This is my 10th time running this popular local 15k race. And the race’s 50th anniversary.

I ran it for the first time in 2011 and it was my FIRST 15k race ever. I was glad to just finish and I did in 1:36:08. I was injured in 2012 and then I ran it again in 2013.

With 1500-2000 runners in this race, they were forced to make some changes to the course.

It no longer starts and ends in Central Park. It also starts earlier – 8:30 am

Well, I loved the new course and my finish times improved for the most part until 2019.  I blamed the marathon that year. Now I blame OLD age. LOL:

2014 – 1:33:23
2015 – 1:31:23
2016 – 1:32:49
2018 – 1:30:15 PR
2019 – 1:36:37
2020 – cancelled
2021 – 1:35:11
2022 – 1:34:54
2025 – 1:41:27 PW

In 2019, they modified the course slightly. They eliminated the bike path at the beginning of the race (which I did like because you ran along the Mohawk River and it was dirt so easy on the feet).)

Because I had run a marathon the week before in 2023 and 2024, I skipped this race.

Last year and this year I had no excuse.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

With my NYC work trips and my Achilles issues, I did not feel super confident for this race.

During the week before the race, I just ran my easy short runs… on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

I didn’t expect to race this 15k. I just wanted some exercise and to hang out with 1200+ of my running friends.

I picked up my bib and race shirt at Fleet Feet the day before (although it really wasn’t necessary.)

I had my pre-race pizza that night and got together my #flatme (hoping the weather would be good.)

Race Day:

The temps were in the high 40s when I got up on race morning and drizzling. The rain was supposed to stop and it was forecast to only warm up to the 50s I hate this time of year. It’s so difficult to dress correctly. I was glad bag check had returned so I could bring extra clothes for after and in case I changed my mind or I was wet.

Even though I’ve been to this race several times before, I left extra early. I usually park on the street but this year due to construction, I wound up in the parking  garage which was a short walk to the YMCA.

One of the things that I love about this race (since they changed the course) is there are two floors at the YMCA where you could wait inside, check a bag and use the “real” restrooms. Except that this year, they wouldn’t let the runners use the restrooms.  Even those like myself who are YMCA members!!

There were over 1200 runners on those two floors in addition to outside so I didn’t connect with as many friends as I normally do but I see a few that I recognized.

So we stayed downstairs to keep warm until the race stared. I didn’t use the official bag check but just left a bag along a nearby wall (as many runners also did).

The 2023 course map:

The course starts near Veterans Park in downtown Schenectady. The course travels west on State Street for 1K before entering the historic Stockade District and proceeding on a scenic bike path in Riverside Park along the Mohawk River. The course exits the Stockade District after crossing Erie Blvd. The course then proceeds east on Nott Street past Union College before entering the historic GE Plot residential neighborhood via Lenox Ave, Douglas Rd and Rugby Rd. The course exits Rugby Road and proceeds north on Waverly Place near the 5K mark. The course turns east off Waverly and follows Grand Blvd to the city boundary with Niskayuna, then proceeds south on Dean Street to Central Parkway past 8k. After a 1K residential loop on Central Parkway, the course enters beautiful Central Park and follows a bike path around Iroquois Lake and Duck Pond before reaching its highest elevation near 12K. The final 3k is mostly downhill or flat as the course exits Central Park and proceeds west through historic Vale Cemetery and Vale Park before a final downhill section on Franklin Street to the finish at City Hall.

Mile 1-3.1:

Believe it or not, it had stopped raining by the time the race was set to start (and it never started up again.)

I recognized a few runners so I lined up with them.

The race started running down commercial State Street.

It was fairly flat but very crowded. I quickly lost my friends and just weaved my way through the crowd.

Soon, we turned and entered the Stockade (oldest) section of town.

Although it was chilly, I instantly warmed up and even felt overdressed.  I eventually took off my gloves and rolled up my DIY arm warmers. I’m glad that I left my jacket behind as it neve rained. It think that it was the humidity that was making me sweat. But as we continued on the course, the winds picked up and I was glad for those long sleeves.

After the Stockade area, we ran past Union College and around various residential neighborhoods. I also stopped at the first water stop even though I was not thirsty at all. (Yay for a walk break).

The hills were relentless. Why do I not remember them from previous years? Not rolling hills, just running up, it seemed.

I knew a lot of runners in this race. They kept catching up to me, we’d chat and then they would go on ahead. That was ok with me. I was determined to run at my own pace and have a stress-free race.

I walked whenever I was tired (way too often) and definitely ALL the up hills. I tried to make up time by running fast on the down hills  (why did they not seem often?)

I recognized one of my running friends who was course marshal… she yelled my name and took a photo.

Mile 3.1-6.2:

By mile 4, I was getting thirsty (but no water stop in sight yet.). We were still circling the neighborhoods. There were lots of course marshals directing throughout the course and many enthusiastic spectators.

Around the  high school or mile 5, I high fived two more friends who were course marshals.

Around mile 6, we entered Central Park with its rolling hills, lake, and pretty foliage. More hills to walk up (and sprint down), of course, but not too bad.  The worst was yet to come. And finally a second water stop!!

This is when the wind really picked up.  I think we were running into the wind for the rest of the race (at least it felt that way.)

Mile 6.2-9.4:

Between mile 7 and 8 is where the BIG hills were. I walked up them for the most part. They were steep but at least short. Many of the runners at this point were struggled up these hills or walking.  We laughed/groaned together. (I may repeated to myself many times “Why didn’t you train for hills!?”)

There was a third water stop but much too late in the race.  But I did take a quick drink. Though there were only 3 water stops, they were I think 2 unofficial ones…

We proceeded to run through the cemetery.  Most of it was downhill. Yay! But my legs had it by this time. My lower back had been achy for miles… But the Achilles and neuroma felt OK 🙂

Eventually we left the cemetery and ran through Vale Park before heading DOWNHILL on Franklin St to the finish line at city hall.

One of reasons I love this race is that finish.

I ran as fast as I could but I had lost quite a bit of time with the walks and the hills.

I saw that I crossed at 1:47:xx.

I admit that initially I was disappointed….  Almost 6 minutes slower than last year and my slowest time for this race

But hey, I wasn’t trying for a good finish time.

My goal was to finish and that’s what I did.

Post Race Activities:

They was no more bottles of water or Gatorade at the finish.  (Those poor back or the packers..)

I also realized that I never ate anything during the race… my two Gus were still in my pocket… and I could have used some of their energy…

I was now sweaty and chilled so I immediately walked back the YMCA.

This year, the food was again inside at the YWCA, the same area as bag check.

I checked the results and as expected, I did not win anything.

There were many food options such as fruit, cider donuts, coffee, chocolate milk, pizza, soup.  I slowly ate a little of everything.

I chatted with some of my racin freineds that Ididn’t catch before the race…

Additional Race Reflections:

Sure, I’d love to have those speedier legs return. I’m not sure they ever will but I do not plan to stop racing because my finish times are slower. I loved seeing all those runners that I only chat with at races.  I love the racing atmosphere and the challenge it always brings.

Positives:

• Ample parking (garage, lots, streets).
• Well marked course.
• Great running weather.
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Bag Check.
• Interesting course (through the historic part of the city, neighborhoods, park, cemetery).
• Downhill finish.
• Friendly and abundant number of volunteers.
• Chocolate milk, soup, pizza among other staples post-race
• free drinks/snacks at nearby bars
• Crowd support
• The electric atmosphere.
• Instant results
• Free photos
• Indoor place to gather before and after.
• Gender-specific shirt

Negatives:

• Hills during miles 7-8
• The wind!
• 15k=9.3 miles yet most watches registered 9.4-9.5
• Water & Gatorade ran out for later finishers
• Indoor restrooms not available

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. It’s a great way to see this city…a little bit of everything.  I would recommend that you train on hills. lol

Final Stats:

I did enjoy this race. The course was so varied that it also took your mind off the hills. With the large number of runners (1250+), I felt like I was always running with others and it kept me going.

Yes, it was hilly. The first half had a lot more hills but they were manageable. The second half had fewer hills but they were steeper.

The best part of the race was that I didn’t put it all out there. I walked when I was feeling tired and tried to remember to treat it like a run. And nothing hurt after!!

This race is definitely on my must-do list. It was very well organized. Maybe all the stars will be aligned next year and I’ll get a faster finish time … (but probably not. LOL)

Next Up:

Happy Running! Did you race recently? If so, how did it go? Do you ever run 15ks? Do you like them? Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

---

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Jenny (RunnersFly) and Jenn (Runs with Pugs).

---

and tomorrow:

I’m also linking up with: co-hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs

 

 

 

 

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.

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…

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.

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.

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!!

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:

• • 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:

• • 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: