The last mile of the race takes place on the Esposito Trail in Nyack, NY.
For over 30 years, the Rockland Road Runners, a local running club in Rockland County, NY has organized the the South Nyack 10 Miler on the second Sunday of September.
South Nyack, known as one of the ‘River Towns’, is located along the lower western shore of the Hudson River in New York. A picturesque, historic town located about 30 miles North West of New York City, it is filled with Victorian homes, boutique shops and numerous restaurants and bars. The course begins in South Nyack, winds its way through town and proceeds into Piermont, NY. Piermont is a similar, but smaller village and is home to a long pier that juts into the Hudson.
From the starting line on Franklin Avenue (along Franklin Ave Park), runners make their way through South Nyack neighborhoods towards River Road (mile 0-1), which parallels the Hudson River, offering stunning views of Westchester County, the Mario Cuomo Bridge & the water itself. After losing elevation as you run under the bridge, the road climbs again and is rolling as you head into downtown Piermont for about 3.5 miles (miles 1- 4.5). After running down Main Street, local volunteers will point you left, turning sharply East toward the pier. The pier itself is almost a mile long. Head out to the end of the pier where a water station has been organized and you will take a hairpin turn, behind the volunteers to head back the way you came, but on the northern side of the pier (mile 5). This is great time to check your pace, your standings within the pack and to cheer on those running towards the end of the pier.
Return to South Nyack on River Road (miles 6-8). Mile 9 begins under the bridge, and climbs about 60 ft over the first third of the mile as you approach and turn left onto Corneilson Ave, followed by and a sharp left onto South Broadway. Run uphill across the NYS thruway as you approach a hairpin turn on your right onto the Esposito rail trail. Cruise along the best and last mile of the course on a dirt/gravel path directly to the finish line at Franklin Ave Park. The park hosts a finish party with refreshments including bagels, fruit, water, and beer from local brewery, Kuka. There are also several bakeries and cafes nearby if you're looking for a real meal. Street parking and the downtown lot are free until 11 am, so prepare accordingly if you'll be hanging out for the day.
On a personal note, I have now run this race 4 times. My 2017 finish has been my best, with a final time of 1:09:37. Earning the first place female spot and 22nd overall. As a resident of Nyack for 6 years, various parts of the race course have been regular routes during weekly runs. Knowing the course is a HUGE advantage. Whether you are a local, or just in town the day before any race, a walk or drive along the course can be tremendously helpful. Knowing where the hills, turns, and mile/km fall along the course will guide your efforts and will help you conserve your energy or turn it on where needed.
Looking forward to a beautiful 10 miles along the Hudson again next September!
To sign up, visit the Rockland Road Runner's website for details.