Josh Feldt/After the Leaves Have Fallen 20k

In five days, the gun will go off for a truly spectacular race in the Shawangunk Mountains.  The Josh Feldt/After the Leaves Have Fallen 20k race is set on the beautiful carriage trails of Minnewaska State Park and takes its competitors around two serene glacial lakes and up to Castle Point which has some of the best views in the park.  Even though it has a later start time of 11am, it might still be on the chilly side with temps in the high 40s and current forecasts suggesting clouds and a slight chance of showers.  But don't let that deter you from participating in a great race put on by the Shawangunk Runners especially if you're looking for one more serious challenge for your racing season before winter comes.

Here is a brief preview of the course:

The first 2 miles offer modest ascents/descents as you run clockwise around Lake Minnewaska.  The next 3 miles mainly alternates between flat and gradual but steady climbs up to Lake Awosting.  After that you'll hang a right to circumnavigate Lake Awosting counterclockwise for about 3 miles.  The loop around the lake is mostly flat with a few rollers mixed in but the footing here is a little more challenging than the rest of the course since it is certainly a trail less traveled in the park.  Leaving the lake you begin your ascent to Castle Point which has some steeper sections.  After reaching Castle Point and taking in the views the rest of the course (roughly 3 miles) is almost all downhill.  There are a few rollers but you can make up some time here after all of the climbing done in the first 9 miles of the course.  The last hill is right before the finish line as you make your way back around Lake Minnewaska.  Overall a fairly challenging course but one of the most beautiful trail races in the area.

As you can probably gather, I will be there racing but I will also be setting up before the race to offer free knowledge, information and advice as well as fielding any questions you may have for me or about Momentum Physical Therapy of New Paltz.  Take advantage of this opportunity while you can!

For any last minute runners, there is still time to register online by going to the Shawangunk Runners website or by clicking this link to take you directly to the registration page.  By the way, this race is a bargain at only $15 so hurry up and join all the other runners for a great event this weekend.

Hope to see you there!