5k and 10k races on the carriage roads of Rockefeller State Park Preserve. Rocky's 5K in October and Rockwood Ramble 10K in June.
Welcome to the Rocky's Races page. Our first race was the Rocky's 5k on Nov 8, 2008. The 10k, then called the Centaur, kicked off in June of 2009. The 5k is held in the fall on the Pocantico River Trail leading into 13 Bridges and Gory Brook Trails; the 10k, renamed the Rockwood Ramble in 2011, is held in the spring in the Rockwood Hall area of the park.
The races are an enjoyable way for many regular Rocky's visitors to enjoy a race environment and to raise funds for the park. But every year we also welcome new visitors to the races. We have folks who come to run and walk from abroad, and from other states far from NY. So it's been a great way for all of us to gather--some to test their mettle on familiar trails, others, to pursue their racing and walking goals on new, inspiring terrain. All the money we raise goes to the repair and maintenance of trails in the park. The amount of work needed to upkeep the trails varies, depending on weather, but there is always something to do.
In 2011, we raised a total of $11,000 after expenses from the 2 races combined. No doubt you remember the October 30th snowstorm--we narrowly escaped the heaviest part of the storm and had a beautiful 5k race, but the storm damaged the preserve trails and trees. So, in December and January, Ferguson's Loop, Buttermilk Hill and Ridge trails were repaired. In the months of February through April ten trails were repaired, including our 5k loop trails: 13 Bridges, Gory Brook, and Pocantico River trails. Combined cost for all repairs during these 5 months was close to $30,000.
The Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve has other fundraising programs including equestrian events, wine tastings and our signature event, the "Peony Celebration". For more information on these events and other Friends of the RSPP programs, please visit our website at http://www.friendsrock.org
The races are coordinated through the resources of the Friends of the RSPP and the Westchester Track Club. However there are many other organizations and individuals who contribute their time and effort to help out. Of course, the main ingredient is you, the runners and walkers--without you we wouldn't be able to keep our trails in safe and groomed conditions for all to enjoy. We also thank the Greenrock Corporation and all of the Greenwork employees for their conscientiousness and hard work, especially Tommy Caposella for his expertise and dedication.
We'll be posting information on the races, trail repairs and other fundraising information regularly. Thanks for visiting the site, Enjoy the Rocky's, and see you on the trails!
Stella Medina (USATF Level 1 Certified Coach)
FRSPP Board Member
Race Director, Westchester Track Club
To raise funds for the Preserve and enjoy racing together!
