October 24, 2026 – 10:00 am – Guilderland HS
This was the 10th year for this 5K race which is organized by the mother of one of the STEM runners who died of an overdose after completing her first 5k. This is her story – https://www.summersmith5k.com/summer-s-story
I was in the middle of training for a November 15k race.
However, I wanted to support this cause since I am fortunate to have known and run with Summer.
The first 4 years that I ran this race, it was held at the end of May and started at a local High School.
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- 2016
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- 2017
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- 2018
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- 2019
Due to COVID, the 2020 race was cancelled (but run virtually) and in 2021 and 2022, the date was changed to October and the location was switched to The Crossings.
For some reason, I skipped this race for several years but decided to put it back on my schedule this year. They kept the date but moved the race back to its original location.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
I had a 15k race scheduled in two weeks so this should have been a longer run. But this race was more important (and my races these days are just supported runs.)
I did a few short runs during the work week. It was a little challenging this week since I was working in NYC. But I got it done.
And last weekend, I ran my 7 mile long run.
Race Day:
The race, as previously mentioned, started at a local high school where there are real bathrooms, easy parking, and ample room to hang out before and after the race.
Here’s the course description:
Start/Finish of this out-and-back 5 km course is on West Dr on the south side of Guilderland High School. The course proceeds out West Dr to turn L onto School Rd, continues across the intersection with Depot Rd onto Meadowdale Rd, then bears L at Frederick Rd to Mile 1 on Meadowdale Rd and continues to the Turnaround point. The inbound route retraces the outbound route of the course to Mile 2 on Meadowdale Rd and Mile 3 on West Dr just after the turn off School Rd, and continues to the Finish.
I hadn’t run it since 2019 but I did remember that there was a long hill.
Several who were in Summer’s STEM group (that I had mentored) were there. It was pretty emotional. I still get teary-eyed when I think about her.
Back in 2016, it was the STEM runners’ goal race:
Unfortunately, there were no STEM participants running this race as their first 5k. Due to the schedule, their 5k race will be in November.
At the last minute, two of my college friends decided to organize a meet-up. One lives in NJ and so they decided to meet halfway which turned out to be Rhinebeck, NY.
Normally not a problem but this race included a memorial ceremony first and so it didn’t start until 10:00 AM!!
My friends were gracious and allowed me to join them and not meet until 1:30 PM. Still, I was worried about getting stuck in the parking lot until all the runners had finished.
So I parked in a disant lot where I knew I could get out and I brought clothes to change into at my friend’s (who would be driving to Rhinebeck.)
This race is always one of the most organized races I’ve run. After you got your bib, you got a bag labelled with your name with a shirt and other swag. (There was also packet pick up two days before at Fleet Feet which I would have taken advantage of if I weren’t in NYC.)
There were tables with representatives from relevant organizations (alcohol & drug abuse) also giving out freebies.
There were also many many raffle items but I didn’t bid on any this year since I couldn’t stay long enough.
And lots of food…
Before the race (at 9 am), there was a prayer, dedication ceremony and many speeches…
Summer’s mom
followed by a balloon release.
Then purple balloons released for the others who also lost their lives due to drugs or alcohol. Probably not a dry eye in the crowd.
The ceremony was followed by music and a kids race.
I waited around and chatted with many of the runners that I knew.
Kim was one of the runners in Summer’s group
The race’s start was delayed until 10:10.
As you can see, it was very cool before we started the race. I had on a jacket, beanie and gloves.
Then the sun came out and I wisely left my jacket in the car.
Mile 1:
I lined up pretty close to the front since there were many slower runners and walkers in this race. It was not chip-timed (from the start) either.
I just did the best I could. With the chilly temps, no warm up and cranky Achilles, my legs felt like lead at the beginning. I started with a racing friend who said that she wasn’t racing today. It didn’t take long for her leave me in the dust. LOL
There was a lot of support along the course. Friends of the families who lost loved ones to drugs were holding signs in their memory along the whole course. I was glad that I was running to support this charity.
Tyler has won the race each year. His twin Zach had overdosed…
The course was an out and back. It starts slightly uphill but levels out a bit and then when we turn left, there is a steeper hill (but not bad at all).
We turned around at the halfway point and continued on this country road back to the high school. I just tried to maintain a consistent pace but you can see below that I walked several times…
Finally the finish line was in sight, I gave it all I had (which wasn’t much at this point).
I looked at the clock and it said 33:xx.
I was pleased. I knew all the walks would definitely prevent me from having a 2026 PR. I never considered a course PR. In fact, I fully expected a course PW (as I am 7.5 years older)!!!
2026 – 33:05 – PW
2019 – 27:39
2018 – 27:24 – PR
2017 – 27:26
2016 – 28:29
On a positive note, it was NOT a 2026 PW:
- Race of Hope 5k – 32:15
Tropicool 5k – 31:23- Run for Women 5k – 33:02
- Valley Cats Father’s Day 5k – 35:18
- Keep MOO’ving 5k – 36:37
- Silks and Satins 5k – 31:34
- Barn to Bridge 5k – 31:09
Post Race:
I couldn’t stay long unfortunately since there was a lot of good post race refreshments.
I did win my age group (70+) but I didn’t stick around for the awards ceremony.
I told my friend that I would get to her house by 11:00 am and I did!!
had a lovely day in Rhinebeck after the race
Additional Race Reflections:
I was happy to support this charity. Plus the race was so well-organized. There were almost 150 participants. Many who have overcome drug or alcohol addiction.
I am so humbled by the STEM women and others who have overcome adversity. And I am glad to have been a part of their lives.
Positives:
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- Ample parking.
- Well marked course.
- Varied park scenery.
- Indoor restrooms
- Flatish course.
- Immediate results.
- Chocolate milk.
- Many familiar faces.
- Crowd Support
- Great Post-race Refreshments (pizza!)
- Important cause.
- Lots of support
Negatives:
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- No photos
- Same medal as previous years (and no date on it)
- No speedwork to prepare (my fault)
- Cranky Achilles
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. Great organization. Great cause!!!
Final Stats:
Next Up:
Happy Running! What is your favorite charity to support for a race? Do race because of the cause?
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).
and tomorrow:
with co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs
Three days in NYC last week and three days this week.
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