The fourth annual Fields Pond Fall Foliage 5K Trail Run will take place this year on October 12 at 9 am. This challenging course takes you up through our beautiful, wooded trails, and onto the adjoining Holden Land Trust trail system for the perfect fall foliage tour! Registration is $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers; includes a race T-shirt if registered by September 23, 2024. Kids are invited to participate in a short fun run at 10:30 am following the 5K.
Trail map and registration here
Greg Harkay (pictured above in 2022) was the top finisher in 2021 and 2022. We asked him to share his thoughts about the race, why he takes part, and what he likes about the course. Here’s his reply!
“While XC ski racing in college, every weekend in the fall featured a long training run on technically challenging trails, typically with some solid vertical gain. My favorite routes were in the White Mountains. Then, in graduate school, I got involved in the surprisingly extensive trail running and racing scene in the ridges of central Pennsylvania.
“Running on flat, smooth terrain isn’t very interesting to me, probably because I’m not very good at it. However, if there are obstacles in the way like rocks and roots, I find myself much more engaged and moving faster relative to the competition. Remove the flat terrain in favor of ups and downs and my enjoyment and advantage grow! And, of course, being immersed in nature makes everything better.
“The trails at the Fields Pond Audubon Center include several that provide the type of technical challenge and never-flat elevation profile that get me excited about running. I enjoy the fast footwork required to move swiftly over the rock-strewn sections, the concentration necessary to chart a quick route through the roots, the grit and even pacing required to climb to the highest point of the course, and the exhilaration of rocketing back down to the bottom in a controlled fall as bridges and streams fly by underfoot.”
Greg’s not sure if he will be running this year, so the field is wide open! Hope to see you on the trails.
