Pfalz Point Trail Challenge

2024 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge

10-mile Benefit Run

Save the Date: September 22, 2024

Final Running of the Pfalz Point Trail Challenge

This September will be the 25th and final running of the Pfalz Point Trail Challenge at our Spring Farm Trailhead. In 2000, the race was Mohonk Preserve’s first fundraising race, launched to showcase our newly constructed pavilion at Spring Farm and introduce runners to the beautiful and challenging trails of the northern Preserve. Over the next few years, the race established itself as one of the most popular events on the local running calendar, introducing thousands of runners to a challenging 10 miles of carriage roads, foot paths and hills—and raising well over $400,000 to support Mohonk Preserve and advance its mission.

In recent years, the number of Pfalz Point participants has been in decline and it has become clear that it’s time for a change. So we have decided to host the race for one last year while we explore possibilities for developing a new fall event that makes sense for today’s running community. 

We understand that for many loyal racers this is not happy news, but we hope you’ll join us for the final running of the Pfalz Point Trail Challenge on September 22, 2024 (and take advantage one last chance to set a new PR!). Registration for the final Pfalz Point Trail Challenge will open in late June. Check back here for updates.

What’s ahead for this fundraiser? We aren’t entirely sure, but we’ll be considering lots of options including a new course, new distance, new name and improved finish line experience. We are excited about the prospect of shaping a whole new fundraising event in future years and hope you’ll come along for the ride; (or shall we say run?) Please get in touch to share your ideas — you can email suggestions to Special Events Manager and Race Director Tom Leader at tleader@mohonkpreserve.org.

Can’t wait for September? Then sign up now for our spring running event, the Rock & Snow 5-Mile Run on April 13th.

See you on the trails and thank you for so many incredible years of the Pfalz Point Trail Challenge!

About the Event

The Pfalz Point Trail Challenge, a favorite local race, is a 10-mile benefit trail run  to support Mohonk Preserve. Proceeds from race registration fees and sponsorships support conservation of over 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge, including the restoration and maintenance of the Preserve’s network of 75 miles of carriage roads and trails that welcome over 300,000 hikers, bikers, runners, climbers and equestrians annually. Throughout the year Mohonk Preserve produces other running events such as the Rock and Snow Bridge 2 Bridge Run in April, and Rock The Ridge, a 50-mile endurance challenge in May.

Registered participants will receive:

A great-looking Pfalz Point Trail Challenge T-shirt.
Access to 5 water stops on course.
Post-race refreshments including healthy options.
Access to Mohonk Preserve for the day.
Satisfaction knowing you are helping Mohonk Preserve’s conservation mission.

Location

Start and finish at the Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm Trailhead on Upper 27 Knolls Road (off Mohonk Road) in High Falls, NY. See course map.

Course

The course offers a rare chance to race on some of the most extraordinary running trails in the U.S., with ten miles of trails including broad open meadows with spectacular views, steep and rocky footpaths, and gently rolling carriage roads. See the course map for details.

Course Records

Male: 0:57:40, Mike Slinskey (2001); Female: 1:10:32, Laura Coogan (2016)

T-shirts

All registrants will receive a great-looking Pfalz Point Trail Challenge T-shirt.

Awards

This is a chip-timed event. Awards are given to the top overall finishers by gender (male, female and non-binary) and to the top three finishers in ten-year age categories. Awards will be given out at the conclusion of the race and will include delicious apple pies, annual memberships to Mohonk Preserve and Mohonk Preserve day passes. Runners must be present to collect their prize.

Results

Click here to view the 2023 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge Results.

Parking

Parking is limited at Spring Farm. Please follow the directions of the Trailhead Ranger on duty for parking instructions and carpool if possible.

Race Policies:

No race entry deferrals are permitted. Race entries transfers are available for $15. Mohonk Preserve reserves the right to postpone the race due to adverse weather or course conditions. Every attempt will be made to reschedule the race in the event of a postponement but if that is not possible and the race cannot be rescheduled, no refunds of registration fees will be issued.

Cups

We encourage participants to help Mohonk Preserve’s sustainability initiatives by bringing your own cups.

Early Start Option

If you anticipate needing more than 2 ½ hours to complete the race consider starting at 8:30 a.m. Meet at the starting line at 8:25 a.m. and have the race timer record your bib number. The early start option is only available only to those who need extra time.

Non-binary and Transgender Entrants

Our goal is to establish rules to encourage and facilitate the participation of transgender and non-binary runners at Mohonk Preserve events by ensuring fair and inclusive practices that respect the personal rights and dignity of transgender and non-binary entrants.

When registering, participants may choose to select non-binary, male or female as a gender option. A participant’s self-declared gender at registration will be accepted at face value and there shall be no basis for, or tolerance of, a challenge to a participant’s self-declared gender. Awards in will be presented to the top non-binary finisher in a public ceremony at the conclusion of the race. Official race results will be printed at the event and be made available publicly both at the event and online after the event. Should you not wish to be named, please contact the race director at tleader@mohonkpreserve.org in advance of event day.

Spectators

Free entry to the Spring Farm Trailhead for race spectators arriving with registered participants. Non-member spectators arriving independently are required to show a valid Preserve membership or pay the day pass fee of $15 per person. Children 15 and under are always free with a parent or guardian.

Stroller and Dogs

Strollers and dogs are not permitted on course. Dogs are allowed at the start/finish line only and must be kept on a short leash and under the owner’s control at all times.

Ulster County
Marketing Support

Become a Sponsor

Pfalz Point Trail Challenge offers a wide range of sponsorship opportunities for organizations looking to promote their name and brand to our core demographic. We can customize any package to meet your budget and include business membership. Benefits include your name on the race T-shirts, free race entries, and your coupon or promotional item distributed to registered participants.

Your support helps to defray the cost of organizing the event and ensures that the Preserve can continue to offer races such as Pfalz Point Trail Challenge to the community.

For more information, contact Tom Leader, Special Events Manager, at tleader@mohonkpreserve.org or call (845) 255-255-0919 ext. 1241.

Questions

Contact Tom Leader, Special Events Manager by phone (845) 255-0919 ext. 1241 or via e-mail tleader@mohonkpreserve.org.

Banner Photo by John Mizel