Runners will take their marks at the foot of Old Mountain Road in Hadley for the 45th annual Summit Run 5K on Sunday, Sept. 21 at 9:30 a.m.
Sponsored by the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club, the Summit Run 5K is a scenic and challenging race climbing 800 feet to the top of Mount Holyoke in Skinner State Park, ending at the historic Summit House with sweeping views of the Pioneer Valley.
This year, the race directors have changed the beginning of the course to avoid the stretch that previously ran along Route 47. The race now starts at the North end of Old Mountain Road. Racers will run up the road to the park gate, turn right to continue down Old Mountain Road for 0.4 miles, then turn around and run back through the park gate and up Skinner State Park Road to the summit.
Water will be available at Mile 2 and at the finish line, along with other refreshments. Timing will be provided by Rat Race Timing, with instant results available upon finishing.
Overall and age-group winners will receive an Atkins Farms apple pie, sponsored by Fee Only Financial Planning.
Registration is $40 through Sept. 20. Race-day registration is $45. A portion of the race proceeds will be donated to the Kestrel Land Trust to support local land conservation.
To learn more or register, click here.