a new one, three
or six-hour endurance event. The inaugural
Flutters and Foliage Endurance
Run takes place on October 14 at Peebles
Island State Park in Cohoes. See how many
laps you can complete on a two-mile trail
loop within the park. The event includes a
fully stocked aid station at the start/finish,
water stations are along the course and a
hospitality pavilion with refreshments,
restrooms, and displays. All finishers will
receive an award and special awards are
given for the most laps completed in each
event. The event is a fundraiser for Flutters
of Hope, a not-for-profit organization that
helps individuals and families affected
by eating disorders with treatment costs.
Register: ultrasignup.com.
Looking to couple your leaf-peeping
fix with some serious Catskill running?
Then start planning now for the Peak 2
Brew Relay on October 15. It’s a 60-mile
“sprint” relay from Plattekill Mountain
in Roxbury and terminating at Brewery
Ommergang in Cooperstown. The sprint
requires one van per a 6-pack (roughly 10
miles per runner) or 4-pack team (15 miles
per runner), with the 6-pack running two
legs and the 4-pack tackling three legs
each. This would be the perfect choice for
first-timers who ultimately hope to tackle
the 220-mile Beast, or for those who are
See RUNNING & WALKING 17 ▶
PEAK 2 BREW RELAY RUNNERS.