Nestled amid the dramatic fall foliage of the Shawangunk Ridge, the Rosendale Runs, now in its 7th year, pairs community spirit with scenic trail beauty. Co-hosted by the Shawangunk Runners and the Wallkill Valley Land Trust, this event features a USATF-certified half marathon and a relaxed 6K run/walk, both starting simultaneously on the rail-trail path.
The mostly flat, well-groomed, unpaved course (93% rail-trail) takes you through iconic Backcountry scenery: historic trestle crossing over Rondout Creek at 150 ft above waters, a mood-setting tunnel through Williams Lake, and lakeside views framed by autumn color. It also ventures briefly off-trail to inject gentle variety and rural charm.
Capped at 300 participants, the event prioritizes intimacy and runner support. Amenities include gender-specific T-shirts (for signups by September 15), finisher medals, age-group awards, plentiful refreshments, and a festive post-race atmosphere with raffle prizes, anchored by the trail trust’s conservation mission.
What makes this race stand out is the perfect harmony of PR potential and fall foliage celebration. The cutoff of 3h15m accommodates all paces, while supporting rail-trail maintenance adds meaning to every mile. Whether you’re chasing a fast time or a charming fall run, Rosendale delivers—trailside.
Why You’ll Love It
Rosendale Runs blends rail-trail PR potential with fall foliage immersion, tied to local conservation. With its low-key trails, capped field, and sense of purpose, it feels like a homegrown trail celebration you won’t want to miss.
