Pace Setter : July 2023

August Trail Running in the Capital Region

by David Roy

                                                         Landis Arboretum

When I was new to trail running, I missed the first couple of years of the Landis Arboretum 5k because I didn’t know it was out there. The same was true of the Escarpment Trail Run which is a whole other level of trail running, but my point is that often we end up traveling for something that was available in our own backyard. In August, I’ll take a trail run over a road race any day of the week and these are the most notable August trail runs.

Landis Arboretum Forest 5K Forest Run – Aug 12, 2023

Thacher Trail Running Festival - Aug 20, 2023 –50K, 26.2M, 13.1M, 10K trail runs

There are 3 Club Races Series:

• Tawasentha XC 5K – HMRRC kicks off this 3 event 5K series on August 7th, at Tawasentha Park.
• Saratoga Stryders Camp Saratoga 5K - Aug 7* Aug 14* Aug 21* Aug 28 at Wilton Wildlife Preserve.
• ARE's Summer Trail Run Series. (Which on Aug 3 will be at Landis on the trail racecourse)

The Landis Arboretum Forest 5K in Esperance, NY, in its 17th year, is a great introduction to trail running. For $25 (early registration) it offers a timed race, with a shirt, age group awards and refreshments. In addition, it is a great place to bring the family and picnic in the many groves. 

Race Director Dave Roy said this about it:

The Landis 5K Perennial Forest Run is a nice introduction to trail running. It has a varying terrain that keeps it interesting. It’s not super technical, but you have to pay attention. “Obstacles” are marked with orange paint for the newbies. The race has something for everyone. There are the steep sections, both up and downhill. None of them are terribly long but you may find yourself walking them or feeling a little “burn” if you are pushing yourself. It isn’t an easy course, if you “want it” you will have to work for it and don’t expect a PR. It is a race and there is competition for the awards, but there are plenty of people who take it easy and run it just to take in the scenery or run with their friends.

                                    Aaron Major and Jon Lindenauer

Helpful Links

• 2022 Race recaps by Aaron Major and Jon Lindenauer
• Landis 5k Article by David Roy
• Landis 5K Course Video
• Landis Arboretum Forest Run Registration

So, as you can see, there are many great trail runs to be had in August. Have fun!

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