
Photo by Mary Thurman
Tawasentha Park, in Guilderland, is one of the prettiest parks to run a 5k. But don’t let the beauty fool you, it’s one of the toughest 5k races in our area. There are no medals, no shirts, no fanfare (and no fee if you’re a member of HMRRC) just a small group of serious runners that take this course on. The downhills are just as challenging as running the uphills. The beauty is the trail part of the race. After the first two hills you cruise through a wide trail, where if you want to pass someone, this is it. It gets narrower and more challenging as you go. Roots, rocks, a small bridge and then just a single pass to run. After this you are up and down the steepest hills, too many to count. Then there’s the Normanskill Creek to cross and the rope climb up a hill, made muddier from those in front of you. There are no PR’s here, but I did finish second in my AG. First and second place winners get to pick from the prize table which can include anything from deodorant to chocolate chip cookies. The group of runners is small, generally around 50. Lots of High School runners, maybe preparing for their season. I do it for the training. It’s so challenging. I often say, “Why do you do this to yourself?” It’s for the love we all have for running, competing and finishing.
Editor’s note – This article was first featured in the Kinderhook Road Runner’s Newsletter under the section “Runs we love” and is being shared with HMRRC in the PaceSetter with the permission of Kinderhook Road Runners. Thank you for your support and enthusiasm for the HMRRC Summer Trail Run Series!