5K races near Monticello

The Sugar Loaf 5K is a morning road race in the historic hamlet of Sugar Loaf, located in New York’s Hudson Valley. This is a local 5K designed for a broad range of participants; walkers and beginners can complete the distance, while regular runners will find enough gentle climbing to make it a worthwhile effort. The course follows country roads through the hamlet, with Sugar Loaf Mountain visible overhead. The terrain features a mix of flat sections and mild hills. The Sugar Loaf Community Foundation organizes the event, with proceeds benefiting infrastructure improvements within the hamlet. Following the race, participants and observers can explore the hamlet’s artisan shops, galleries, and restaurants, which are situated near the race venue.

The CIDER 5 is an annual road event held in late October around South Centerville, New York. Participants can choose between a 5-mile run, a 5K run, or a 5K walk. The event accommodates a wide range of participants, from young children to older adults. The course follows roads around South Centerville, offering open views. Runners, walkers, volunteers, and spectators attend the local race day. Knights of Columbus Council #16365 organizes the event, with proceeds supporting charities associated with the council. Parking is available at the Holy Cross church parking lot.

The Two Rivers Marathon Race Festival takes place in late March at Lackawaxen Park in Lackawaxen, Pennsylvania. It features a marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The marathon and half marathon courses are certified Boston Marathon qualifiers. The shorter races begin later in the morning from the same park area. Participants can pick up their packets the day before the race or on race morning. Parking is available across the street from the finish line at the Fire House. The course follows an out-and-back route along the Lackawaxen River. Runners ascend gradually on the way to the turnaround point and descend the same amount on the return. The lowest elevation is 617 feet, and the highest is 821 feet five miles later, with a grade of less than 1 percent. Marathon participants complete the loop twice. Mile markers are placed every mile, with road paint, cones, and additional turnaround signs for each distance. Over the past four years, only five runners have missed a turn. The race director’s policy is to double the signage when it already appears adequate.

The Run Like The Wind, a Hudson Valley classic since 1983, starts and finishes at Aroma Thyme Bistro. The course follows the Shawangunk Mountains and includes a stretch on the resurfaced Rail Trail, offering shaded paths. Afterward, celebrate in the garden at Aroma Thyme with local craft beer, wine, and food. All ages and abilities are welcome, and proceeds support local food pantries and youth scholarships.