Pace Setter : September 2018

Moreau Lake Trail 15K, a True Adventure!

by Shaun Donegan

Attention all trail runners! Coming up on Sunday, September 16^th, is my favorite trail race in the area, the Moreau 15k Trail Race. The Palmertown mountain range borders the Hudson River and rises to over 1300 feet in elevation. The race runs circles 9.6 miles from the beach, through the rugged mountain terrain and ends back at the beach. This race credits itself as the “hardest 15k in the area” and it is 100% true. After a flat start on the beach, runners will encounter steep climbs, descents, rock and roots with technical footing as they run the mountainous loop. Along the course are breathtaking views of Hadley, Luzurne, and Spier Falls.

New trail runners should not shy away from this race but should be prepared to encounter the difficult terrain. Seasoned trail runners will enjoy every aspect of this race, especially the Staircase of Death, a rock garden trail that ascends nearly 600 feet in just over a mile.

Having run almost every trail race in the area, I can attest to the difficulty of the Moreau 15k. For comparison, my best 15k at Thatcher Park was completed in under an hour; my best time at the Moreau 15k was just under 1.5 hours. For anyone who completed or wanted to compete in the escarpment, this would be a great opportunity to relive that fun or get a taste of it in a smaller dose. In fact, I did all of my training for the Escarpment on the Moreau course.

The Moreau Lake 15k is a low key event that has recently been taken over by race director, Jim Sweeney who does an excellent job marking the course and making a great race for everyone. Race entry fee includes admission to the Park so make sure you hang out after the race for post race BBQ and a dip in the lake.

The 15k will happen on the same day as the Saratoga Palio, but you will have way more fun, feel more accomplished and even save a few bucks by running the Moreau 15k instead. There will also be a less technical 5K option for those who do not want to run the 15k but still want a trail experience. Timing and registration will be provided by Green Leaf Racing.

To find out more, click here! Hope to see you all there!