November 9, 2025 –  8:30 am

This is my 9th time running this popular local 15k race.

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.

“fake” happy 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 PW
2020 – cancelled
2021 – 1:35:11
2022 – 1:34:54

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.

This year I had no excuse.

Pre-Race Preparations and Activities:

My last long run felt hard… That did not make me feel super confident for this race.

During the week before the race, I just ran my easy short runs… on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday: and Saturday (yes, it is odd for me to run more than 3 days during the week…)

So I didn’t expect to race this 15k. I just wanted some exercise and to hang out with 1000 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 the rain would leave the forecast.)

Race Day:

The temps were in the 30s when I got up on race morning and it was forecast to only warm up to high 40s and be rainy. 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 decided to carpool with Barbara. We left extra early. The lot that I planned to park in was full but we did find a spot on the street few blocks from the start of the race. It was raining on the drive over and still raining when we walked over 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.

There were over 1000 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 and dry until the race start. We didn’t use the official bag check but just left our 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.

the elevation according to my Garmin in 2022.

Mile 1-3.1:

Believe it or not, it had stopped raining by the time the race was set to start.

I recognized a few runners so I lined up with them. Barbara moved further back.  We agreed to meet near bag check.

I’m there somewhere…

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 was wearing two shirts (and could have even just worn one). It think that it was the humidity that was making me sweat.

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).

photo by David Giacalone (2015)

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.

Mile 3.1-6.2:

By mile 4, I was getting hungry. We were still circling the neighborhoods. There were lots of course marshals directing throughout the course and many enthusiastic spectators.

But the second water stop was not for a while but I finally decided to choke down my Gu (without any water).

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

the women’s winner just cruising along…

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!!

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.

There was a third water stop but much too late in the race.  I never ate my 2nd Gu and just took a quick drink.

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…

from THE DAILY GAZETTE

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 1:41:xx.

I admit that initially I was disappointed…more than 11 minutes off a PR.  Almost 7 minutes slower than the last time and my slowest time for this race

But hey, I wasn’t trying for a PR.  I am older. (I know you all get it…)

Post Race Activities:

Barbara (who rana great race) was waiting for me after I crossed the finish line.

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

This year, the food was again inside at the YWCA, the same area as bag check. I didn’t mention above that my stomach felt off the WHOLE race and I really did not feel well right after.

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

my competition showed up. lol

There were many food options such as fruit, cider donuts, coffee, chocolate milk, pizza, soup.  I slowly ate a little of everything.  We needed to kill time because the road where I parked would be blocked until the race was over.

Eventually we did leave and it was POURING!!!

So lucky that the rain didn’t start until after the race.  For once the rain gods were on my side.

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
• 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
• Big gap between water stop 1 & 2.  Water stop 3 too late.
• Finish line photos of only the faster runners.

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 (1000+), 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:

11/16/25 as a coach/mentor

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 race is not new but I have never run it before.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The City of Albany’s Trick or Trot Pumpkin Run is a great race for all ages, featuring a beautiful Halloween decorated course through Washington Park!

You can run or walk the course and costumes are encouraged. This race features chip timing by ARE Event Productions. All registered runners will receive a wicking fabric shirt.

Warmups and lining up by 3:15pm, race starts at 3:45pm for competitive runners who expect to finish in under 35 minutes and 4:30pm for Fun Run and Walkers who expect to finish in 35+ minutes.

Before the race, enjoy our pre-party event from 12pm – 4pm featuring FREE family friendly entertainment, including free pumpkins, candy, vendors, decorations & DJ.

Following the race, we will host an awards recognition posting of the results featuring age-based divisional awards. Additionally, we will be selecting Best Costume prizes for participating runners.

It seemed like a fun festive race so I signed up.

Big negative:

A 5k that was actually more important was being held on the same day and I registered for that race after I signed up for this one.

dedicated to an old friend/colleague

But as I said above, it seemed like a fun race… so WTH?

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I ran a long run last weekend (7 mi) and a half marathon the weekend before.

I did get in a few short runs during the work week…

And as I mentioned above, I ran a 5k race several hours before this race!

and that race course was super hilly!!!!!!

Race Day:

Since this was the first time that I ran this race, I was not familiar with the course.

But this map was posted:

There was no elevation chart but here’s one from my Garmin:

2 loops

I had picked up my bib the day before.

along with the shirt, you got a can of locally brewed cider

I knew it would be crowded on race day so I took some photos there after I picked up my bib.

they gave away 700 pumpkins on race day

lots of photo ops for families

I left early because I knew that it might be difficult to find on the street parking. I just grabbed a spot and walked to the park.

I arrived at the start in plenty of time so I walked around for a bit surveying the course…

and checking out ALL the costumes…

but I got chilly and so I waited in the lake house. (It was less sunny and windier than in the morning when I ran my earlier 5k.)

There I bumped into a former colleague.

There’s not much to tell with a 1.6 mile looped course but here’s what I remember:

I eventually headed to the start.

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.

So I stood just somewhere in the middle of the pack.  I saw one runner that I knew and we chatted.

The costumes very few elaborate. I wondered how they could run in them.

There  were TWO waves for this race.

The first one started at 3:45 pm and it was for those who planned to finish under 35 minutes. (I obviously chose to run in this wave.) There were about 200 runners.

The second one would start at 4:30 pm for the slower runners and walkers.  It seemed that more people started in the 2nd wave. Their costumes were even crazier.

I did start my Garmin for this race.

At first, my feet felt like I was running in cement boots and my pace was very slow… I wondered if I would finish last.

Those morning hills affected me more than I thought.

The park is not flat but usually I can handle the hills.

Soon my legs loosened up a little and I was able to keep up my slow pace…

The whole course was decorated for Halloween… a fun way to take your mind off the miles.

There was a water stop somewhere during the first mile and the last mile.

Yes, this race had you running the course TWICE.

I have to say that I walked at both water stops and throughout whenever my legs tired (probably on the up hills).

But at least, I had enough energy to sprint through the finish line.

I crossed at 32:XX.

My first thought was “Not Bad” and then I realized that it could have been a running 5K PW.

Or a 2 5k in one day PR. LOL

Post Race Activities:

I headed to the food line which offered fruit and snacks.  They also gave you a small bag of Halloween candy.

I bumped into 2 other older ladies.  It turned out that we were all in the same age group so we stayed around for the awards.

We all won!!

Additional Race Reflections:

It was definitely a fun race. Even more fun for those younger runners who dressed up. And for families who wanted to do a race together.

I prefer to race in the morning and it wasn’t a great idea to run two races in one day.

I doubt that I will repeat this race… but maybe if I can convince friends to join me.

Positives:

• Well organized
• Well marked course
• Cute race shirts
• Some familiar faces.
• Immediate results
• Lots of excited runners, costumes and decorations
• Walkers and slower runners had a later start time

Negatives:

• Afternoon start
• Generic medal as an award
• 2 loops

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race for those who like to dress up on Halloween.

Final Stats:

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