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Delightful Run for Women
It’s a Special Event, Make It Happen!
By Megan James
Since 1979, Albany has been home to one of the premier women’s-only races in the country, the Delightful Run for Women. Historically and familiarly known as the Freihofer’s Run for Women, the event was rebranded in 2024 due to a sponsorship change. Whichever way you slice it, it’s more than “just a race,” and it is still all about women, by promoting health, fitness, and community support for girls and women of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. And all participants still receive a delicious box of Freihofer’s chocolate chip cookies!
The race is on Saturday, May 30 at 9am in downtown Albany. Runners, joggers, and walkers will start at City Hall, run through Albany neighborhoods and Washington Park, and end with a fantastic downhill finish with loud cheering spectators lining the streets.
Personally, I am excited to be at the Run for Women for the first time this year as a registered runner – I’ve been a fan and supporter since childhood, but the schedule never quite worked out. This year, I’m doing it with my mom, sisters, and our daughters.
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Slay the Peaks
By Jeremy Davis
Hiking is an activity that almost anyone can enjoy. Here in Upstate New York, we are lucky to have a nearly endless supply of hiking trails for all abilities. Many clubs and groups cater to all kinds hiking aficionados – seniors, beginners, nature lovers, youth groups, and more.
A new hiking group was formed in 2025 that caters to the LGTBQIA+ community – Slay the Peaks. It’s one of the many programs of Lower Adirondack Pride, which serves the communities of Warren, Washington, and northern Saratoga counties and beyond. This inclusive group aims to support hiking opportunities for everyone and is expanding its offerings for 2026.
I sat down with Cam Cardinale, president of Lower Adirondack Pride, who shared more about Slay the Peaks and plans for this year’s events.
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OUR BEST BET EVENTS
Included events are Upstate Sports advertisers and/or exhibitors
April issue ad deadline for Upstate Sports and
Vermont Sports magazines: Wednesday, May 13
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April 22-May 25 (Earth Day to Memorial Day)
Wilton Wildlife 30 for 30 Trail Challenge. Walk, run, bike, roll, or trot 30 miles on Wilton Wildlife’s trails: wiltonpreserve.org/the-lands. Fundraiser to celebrate 30 years: $30 individuals or $100 team of 4. T-shirt to all registered. Log 30+ miles for entry into a raffle. Prized for individuals, teams, horses, and dogs with the most miles. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Gansevoort. Register: wiltonpreserve.org.
May 1-31
Albany Pine Bush: Lupine Festival. Every day in May: Programs, exhibits for all ages, prizes, wildlife experiences, the arts + nature, be a community scientist, guided hikes, and lupines! Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Albany. albanylupinefest.org.
ADK Unite. Virtual ride, run, walk, hike to benefit Adirondack Regional Food Pantries. A fun way to get out, be active, and do good. Register as an individual or a team of five and enter your miles moved to a live digital leaderboard. Prizes are awarded to top individuals and teams in these categories: biking, running, walking, and multisport. Anywhere. bikeadirondacks.com.
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Saturday, May 9
Malta Mile. 10am. Run, jog & walk – all welcome. 1M on a closed course in front of the Malta Veterans Appreciation Day Parade – stay for the parade. “America’s 250” Mile Series Race #1. A Roundabout Runners Club event. Malta Community Center, Malta. Roundabout Runners. runsignup.com.
2nd annual Sacandaga Sprint 5K Race/Walk & 10K Race. 9:30am. Join the new 10K. Also: Fun Run. 9:30am. Walkers welcome. Scenic out/back courses along Great Sacandaga Lake. Benefits Northville Educational Foundation supporting students in the community. Sport Island Pub, Northville. runsignup.com.
36th Prospect Mountain Road Race. 9am. 5.67 miles and 1,601 vertical feet. PMRR magnets to all finishers. An Adirondack Runners event. Benefits the Michelle Lafontaine SUNY Adirondack Nursing Scholarship fund. Prospect Mountain Highway, Lake George. zippyreg.com.
Champlain Area Trails: The Grand Hike. 10am. A 16-mile community hike from Whallonsburg to Lewis. Shuttles can make your hike shorter. Post-hike party with live music and food/drinks for sale. Proceeds benefit Champlain Area Trails, an accredited land trust that builds and maintains trails, protects land, connects people with nature, and promotes economic vitality in NY’s Champlain Valley. Whallonsburg to Lewis. champlainareatrails.com.
Schenectady Pedal-Paddle-Run. Bike 7 miles along the scenic Mohawk Hudson Bikeway/Empire State Trail and Aqueduct Road, Paddle 2 miles on the Erie Canal/Mohawk River, and Run 5K along the Mohawk Hudson Bikeway/Empire State Trail. 8am. Go solo or team up with friends/family. All ages and abilities welcome. Kayak rentals available: just $15 via registration. Aqueduct Park, Niskayuna. schenectadycountyny.gov.
20th annual Battenkill. Fully supported bicycle rides and races on mixed terrain (20% dirt roads) gran fondo “America’s Queen of the Classics” for recreational to professional riders. Options of 61, 45, and 23 miles with scenic villages, covered bridges, and amazing views in rural Washington County with after party and live music. Village of Cambridge. battenkillrace.com.
Round the Mountain Canoe & Kayak Race. 11am. 10.5 miles with a short carry. All skill levels welcome, from casual to competitive. Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake to Riverfront Park on Lake Flower, Saranac Lake. northernforestcanoetrail.org.
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Sunday, May 10
14th annual Mother-Lovin’ 5K Run/Walk. 9:15am. Kid’s Fun Run: 8:45am. A Mother’s Day tradition. Benefits Kelly’s Angels to bring joy to children and families who are facing grief and loss. Orenda Pavilion, Saratoga Spa State Park, Saratoga Springs. kellysangelsinc.org.
Vermont Sun Half Marathon, 10K Run & 5K Run/Walk. 9am. Branbury State Park, Lake Dunmore, VT. vermontsuntriathlonseries.com.
Tuesday, May 12
17th AdiRUNdack 5K Trail Run Series. 5/5-26. 6pm. All runners, joggers, and walkers welcome to join in the fun. 20K Challenge: run all the races! An Adirondack Runner event. Benefits GF Youth Center. Cole’s Woods, Glens Falls zippyreg.com.
Tuesdays, May 12-June 30
Albany Ultimate. Social Mixed League. Collins Circle, UAlbany, Albany. albanyultimate.com.
Thursday, May 14
Saratoga Outdoors: Community Night for Saratoga Trails Alliance. 5-8pm. 30% net sales donated to benefit the nonprofit group. Saratoga Outdoors, Saratoga Springs. saratogaoutdoors.com.
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Saturday, May 16
Third annual Mighty SMBA Challenge. 9am. Mountain bike challenges of 10 miles (intermediate) and 20 miles (advanced) in Daniels Road State Forest, with rocky and rooty fun. Not a race, goal is to come together as a community to give benefits the Saratoga Mountain Bike Association trails. Includes lunch and a beer. Artisanal Brew Works, Saratoga Springs. bikereg.com.
Tour de Lewis: Bicycle Road Bike Rides. Experience Lewis County and the Black River Valley with great people and beautiful scenery. Routes of 61, 34, and 13 miles. 10am. Post-ride party with great food, drinks, and live music. Adirondack Foothills Cycling. CrossRoads Tavern, Castorland. bikereg.com.
Sunnyview in Motion: 5K Walk, Roll & Run. 9am. Also: 1M Walk, Roll & Run. Individuals and teams of friends, family and co-workers encouraged. Hosted by Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation. All proceeds benefit Sunnyview’s lifechanging mission of help patients get back to living life. Central Park, Schenectady. sunnyviewinmotion.org.
Lions 5K Run for Sight, Hearing & Diabetes. 10am. Fun for the whole family. Kids under 12 only $12 – includes T-shirt and backpack. Presented by Scotia-Glenville Lions Club. Lions Pavillion in Collins Park, Scotia. runsignup.com.
25th annual Randy’s Run/Walk 5K & Murphy’s Mile Fun Run. 5K: 9am. 1M: 8:30am. Community events that preserve the memories of former LGES teachers. Kids will receive a Stewart’s ice cream gift card. Lake George Elementary School, Lake George. zippyreg.com.
Bike Safety Day. Bike safety, traffic rules, equipment, and bike course for kids. City Park, Glens Falls. adkcyclingadvocates.org.
Richard’s Ride. A spring tradition community event to celebrate an enthusiasm for cycling and all that it adds to our lives! Something for everyone: mountain bike trail rides, gravel adventures, and road rides from five to 70 miles, and short family excursions. Fun starts: 8am with pancakes before the long road ride and finishes 4pm after a solid lunch, music, and ‘Vero Village.’ Powered by VBT. Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, VT. richardtomfoundation.com.
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Sunday, May 17
Farmer’s Daughter & Granddaughter Gravel Grinders. Daughter (65 miles with some off-road sections) and Granddaughter (43 miles with no off-road sections) scenic and challenging supported rides. 9am. Fully supported, Bountiful Bread lunch stop, post ride lunch, and a beer. A Capital Bicycle Racing Club event that supports CBRC and Columbia County nonprofits. Columbia County Fairgrounds, Chatham. bikereg.com.
Girls on the Run 5K Run/Walk. 10am. All welcome – a joyful celebration, open to adults, children, runners, and walkers. Proceeds benefit GOTR Capital Region Scholarship Program. Shaker High School, Latham. gotrcr.org.
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Tuesday, May 19
17th AdiRUNdack 5K Trail Run Series. 5/5-26. 6pm. All runners, joggers, and walkers welcome to join in the fun. 20K Challenge: run all the races! An Adirondack Runner event. Benefits GF Youth Center. Cole’s Woods, Glens Falls. zippyreg.com.
May 18-June 12
Albany Rowing Center: Adult Learn-to-Row I. Mornings, 5:30-7am. All welcome. Albany Rowing Center, Albany. Info/Reg: albanyrowingcenter.org.
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Thursday, May 21
Community Night for Bikeatoga. 5-8pm. 30% net sales donated to non-profit group. Saratoga Outdoors, Saratoga Springs. saratogaoutdoors.com.
CDPHP Workforce Team Challenge. 3.5-mile race for runners, joggers, and walkers. 6:25pm. Team registration deadline: May 11! Corporations, agencies, nonprofits, schools, small businesses – all welcome. A Hudson Mohawk Road Runners Club event that supports club programs, Crossroads Center for Children, and Catholic Charities Tri-County Services. Empire State Plaza, Albany. cdphpwtc.com.
Friday-Sunday, May 22-24
General Clinton Canoe Regatta. 70M on the Susquehanna River. Brookwood Point, Cooperstown to General Clinton Park, Bainbridge. canoeregatta.org.
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Saturday, May 23
50th anniversary Voorheesville Memorial Day Races. 3.25K Run & Fun Walk: 12:30pm. 15K Run: 12:20pm. Run through the village, quiet roads near Helderberg Escarpment and Indian Ladder Farms orchards. Free post-race beer and hot dog, courtesy of Voorheesville American Legion Post #1493. Veterans free. Low race entry fees. Voorheesville. vrcclub.org.
The Dandelion Run & Bike. Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 4M, 2M & 1M for runners & bikers thru the world-famous dandelion fields of Morgan, Holland, Derby. Fun during high spring in the Northeast Kingdom w/musicians along the course. Derby Beach House, Derby, VT. kingdomgames.co.
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Sunday, May 24
6th Miles on the Mohawk 10M. 8:30am. Mabee Farm, Rotterdam Junction to Mohawk Harbor, Schenectady. areep.com.
M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon & Relay. 7:15am. Full, half or 2- or 3-5 person relay. Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT. runvermont.org.
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Monday, May 25 – Memorial Day
Glens Falls Memorial Mile. One-mile race/jog/walk before Memorial Day Parade. 9:55am. Part of ‘America 250’ Mile Series. Downtown to Crandall Park, Glens Falls. runsignup.com.
Tuesday, May 26
17th AdiRUNdack 5K Trail Run Series. 5/5-26. 6pm. All runners, joggers, and walkers welcome to join in the fun. 20K Challenge: run all the races! An Adirondack Runner event. Benefits GF Youth Center. Cole’s Woods, Glens Falls zippyreg.com.
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Saturday, May 30
48th Delightful Run for Women. 5K Run/Walk: 9am. Capital Kids 3K Races: 11am. Free Kids Runs (1M, 400m, 200m, 50m): 11am. New: Men’s Virtual 5K: 5/24-6/1. Packet Pickup/Expo, Armory at Russell Sage College: Thu 4-8pm, Fri 12-7pm. 5K part of USATF Adk GP Series (women only). West Capitol Park at NYS Capitol, Albany. runsignup.com.
Aloha Family 5K Run & 1M Fun Walk. 9am. All ages welcome, jogging strollers permitted. Fun, festive family-friendly race with music, kids activities, photos. Come dressed ready to hula in your best Hawaiian gear! Benefitting Amanda’s House at Glens Falls Hospital. Haviland Cove Park, Glens Falls. runsignup.com.
15th Rail Trail to the Footbridge 5K Run/Walk. 9am. 1K Kids’ Run: 10am. Mixed scenic trail and road race. Unique local prizes. Telescope director’s chair to top 3 M/F. An Adk Runners GP Race. Slate Valley Museum, Granville. runsignup.com.
2nd Dirty Duo Duathlon. 9am. 5.3-mile mountain bike ride, followed by a 1.7M trail run thru the Queensbury School and Rush Pond trails. Free for Adirondack Multi-Sport Club members. Only $15 for not-yet members. Queensbury Elementary School, Queensbury. bikereg.com.
Swift Canoe & Kayak Weekender. Saturday: On water demo event with boatbuilder Bill Swift. 10am-2pm. Sunday: Community Paddle with Swift Canoe & Kayak. 10am-2pm. Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters on Lake Flower, Saranac Lake. adirondackoutfitters.com.
Cornhole Tournament for Saratoga PLAN. Check-in: 12pm. Bgs fly: 1pm. All welcome. Hosted by Saratoga PLAN’s Next Gen Committee. Common Roots Brewing, South Glens Falls. saratogaplan.org.
Ascutney Mountain Run. 3.7M, 2,300 vertical feet. 9am. Mt. Ascutney State Park, Windsor, VT. runsignup.com.
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Sunday, May 31
Swift Canoe & Kayak Weekender. Community Paddle with Swift Canoe & Kayak. 10am-2pm. Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters on Lake Flower, Saranac Lake. adirondackoutfitters.com.
Wilton Wildlife Festival. 11am-3pm. Coincides with bloom of wild blue lupines and emergence of the Karner blue butterfly. Fun activities, themed walks, interactive shows, craft stations, exhibitors. Celebrate the natural world at this National Trails Day event. Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton. wiltonpreserve.org.
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MON-FRI Rock Your Fitness: Boot Camp Workouts. Mon/Wed/Fri: 5:30am, 6:30am, 9am. Tue: 5:30pm. Sat 8am. Special offer: Free week of class with registration for 2x/3x per week option. To register, text and use promo code “ADK fit” to 518-522-9765. Malta Community Center, Malta. facebook.com/rockyourfitnessllc.
THU BMX Racing League for Kids & Families. 5/7-6/4. 6-7:30pm. Tri-City BMX, Rotterdam. bmxracingleague.com.
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