In 2021, this inaugural race was my second local Pandemic race. And it was a five miler at the time.

I signed up again for this 5 mile race in 2022 because I am a sucker for a race, any race.  Many of my friends had lost interest in racing but I knew that I would know many of the runners at the race from past races. It would be fun to re-connect.

Due to construction, ARE had to change the course and now it is a 10k race.  I was pretty sure that the weather would have to be better than in 2022 so I signed up again in 2025.

Not much!!!

Windy, cold with snow squalls!!

My running friend said, at least you can wait inside before the start and so here we are again for this 10k in 2026 hoping for a nice race day…

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

My speedwork has been non-existent and my pace has slowed to a crawl.  The weather has sucked. So I entered the race will zero expectations other than being out there running with other runners.

I did squeeze in a few UAlbany miles during the week between snow and rain…

after my last long run the Saturday before the NYC Half next weekend!!

So technically, this was my half marathon taper.

I decided to wait until race morning to pickup my bib.

This time of year is tricky to decide what to wear. It could be winter frigid or what they call in “fake spring.”  I tried to remember what I used to wear to race at this time of year.  (I seems to have dressing amnesia.)

In the end, I decided on a modified winter outfit and to bring options.

Race Day:

I got up early, had my habitual race breakfast (oatmeal & coffee) and met Deb and Barb at 8am at a nearby park n ride.  Both of them were injured so not running the race but decided to come cheer.  (Love my running friends).

I had been to Mohawk Harbor (where the race started) before but I still wanted to leave early. On the drive over, it started to pour.  That made me nervous because I hadn’t planned on rain.

Luckily it didn’t last long.

We arrived around 8:30 and parked in casino hotel parking garage. (The race didn’t start until 9:30.)

I got my bib (which was right outside) and Heidi’s (who was running the race.)

And it seemed cold so I opted to keep on my warmer A outfit (a mistake!!)

We chatted with some other runners.  We were allowed to wait in the casino hotel and use their restrooms.

There was even a Starbucks.

So we were nice and toasty warm…

We hung out until the last possible moment.

Around 9:25, I had to head to the race start area and shiver with all the other runners.

You were supposed to line up according to the finish time but I spotted my friend Sue (whom I am traveling to Asheville with in 2 weeks) and lined up wit her.

Although it was cloudy, it was actually the best weather this race has had.  Everyone seemed very happy about that.  There were over 1000 runners.

My friend Heidi was returning from an injury so she lined up at the back.  We planned to meet at the end.

The race was advertised as “mostly flat and relatively fast course uniquely includes 2 crossings of the Mohawk River.” But we all know that means there are hills. I really did not remember the course even from last year.

Course Map:

I  wore my Garmin, I didn’t look at it at all during the race since it was only 6.2 miles and there were mile markers.  But I wanted to see my splits afterward.  My goal was to run consistently but not hard. Not slip and fall!!!

I don’t remember the course in detail. What I do remember was that I was OVERDRESSED!  As I said above I have amnesia about what to wear at this time of year.  One day is is single digits and the next, it is 40 degrees.

I was warm from the start so I unzipped my jacket, took off my gloves and wished that I was not wearing a beanie…..

Parts of the course were not  scenic.  You had to run on the sidewalks along traffic.

But most of the course I enjoyed… running in a park, on a bike path and with views of the Mohawk River.

Besides being sweaty, it was slushy, riddled with puddles so it was hard to maintain consistent speed.  At one point, there was lake of water and you had to run through a snow path.  I was so afraid that I was going to fall. (Phew.  I didn’t).

Obviously the start area was very crowded and it continued that way for most of the first mile.

That was probably a good thing for me because I often start out fast.

We were also running uphill for the first few miles.  I tried to run without walking but that didn’t last long.  But for the most part, my walks were when there was a uphill.

We turned off the main road around mile 1.5.

I just trudged along, running when I could and walking when I had to.

Around mile 2.5, we turned again,

I was never running alone which was nice about a big race.

There was a clock I guess at the 5k point (but it was gun time and I don’t think I even looked).

I do remember a few downhills as we headed toward the river. There was a bridge going over the Mohawk River. I continued running slowly. All of sudden, it was windy. Normally I would complain but today it cooled me down.

The bridge was uphill but then there was a nice downhill.

Around mile 5, we ran through the old Stockade area before we hit riverside again.

I continued walking on the uphills…. unless I spotted a photographer. LOL

Finally the finish line was in sight (or close to it).

I spotted Barb and Deb cheering me on so I sprinted as fast as I could.

As I crossed, the RD, Josh (who knows everyone’s name) announced my name.

I glanced at the time (and of course, my first thought was “Wow. That slow?!)

Post Race Activities:

I immediately took off my jacket and hat and grabbed some food -(muffins, fruit, bagels w/ cream cheese and chocolate milk). I didn’t eat anything since I was meeting friends after at a diner. But I did take a cup of coffee.

I heard that a lot runners went to Druthers afterward to enjoy the free beer or ber-mosas.

I planned to go watch and cheer my friend Heidi near the finish line. But all of a sudden, the sky opened up. It was pouring and sleeting.

I quickly headed inside and drank my coffee at Starbucks.

I felt bad for all the runners still on the course as well as the volunteers and spectators.

Luckily it didn’t last long.

And I did catch her finishing.

She was so happy. That first race after an injury is really important.

There were no age group awards for this race

Of course I did go online check to see my net time.

But we needed to get going since we were meeting others at a nearby diner for brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

This was the first real local race of 2026.  It was so great to be out there and soak up the racing atmosphere again. Now if only, we could get some sunshine for a race… (and I could dress appropriately).

Positives:

• Discount to ARE members
• Part of 3 Race Challenge
• Optional race shirt.
• Participant manual and lots info before the race
• Ample parking.
• Real restrooms (in Casino Hotel)
• Dry, warm place to hang out before and after the race.
• Well marked course.
• Varied scenery including river views.
• I didn’t get wet.
• Lots of course marshals.
• Well organized.
• Familiar faces.
• Free photos.
• Post-race food.
• FREE Beer and ber-mosas at Druthers.

Negatives:

• No water stops (in this weather though, it was not necessary)
• The slush, puddles, etc.
• No age group awards.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes.

It was super well-organized. Special attention was paid to EVERY detail. It will be even more fun when it is sunny and no threat of rain so runners could hang out outside after the race.

Final Stats:

Obviously this was almost a 10k PW.  I could blame my clothing, the puddles, etc.. But we all know it’s that I’m slowing down…

In fact, I was pleased with my time.  I wasn’t expecting much.  I did exactly what I had planned.  Just ran… slowly. I wasn’t ever tired. My feet didn’t hurt. My lower back felt good. Woo Hoo!

So I definitely think I could have run faster. But there didn’t seem to be a reason to.  No age group awards.  It was slippery. I was just running for me and because it makes me feel good to race. And it’s definitely more fun to share to the experience with your friends.

Next Up:

I plan to run the United NYC Half Marathon on Sunday!