If you hang around running folks long enough, you’ll have the opportunity to hear some acronyms that make no sense to the general public, but mean a lot to those runners.
And, if some of those acquaintances like longer distances, like ultra races, then you’ll probably hear them drop the name, HAT Run 50k.
Now in its 28th year, this 50 kilometer trail run attracts all types, especially those willing to punish their bodies running mile after mile over hill and dale.
As a matter of information, this race has nothing to do with running while wearing hats, and my understanding is that the H-A-T has more to do with the last name initials of the founders (those in the know will correct me if I’m wrong).
While we certainly have our share of long-distance races in this area (see examples, Escarpment Trail Run, Rock the Ridge), this race takes place out of the area at Susquehanna State Park in Maryland.
Now I know that is well out of the normal readership area for this column, but, there are always a handful of locals who make the trip south to tackle this challenging race.
2015 was no exception as a formidable group of six runners traveled this past Saturday to the park to do just that.
If you’re wondering who would want to run in a race like this, take into consideration that the field is limited to the first 500 entrants, and there are hundreds more on a waiting list, waiting for anyone to defect.
From what I’ve heard and read, it sounded like the course featured plenty of snow and ice, and mud, especially for the runners in the back of the pack.
I saw photos of people climbing over snow-covered, fallen trees, and an equal number slithering through mud like it was quicksand.
On the race’s web page, the top of the results say “under incredibly difficult conditions”, so consider that for a race that has likely seen all kinds of weather that March can throw at you.
Even more incredible is that the women’s winner, who was sixth overall, actually broke the course record. I’d love to know her training regimen.
As for that local group, Jacque Schiffer led the way with a finishing time of six hours, 29 minutes and seven seconds.
Stewart Dutfield was close behind in 6:39:05, and Rachel Schabot also broke seven hours in 6:48:52.
Joe Brown was next in 7:06:25, and Jim Porter was behind him in 7:12:50.
Deb Domack rounded out the local effort, with a time of 7:26:57, in what was her career first ultra event.
Please, give this group of individuals a big hand for job well done.
ORC WANTS YOUR DIRTY SNEAKERS
Just a reminder that the Onteora Runners Club is collecting used sneakers at its inaugural Dirty Sneakers 5k fun run on April 12 to benefit Gift From the Heart for Downs, an organization that helps to grant wishes to children and adults with Down Syndrome.
If you can’t make it on race day, bagged shoes can be dropped off on the front porch of 113 Emerson Street in Kingston between now and April 12.
RACE SEASON ABOUT TO TAKE OFF
With April fast approaching, runners can rejoice that there will plenty of offerings available pretty much every weekend from here on out.
Next Saturday is the annual Rabbit Ramble 4-mile Run, beginning at 10 a.m. at Guilderland High.
Now I know Guilderland isn’t around the corner, but this one of the race’s overseen by Phil Carducci, and that’s good enough for me.
What a great way to burn off some calories before Easter candy overload.
Entry fee is $18 and if you’re over 70, get a $4 discount. The race also features a 2-mile walk.
One week later, the Shawangunk Runners Club sponsors the Rock & Snow Bridge 2 Bridge 5-mile trail race at the Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm Trail.
Money from the race benefits programs at the preserve and there is a limit of 300 entrants.
If you belong to the preserve, the entry fee is $25, but if you don’t, then it’s $30.
As an added bonus, if you finish the race, you get a free entry into the Lou’s Run race on July 13 that is part of the New Paltz Summer Cross Country Series.
Please send all race results and information to 79 Hurley Ave., Kingston, N.Y., 12401; fax to (845) 331-3557; or email to ehoughtaling@freemanonline.com. Follow Eric Houghtaling on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RunErichRun
