Trail Challenge in the Gunks

By Ernest Joseph – September 2003

Pfalz point trail challenge is a 10-11 miles trail race which was held on September 22^nd on carriage trails in the Mohonk Preserve, a tiny area of the total 50 miles of network of trails that crisscrosses the Shawangunk Ridge, better known as “The Gunks” among runners.

Considered some of the finest running trails in the eastern states, the view is breathtaking and the course is considered difficult, second only to Blackhead (Escarpment trail) and Shaugeneak Hill trail races. From Rockland Lake, Mohonk Preserve is about 65 miles north on 1-87, exit 18.

I find trail running totally different than road running. I mean, I have to change my running style from long strides to small steps in order to select and secure footings and avoid falls. I have to constantly remind myself to lift the legs higher to avoid roots and rocks, and avoid falls. And I have to focus constantly within my immediate peripheral vision range to, yes you guessed it right – avoid falls. If you intend to admire spectacular views, surrounding these trails, I suggest you do it later when you are walking, or the probability of you meeting these rocks and roots up close and personal is very high.

Since most of the race is on carriage trails, at least for most part of the race, the path is 6 – 8 feet wide, with exception of the exception of first 3.5 miles and some portions between miles 7 and 8. For those who have conquered Escarpment trail run, this one is much less treacherous.

There are three sections of the races, which gives this race the high billing in terms of difficulty. First steep hill which is about half mile long, starts around 2 .5 miles in the race and rises from 600 feet to 1100 feet. Second hill starts at 3.5 mile mark and is 1.5 miles long and rises gradually from 1100 to 1 200 feet. Finally, a half-mile steep hill starts at 7.5 mile mark and rises from 900 feet to 1100 feet. My favorite portion of the race is last 2+ miles, which is downhill and in some parts even plummeting toward the finish.

About 400 runners lined up for the start. Soon after the siren, were running cautiously, in single-file, through the narrow footpath of the trail. Just before the first steep hill at two and a half mile, as we approached a mini bridge, which was actually two planks placed over a tiny creek to help runners get over without jumping, it seemed safe to run on its surface. Well, we were wrong.

One runner in front went down and soon there was a pile-up. This was at the bottom of the hill, so for next few minutes, until we reached the top, the very quiet surrounding was disrupted by occasional screams coming from the runners who were just experiencing their first unexpected fall.

My problem was different. I had just started to walk this steep hill. There were runners of all sizes, shapes and genders passing by. I kept convincing myself that my approach is the approach an ultra-runner would take to conserve energy. Well, in reality, this was not an ultrarun and I just was not able to “run” the hill as well as these passing runners. One guy gave me a pat of encouragement on my back as he passed me. Once over the hill, I started to run again, and recognized some familiar backs as I passed them going downhill. At the second hill, which was 1.5 miles long but not as steep, again some of the familiar faces started to pass me, including this guy. By this time we both knew the pattern. He runs hills better, and my quads could take the downhill better. Well, we knew enough about each other, and it was about time to introduce ourselves.

He said his name was Mark and lived in nearby Gardiner and he runs these hills all the time. I said I am Ernie and I will see you on the downhill. We played this battle one more time at another significant hill at seven and a half-mile mark, before I barely placed ahead of him at the finish.

After the race, runners gathered at the scenic Singerland Pavilion for awards ceremony and the “chili feed.” Proceeds from the event go to support the Mohonk Preserve in its mission of protecting over 6,400 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge. Design of the commemorative T-shirt is cool, but Iimited to first 200 pre-registered runners. You can buy it for $10, which is still a good value and helps preserve these precious trails.