17 Local Road & Trail Races

17 Local Road & Trail Races … carefully curated for road runners & weekend warriors The 2017 road race and trail season is upon us. Here we list 17 local road & trail races … carefully curated for road runners and weekend warriors. We also offer some tips on training from Karl Rusch, a orthopedic physical therapist at Northern Westchester Hospital and Michael Silverman, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness at Northern Westchester Hospital.

Bedford Hills Run for the Hills 5K – Sat, 4/22: 8:30am: This grueling, steep and not always paved 5K-road race begins at the Bedford Hills Train Station and is a fundraiser for the Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association. You can register and see the trail map here. (48 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills; www.bhna10507.com)

Leatherman’s Loop 10K,  Cross River – Sun, 4/23: 9am: One of the largest trail races on the east coast, the course is “well within the capabilities of almost anyone curiously self-motivated – whether or not you’re just a weekend warrior or a dyed-in-the-wool mountain maniac. It’s got a mind of its own, with a foot-boggling array of barriers strategically placed to impede forward progress of the swift and sure-footed.” Registration is by lottery and opens in January so don’t hesitate. (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Rt. 121, Cross River; www.leathermansloop.org)

Star Legacy 5K Run & Walk for Neonatal Death Prevention – Sat, 4/29: 9am: This local Star Legacy Chapter was founded in 2015 by parents and grandparents who have experienced pregnancy loss. Star Legacy is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to preventing neonatal death and improving care for families who experience such tragedies. (Meadow Pond Elementary School, 185 Smith Ridge Rd., S. Salem; eventinfo)

Mutts on the Mountain, Blue Mountain Reservation, Peekskill – Sat, 4/29: 9:15am: You can bring your dog to this benefit for the Westchester Parks Foundation’s 2nd Annual Mutts on the Mountain 5K and Lazy Dog 1M Fun Run. You’ll get a Mutts on the Mountain tee-shit and your pooch gets a bandana. Runners without dogs start at 9:15am and runners with dogs start at 9:20am. (Blue Mountain Reservation; www.active.com)

4th Annual Stayin’ Alive 5K & Fun Run and Walk, Armonk – Sat. 5/13: 8am, 10am for FunRun/Walk: Starts at The Windmill Club and runs through Windmill’s woodsy community. Stayin’ Alive supports North Castle’s First Responders. In 2015, they granted over $36,000 for needed equipment to the Armonk, Banksville, North White Plains and Thornwood Fire Departments and the North Castle Police Department. There’s more online or email stayinalivecharity@gmail.com. (The Windmill Club, 10 Maple Way, Armonk; www.stayinalive.org)

New Castle 5k & 10K Road Race & Fun Run – Sun, 5/21: 8am: This challenging course takes you from Town Hall through some of the most scenic landscapes in Chappaqua. Runners get a police escort, water stations and a sag wagon for anyone who is off their game that day. There are awards in 8 age categories. Check in begins at 7am.  Or pre-register with New Castle Recreation. In past years there has been a Kids Fun Run at 8:15am. Check details with NC Rec. (Town Hall, 200 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.mynewcastle.org)

Crohn’s & Colitis Take Steps Walk & Festival, Purchase – Sun, 5/21: 5pm: Run or walk to find a cure for digestive diseases. The Take Steps walk and 5K run is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s largest event of the year. This run/walk festival offers IBD friendly food, a bounce house, balloon artist, face painting and local entertainment. The festival is at SUNY Purchase College starts at 4pm and the walk/run start is at 5pm. For more info call Andi Cosby at 914.812.8988 or email  acosby@crohnscolitisfoundation.org. (SUNY Purchase, 735 Anderson Hill Rd.;  www.cctakesteps.org/fairwest2017)

Northwell Health Walk at Westchester, FDR Park, Yorktown Heights – Sun, 5/21: 10am: Walk to benefit the Bruce and Andrea Yablon Cancer Health and Wellness Program for Northwell Health’s Northern Westchester Hospital. Plus, a series of pre-walk events will also raise funds for the Cancer program including Yoga, Spin and Zumba Day at the Saw Mill Club (4/2), Happy Hour at Village Social (4/5), a Rock n Jump trampoline outing (4/19), Bake Sale (4/14) and Sip & Shop at J McLaughlin in Bedford (5/11). Read more.

Lewisboro/South Salem Memorial Day Races & Fair, 10K, 5K, Health Walk & Pee Wee – Mon, 5/29: 8am: Four events starting with the 10K race at 8am that takes on challenging hills in South Salem. Start time for the 5K is 9:30am. Both races are USA Track and Field certified. The youth Mile Fun Run starts at 10:45am and Pee Wee 25 and 50-yard dashes for 2-8 year olds are at 11:05am. Register online or on race day at 7am. Mon, 5/30: 8am-11:05. The Memorial Day Fair (10am-3pm) features performing artists, music, children’s games a bake sale and food. (Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; www.southsalempc.org)

Beautiful Trail! Rockwood 10K Ramble, Rockefeller State Park, Sleepy Hollow – Sat, 6/3: 9am: This beautiful and challenging 10K course on carriage trails through Rockefeller State Park Preserve begins at Rockwood Hall overlooking the Hudson River. All proceeds benefit the park’s trail maintenance. This race features an accurate, wheel-measured course with results posted immediately after the race. (1 Rockwood Rd., Sleepy Hollow; www.rockysraces.org)

Pound Ridge Independence Day 5K Road Race, Kids Race & Fireworks – Sat, 7/1: 9am: Run over rolling hills and through the streets of Pound Ridge from the Pound Ridge Elementary School to Town Park where there will be music and refreshments at the end of the race. Register online or on race day beginning at 7:30am. Children’s races begin immediately after the 5K. There will be picnicking, music and fireworks at the park from 6-10 pm. Open to non-resident. (Pound Ridge Elementary School, 7 Pound Ridge Rd., Pound Ridge; www.townofpoundridge.com)

7th Annual Church Tavern Biathlon – TBD: This 7 mile bike and 4 mile run is typically held on Labor Day at 9:30am.The course travels on hilly secondary roads, circles Truesdale Lake and offers a scenic vista of Lewisboro from Mount Church Tavern. Be prepared for a 602-foot ascent on the bike course and a 414-foot ascent on the run. There is also a run or walk only race. The race ends with a free BBQ, music, kids activities and medals for all. St. John’s Episcopal Church sponsors the race to benefit the Community Center of Northern Westchester. (82 Spring St., S. Salem; more here.)

KVIS 5K, Katonah – Sat, 9/9: 8am: The Katonah Village Improvement Society’s 5K is staged to begin and end at the junction of Edgemont and The Parkway in the heart of Katonah Village. This event will also feature a 1 mile challenge for kids. For more info email katonahvis@gmail.com or check online: www.katonahvis.com)

Mt. Kisco 5K & Kids Mad Dash: Sun, 9/17: 8:30am: The 4th annual Kisco 5K starts and finishes at Kirby Plaza at the Mt. Kisco Train Station. The Kids Mad Dash begins after the 5K finishes. Prizes for top 3 female and male runners and age group winners. Anticipated date: Sun, 9/18: 8:30am. Check online. (Kirby Plaza, Mt. Kisco; www.kiscorun.com)

Jamie’s Run for Love, Armonk – Sun, 9/17: check times: This memorial run for Jamie Love who was a member of the Byram Hills cross country and track teams is part of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce’s Armonk Fall Festival. Events include: Petite Picassos 100 yd. dash for ages 2-8, the Monet Mile and Jamie’s 5K Run/Walk. Proceeds benefit children’s programs at the library.  (Wampus Brook Park, 28 Maple Ave., Armonk;  www.armonkchamber.orgorg) 

Sarah Bishop Run 10K, North Salem – Sun, 9/24: 9am: This challenging 10K trail race in North Salem’s Mountain Lakes Park traverses 1,000 acres of scenic woodlands, streams and lakes and offers beautiful vistas. The course features 1,000 feet of total elevation gain taking runners over Bailey Mountain – Westchester’s highest point. In past year’s there has also been a 1.5-mile walk/run called Sarah’s Scramble for kids, hikers and walkers at 8;30am. This event benefits Northern Westchester Hospital’s School Health and Wellness Programs. (Mountain Lakes Park, 201 Hawley Rd., N. Salem; www.sarahbishop.org)

AHA Heart Walk with Support Connection, Kensico Dam Valhalla – Sat. 10/1: 10am: Dogs and strollers are welcome at this American Heart Association walk at Kensico Dam in Valhalla. Register onsite beginning at 9am. (1 Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla; heartwalk.kintera.org)

Run the Farm 5M, Muscoot Farm – Sun, 10/22: 9;30am & Kids Mile: 8:30am: Muscoot’s farm races offer a tough (but scenic) 5 mile course through the woods; a 1.1 mile race for kids (7-12), and a .6 mile run for kids under 6. Runners receive farm bucks to use at the Farmer’s Market. Races start at 8:30, 8:45 & 9:30am. Arrive 30 minutes before race start time. Sun, 10/25: 8:30-9:30am. (Rt. 100, Somers; www.runthefarm.org)

Beautiful Trail! Rocky’s 5K, Rockefeller State Park, Pleasantville – Tentative Date: Sat, 610/28: 9am: This beautiful course on carriage trails through Rockefeller State Park Preserve begins near the main parking lot and follows the scenic 13 Bridges and Gory Trails. All proceeds benefit the park’s trail maintenance. Read our Bucket List: Rockefeller State Park for more about this amazing park. (1 Rockwood Rd., Sleepy Hollow; www.rockysraces.org)

Raven Rocks 10K Run, Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Cross River – Sun, 11/12: 9am: The Raven Rocks 10k Run is a the first new trail run at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation in Cross River, NY in over 20 years. The 10k course climbs up to the two highest points in the park (Raven Rocks Overlook and the Fire Tower Summit) before heading back for a downhill and flat finish. The race supports the Reservation’s Trailside Museum in it’s efforts to bring back the Blue Trail tower to its former spot in the park. (Reservation Rd., Cross River; www.ravensrockrun.org)

Bedford Turkey Trot – Sat, 11/25: 8am: Billed as “the hardest 5K in New York”, the Turkey Trot raises funds for Bedford Community Table/Pantry. The course begins on Court Road at the Bedford Village Elementary School. The halfway point is at the top of Indian Hill Road – not for the faint of heart – and finishes at Bedford Village Memorial Park. There is also a 2-mile walk. Pre-registration required. 7am for sign-in. Walkers start at 8am, runners at 8:20 am. (Bedford Village Elementary School, Court St., Bedford; www.bedfordturkeytrot.org)

Karl Rusch

Training Tips from Northern Westchester Hospital: Are you a weekend road & trail race warrior? Or are you looking to just keep up a running regimen for personal health & fitness … without too may setbacks? Here are some training tips from Karl Rusch, a orthopedic physical therapist at Northern Westchester Hospital and Michael Silverman, Director of Rehabilitation and Wellness at Northern Westchester Hospital, that can keep you running at the right pace – no matter what level of runner you are.

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