The 4th year for this race.  A downhill course.  A familiar route!! Only several miles from my home.

How could I not sign up again??

Big negative:

I was training for a half marathon the next weekend and needed at least a 8 mile long run that day.

Nevertheless, I decided to run the race as a fun run and figure a way to get in more miles, as well.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Not much preparation for this 5k…

I ran a 10k last weekend (instead of a 12 mile long run.)

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

But yesterday, I took the day off to rest… No, to go hiking!!

Needless to say, I was pooped and seriously considered staying in bed.

Here is the description of the race from the website:

The race extends from the Hilton Barn area of New Scotland to the finish line across the bridge in Slingerlands. The race kicks off the Fall Fest at the Slingerlands trailhead that will feature live musical performances, food trucks and vendors, as well as fun games and activities as participants come down the home stretch. Shuttle service will be available. T-shirts and one free meal ticket for all participants. Awards for top 3 overall Male/Female. 

Race Day:

I had my standard breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. I guess I’m a creature of habit.

Since the race didn’t start until 11 am, my plan was to run to the start, then run the 5k race, hang out with friends and then run back to my car… that would be my 8-10 mile taper long run (as half marathon was the following week).

Perfect, right?

And I did just what I planned pre-race.

Since I ran this race three times already, I was familiar with the course (as pictured below)

Race Course (according the web site)

There was no elevation chart but now I have one from my Garmin:

I arrived at the start in plenty of time.

I got my bib.

I bumped into many friends. We chatted and took a few pics.

The weather was beautiful like the first year and last year…

Unlike two years ago when it RAINED!!

There’s not much to tell with only 3.1 miles but here’s what I remember.

Can it be called a “race” recap if I didn’t race? LOL.

Mile 1: 

This race was chip timed so it didn’t matter where I started.  And there were not going to be any age group awards for me.

Plus I was already tired from my 5 mile pre-race run…

So I stood just somewhere in the middle of the pack.

Although it was advertised as starting at the barn and going downhill from there on the rail trail, you actually had to run around the nearby neighborhood (in order to get to 3.1 miles by the parking lot).

At first, my feet felt like I was running in cement boots and my pace was very slow…

And running through the neighborhood, it was not down hill yet…It didn’t seem to bother the leaders.  Many were running at a 5 minute pace.  I think the winner actually finished the race with an under 5 minute pace.

The only positive part about circling the neighborhood was that I could run the tangents…

Eventually you did enter the rail trail and yes, it was oh so slightly downhill but at least there were no uphills.

Soon my legs loosened up and I was able to up my pace…

Mile 2: 

I believe the first year, there were no water stops but this year there was one around mile 2.

It started to feel very summer-like.  I was thirsty and so I stopped for a drink.

Believe it or not, this was my FIRST walk… You may remember from previous races that I walk often… even during a 5k.

Today for some reason, I felt stronger.

Mile 3 – 3.1: 

I started to tire during the last mile and my pace slowed a bit but I was determined to keep running and not walk!

Eventually you could hear the crowd cheering (there was little crowd support on the course at all due to being on the rail trail.

I could see the finish line ahead and sprinted through it as Josh (the RD) called my name.

My running friend Barb (and grandson) were there, as well as, my BFF.

Post Race Activities:

I grabbed some water and an apple and headed to get my shirt and food coupon.

Then I went back to the finish line to cheer Heidi in.

This race was also part of a Fall Festival put on by the county.

In a nearby park, there were information tables (they even gave out many freebies.)

I hung out with my BFF for a while.

I picked up some freebies (that I gave to Heidi) and even a free hot dog, cookie, shot of flavored vodka.

My running friends went to get some food from the food trucks…and so I joined them.  The wait was forever so we ordered our food and went exploring.

Still waiting so we resorted to a free hamburger.  Eventually our food came and I only had the drink and fries (brought the rest home to my hubby).  But we sat and listened to the band (that was excellent) enjoying the beautiful weather.

Unfortunately I needed to get back to my car… a LONG HOT 2.5 miles away.  I dragged myself there (running some but mostly walking).

Additional Race Reflections:

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this race. If I am around, I will probably run it again next year.

The past few years, I’ve mostly focused on half marathons but maybe next year, I will try to work on my 5k speed.

I doubt I’ll ever PR again. But I’d like to go back to sub-30 finish times.  But I need to either train to get faster or pace myself better so I don’t die during the last mile.

However, I am happy to be healthy, to be running regularly and interacting with others.

If my race times slow down, so be it.

Positives:

• Well organized
• Participant guide provided beforehand
• Inexpensive ($10)
• Well marked course
• Shuttle to the start from the finish and vice versa.
• Cute race shirts
• Lots of familiar faces.
• Downhill course
• Immediate results
• One free meal ticket for all participants.
• Free hamburgers & hot dogs
• Entertainment after.

Negatives:

• I could run here for FREE!
• Late start (11 am)
• Weird age group awards (top 3 and 0-35, 35-55?)
• Long wait for food
• No photos

Would I recommend this race?

Yes!!  A good race to try for a 5K PR.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s an interesting story behind this race.

Early in my running life, in 2010, I mentored a group of women who wanted to run a 5k. I had already run several 5ks at that point.

After their 5k, they signed up for a 10k. I had never run that far nor did I intend to but they begged me to run it with them. It was the Great Pumpkin Challenge 10k.

Right before the race, I had a terrible migraine (and never had one since) and wound up in the ER with scary high blood pressure.

I was so disappointed (and pissed) that the next day, I signed up for my first half marathon.  (My motto was “Life is too short. Just do it!”)

And I ran it in January of 2011 (I told no one but my hubby that I was doing it since I was afraid that I would fail). Says the runner who has since run over 70 of them. LOL)

So I guess this race was a turning point for me.  I realized that you are capable of more than you think.

I went back to eventually run the Pumpkin Challenge 10k.  In fact, I ran it 4 times from 2014-2017.

In fact, many of my local running friends used to do this race with me. They did not this year:(

I remembered that each time that I ran the 10k, I had wished that I could stop after the 5k.  The 5k was rather flat and the 10k was all hills.

So in 2022, I returned to the race but decided to run the 5k and even won an age group award.

Due to marathon training, I skipped the race in 2023 and 2024 but I signed up again this year.

I needed to run a longer distance than the 5k and the 10k was the same price as the 5k. In addition, my next half would hilly.  The 2nd half of this race is hilly.

My 10K PR is 57:03 and as you can see above, I was in the ballpark those years but this year, no way!

My 2025 10k times are now pretty slow! (March – 1:09:42, June – 1:07:18, Sept – 1:07:12).

My hope for the race was enjoy it, to finish uninjured and have enough in the tank to run more miles after the race. (My next half marathon is 2 weeks away!!)

But you never know.  If the other old ladies didn’t show up, I could maybe win an AG award.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Surprisingly I had time to run several short runs during week.

My legs felt pretty good even though I had run 11 miles the weekend before.

Race Day:

The race takes place in Saratoga State Park which is a beautiful place to run especially in the fall.

The weather in the fall is very unpredictable. It could be warm and then it could be cold.

Not knowing what the weather will do makes it hard to dress. I’m not ready to dress for winter. (I am wearing that skirt as long as I can stand it.)

I planned to wear that same orange race shirt, a skirt and compression socks and then wear a jacket to leave behind and put on after the race.

When I got up it was almost 60 so I changed to a tee shirt but almost tempted to wear a tank one last time (and should have  – it was humid!!!).

This is a very popular race. They usually get about 1500 runners. So I left for the race early in case I had to park where I needed to get a shuttle to the start. The race was to start at 9:30 and I got there at 8:15 am.

I didn’t park in the parking lot near the finish line since it is always so congested.  Instead I parked in one where there were real restrooms and I had to walk to the start. I parked there last time.

As soon as I got out of my car, I realized how warm/humid it was. I wished I had worn a tank.

I picked up my race bib and shirt…

This was the 25th anniversary of this race…

I voted for my favorite pumpkin…

Then I chatted with the other runners. There were many runners that I knew there.

Some runners dressed up costumes though not as many as past years. The two below were my favorites:

The I just walked around waiting for the race to begin…

I had plenty of time to walk back to my car, change my shirt…(even though it was a hike).

Finally it was time for the race to start.

I forgot how long a walk it was to the start…

I lined up alone. Both the 5k runners and 10k runners started together. I started not too far back because it was crowded and there were a lot of walkers doing the 5k.

This race for me can be divided into two parts: The first 5K and the second 5k.

Course:

The start of the race is between the Columbia and Ferndell pavilions on the North-South road. Runners will run north past the toll building and will make a left onto the Roosevelt Bath Drive for several hundred feet and then  make a right onto the stone path that rectangles the entire grassy mall area. The path goes by the Administrative building with the reflecting pools in the center, to the far end by the Avenue of the Pines and around the path past the Hall of Springs, ending by the Roosevelt Bath’s. A right is then taken at the end of the path onto the road continuing to the end of the parking lot and through a gate leading into SPAC. Runners will continue on the paved path bearing left and will cross over the bridge (2-way traffic) and through the gates that leads around
the right side of the SPAC Box office, you will then head south along the edge of the SPAC parking lot. Approximately 2/3 way down the lot, the runners will make a right, left, left (see map) around the edge of the lot as preparing to funnel into a relatively tight area on the course. The runners will enter the paved path going up and around the Coesa Pavilion and will circle around on the pavement which will connect on the park road taking a left with Hathorn Pavilion to your right. Runners will re-enter the bottom of the SPAC parking lot and will stay on the paved path heading back to the SPAC box office (staying to the right), through the entrance gates and over the Bridge (2-way traffic) on the road and will bear to the right and leave the SPAC grounds, heading back on Roosevelt Bath Drive and taking a right onto North-South Road and back to the Columbia Pavilion to the finish for the 5k’ers. The 10k’ers will continue on the North-South Road and take a left onto East-West road heading east past the toll building to the turnaround (where large park map is located- near the entrance to Route 9). From the turnaround, runners will continue going the opposite direction going west on East-West Road past the Peerless Pool and Carlsbad Pavilion. They will make a right at the top of the hill heading down past the Hathorn Pavilion continuing down the hill and around the loop passing Geyser Area and will reenter the East-West Road taking a left. Runners will go up the hill and take a left onto North-South Road and will finish the 10k at the Columbia Pavilion.

Map:

Miles 1-3:

The 5k had a few inclines but was basically flat.

I wanted to take it slow so I wouldn’t die the second (and hiller) half. So though I didn’t do any run/walk intervals, I did walk at each mile.

And I also stopped at the water stop and walked around mile 1.5.

I love running in this park. It is so pretty.

The 5k ended and my time was around 31 minutes. Slow compared to the past but where I am currently so I was happy.

Due to heat/humidity, it still exhausted me and we hadn’t hit the hills yet.

Miles 4-6.2

At this point, I was sweating and the rest of the course was filled with hills. I tried to run up them but was pretty unsuccessful. So I walked many times during the second half of the race … during every hill.

I also stopped and walked at the water stops.

Well, by the end, I had no energy… at all… and the biggest hill was 1/2 mile before the finish line…GRRR!!!

I really wasn’t paying attention to the time on my watch and I walked one last time on the last turn and saw that the clock said 1:05:xx which was faster than I expected.

Yes, a BIG course PW.  But a 2025 10k PR.  Grateful for small victories!!

Post Race Activities:

I spent some time talking for a couple my age from Mass about races and age, etc.

Then I headed to get food. The line was long but moved quickly. There was fruit, bagels, lots of delicious homemade goodies (cookies, apple, pumpkin, zucchini breads, etc.) and hot chocolate. Everything was so good!

It was getting late and I had planned to meet friends to run more miles so I looked for the race results.

By this point, I had lost my mojo to run 6 more miles or any more miles.

I walked back to my car and drove to my friends who had already finished their long runs and were having brunch.

Additional Race Reflections:

The weather was warmer than usual for this time of year but could have been worse.

I always enjoy the race atmosphere.  This one did not disappoint.

My finish time was slower than my past times on this course but that was not unexpected. I’d love to be back finishing sub 60 minute 10ks.

Not thinking that will happen but it may if I could run negative splits. (however that never seems to happen as well).

Just happy to be to out there. and healthy enough to run.

I am glad that I didn’t settle for a 5k and took the challenge.

There are many 5ks but not many 10ks around here.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• Varied park scenery.
• Both 5k and 10 options.
• Virtual option offered.
• Indoor restrooms nearby
• Flatish 5k course.
• Immediate results.
• Great age groups award swag
• Lots of homemade baked goods
• Hot coffee pre race
• Fireplace to stay warm (if needed)
• Lots of familiar races.
• Costume option

Negatives:

• Late start (9:30)
• Hills if you choose the 10k

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization. You may be able to PR for the 5k but the 10k would be a challenge.

I will probably sign up again for the 10k next year.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

A local 5k:

Happy Running!! Have you run any fall-themed races?  Do you prefer 5ks or 10ks?  Do you combine a race with a training long run?   Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

---

I signed up for this race because:

• I had a free hotel room.
• I could combine this NYC trip with a college reunion that day.
• I like Governor’s Island.
• It offered a 10k option and there are not many 10ks.
• I ran this route in August 2024 and needed a re-do (with cooler temps).

Here’s cool fun fact:

The race is called the “Squirrel Stampede” because Governors Island was originally called Nutten Island by the Dutch way back in the 1600s for it’s abundance of nut trees. (Squirrels love nuts, right?)

I’ve run two races before on Governor’s Island.

A 5k back in 2018.

Then in August last year, I ran a 10k on GI on a very hot day..

So I was familiar with the logistics and the ferry.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

The day before the race, I arrived by train in Manhattan and filled the day with many sights: 911 Memorial, Little Italy, Battery City Park, Metropolitan Museum of Art, meetup with Cari…

Don’t ask me how many miles I put on my legs .. LOL.

I carb loaded with pasta at lunch and for dinner Cari and I had gelato.

Eventually I took the subway back to my hotel, got my stuff ready for the next day and tried unsuccessfully to get a good night’s sleep..

Here is the description of the race and the course map:

Enjoy a picturesque tour of Governors Island with amazing views of New York Harbor and the greatest city in the world! The 10K is two loops of the island.

Entry to the NYCRUNS Squirrel Stampede 10K includes ferry rides for you and your family/friends, your race-entry, an official race shirt and some tasty post-race eats (no nuts)!

Race Day:

I got up before I needed to and had coffee and oatmeal in my hotel room. Although the race did not start until 9 am, they suggested that you take the 7 am or 7:30 am ferry.

I left my hotel around 6:30 am, hopped on the subway.

The sun was now out and it was starting to get warm. UGH!

I just missed getting on the 7 am ferry (it only holds 290 persons) but that was fine since I was planning on the 7:30 one.

The line got longer and longer (we joked that it may have stretched to the Brooklyn Bridge since there were about 700 runners for this race not counting families and spectators).

It was a nice quick ride.

As soon as we arrived, we remembered that there were real restrooms.  Always a great race perk.

Then I followed signs toward the race start.

It wasn’t a short walk but lots to view (old buildings, forts, Manhattan skyline).

Eventually I arrived at the starting area.

I picked up my shirt (You could wait until after but doubtful to get your size).

Bag check was very organized so I left my shirt there…

Then I walked around checking out the logistics. I ate some pretzels since it had been a while since my breakfast.

and eventually taking a seat and chatting with other runners while waiting for the race to begin.

Eventually it was time to enter my corral…

I had loved the course in the past and was excited to do this race…

As you can see from the map, the course winds around the island.. TWICE.  There were rolling hills throughout but nothing steep.

I am not going to give a mile by mile recap of the race (as I normally do).

I was determined to run the early miles slower than usual (no 9 min. miles) and not die for the second half of the race.

And I did for the most part but still it was warm and humid and the 2nd half of the race was hard.

I only walked at the mile markers and the water stops at the beginning.

The hills as I said were not steep but annoying because it was so sunny and the trees provided zero shade.

As a result, I ran slower each mile and I just walked when I felt I needed to…

But obviously I did and so I walked A LOT.

The views were great and island scenery varied.

And I seesawed with a younger couple as we egged each other on during the last mile (You can see below that it helped.)

And I finished!!! And not a course PW!!

This was the only squirrel that I saw… LOL

Post Race Activities:

I was soooo sweaty.  I headed to bag check and immediately changed into a dry shirt (the race shirt).

Then I grabbed a bagel, pretzels and an apple and beeline to the ferry.

And we waited and waited and waited… In the sun.  I was dying.  At least I had a bagel to eat.

Eventually the ferry arrived, emptied, loaded and we arrived back in Manhattan.

I ran to the subway.  I had to rush back to my hotel, shower, change, check out and meet my friends for a quick lunch before seeing a Broadway show and dinner.

A very long day (as I arrived home by bus around midnight) but worth it.

Additional Race Reflections:

Definitely a tough one but hey, I did it. And it wasn’t as challenging as the last time I ran this course.

Last year I finished this course (but it was hotter) 8 minutes slower!!!

I ran the Mini 10k this year about the same (though that race was HILLY).

No matter what, racing for me is always enjoyable (at least a few hours afterward.)

Positives:

• Bibs mailed (if you are a NYCRUNS member).
• Free ferry.
• Shirts distributed before and after the race.
• Real restrooms,
• Organized bag check.
• Nuun at the water stops.
• 4 Water Stops (2 that you pass twice)
• Well marked course.
• Scenic views.
• Bagels (and cream cheese) after the race.
• Free Massages after and before.
• Free MarathonFoto pics.

Negatives:

• 10 year age group awards (and none after 70)
• Little shade
• Warm & humid temps
• Arriving too early
• Having to rush back to my hotel
• Long waits for the ferry.

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. And if I lived in NYC, I would run this course again as it is offered by NYCRUNS several times a year..

There was a lot of enthusiasm and runners of all ages.

I would recommend hanging out on the island after the race and exploring.

Final Stats:

 

 

 

This race used to be one of my favorites. Not because the director, Paul Loomis, reads my blog or that my stepson works at Global Foundries, one of the sponsors of the race. But because of the easy parking, indoor restrooms, post race chocolate milk, generous age group awards, lots of familiar faces to run with and its flawless organization.  For these reasons and more, I kept coming back.

This was my 8th time running the 5k. So you can say that I was familiar with this course. I skipped 2017-2020 but I did run it in 2022 and 2022 and now again. At one time, they even added a 10k.

The course itself is not very exciting…you are running around chip plants not once but but twice during the race. The loops let you see the fast runners and all those runners that are behind you. And though there are a few uphills and downhills, it’s basically flat so no complaints.

For my first two years of running this race, I was recovering from injuries (a broken ankle and then a broken foot.) I finished in 29:53 and 29:49 and was thrilled with a sub-30 minute time. In 2014 and 2015, I was healthy and so I improved my time to 28:47 and 28:56. Finally I got a course PR in 2016 and finished in 27:30. As I mentioned, I took a break and in 2021 when I ran it, I finished in 28:04 and in 2022 28:46 .

However, my hope for the race this year was to finish uninjured and have enough in the tank to run more miles after the race. (My next half marathon is 5 weeks away!  )

Based on my recent 5k efforts (all around 31-32  minutes), I had no PR dreams as old age has set in. LOL. But if the other old ladies didn’t show up, I could maybe win an AG award.

Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:

Due to my sleep and rash issues, there was not running during the week.

My legs felt pretty good even though it was only a week after running 13.1 miles.

Packet pick-up was on Thursday and Friday at the local Fleet feet store but it wasn’t worth the long drive so I decided to arrive early and pick it up on race day.

Race Day:

The forecast was for cooler weather and sunshine. Perfect running weather for the second weekend in a row. Hope this is a trend.

I got there early to get parking and did get a spot in the parking lot right near the exit.  I’m glad I got there when I did because the lots really filled up quickly. There seemed to be more runners this year.

As I’ve mentioned, it is very well-organized – signs for the race, indoor and outdoor bathrooms.

Race day packet pick-up was between 7-8 am. If you paid an extra $10, you a long sleeved shirt. I opted not to buy a shirt.

The 5k race started at 8:30 am. So I walked around to shake out the legs.

There was food, drinks and freebies set up. I grabbed a bag and filled it with some useful stuff.

This was a welcome sight:

I bumped into quite a few runners that I knew:

Finally I headed to the start line.

I remembered that although it was chip-timed, awards were given according to gun time.  So I moved up but of course, not too close to the starting line.

Mile 1:

As usual, I tried to start out slow but didn’t.  It again was my fastest mile and the only one where I didn’t have to walk during.

I was able to run until the mile 1 sign and then I walked.

Mile 2:

The course goes straight for about 1.5 miles and then loops back.  There was a water stop during this mile that you passed twice.

Halfway through this mile we turned right and ran uphill. Not a steep hill but they always feel hard to me. I tried not to walk until the mile 2 sign but I’m pretty sure that I had to stop. I think it was at the water stop.

This part of the course is nice because you get to see the faster runners and then you loop back and see the slower runners.

It was downhill for a bit until we turned.

Mile 3-3.1:

As usual, I was petering out. And since rain was predicted for later, it was quite humid.

So I walked at the 2nd water stop. Then I got back my energy for a while until I neared the finish line.

I was dragging but did my best to sprint through the finish line (as the timing director called out my name.)

I was surprised to see 30:xx as I hit the finish line.. I had expected much worse.

After you crossed the finish line, they gave you a sticker.

Post Race:

The refreshments were outside again this year. I grabbed some chocolate milk and fruit and chatted while waiting for the results to be posted.  If I didn’t win, I wanted to take off so I could get in some more miles before meeting friends for brunch..

When I ran this race (in 2016), everyone got a small bottle of champagne and a gift card to a restaurant. For 2nd place, it was to the Recovery Room restaurant and for $50. In 2021, there was no awards ceremony and if you won an award, you had to pick it up at the local Fleet Feet store. It was gift card but I never picked it up. In 2022, I won 3rd place that year and received a Starbucks metal water bottle, a bottle of champagne and a medal.. (I think I got my $ worth!)

I won my age group this year and the prize was a medal and a gift card to a wine/liquor store.

After I got my award, I left and drove to the Zim Smith bike path. (It was close to the race so my friends picked it as their running meet-up.)

Unfortunately the awards ceremony took longer than expected and I was only had time for 3 miles before our brunch meeting time. (I had hoped for 6…)

Additional Race Reflections:

The weather was lovely.  I always enjoy the race atmosphere.  This one did not disappoint.

My finish time was slower than previous years but that was not unexpected. Another course PW. BUT it was my fastest 5k  of 2025!!!

I’d love to be back finishing 5ks in 27-28 minutes.

Not thinking that will happen but it may if I could run negative splits or a more even pace.

Oh well, there will be more 5k races. Just happy to be to out there and healthy enough to run.

Positives:

• Ample parking.
• Well marked course.
• A no shirt option (at a lower cost)
• Discounted price if you are over 70.
• Participant manual provided several days before the race.
• Indoor restrooms
• Flatish course.
• Immediate results.
• Chocolate milk.
• Free swag
• Great age groups award swag
• Great cause (1st responders – $40K)

Negatives:

• None except that the course was a little boring…

Would I recommend this race?

Yes. Great organization.

Final Stats:

Next Up:

A 10k on Sept 13:

Happy Running! Did you run or race this past weekend? Any Fall races on your schedule yet? Do you enjoy 5ks?

Please share.

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida (The Running Teacher) 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