April 25 Earth Day 5K to Benefit Friends of the Catskill Scenic Trails

STAMFORD – Different activities mark the coming of spring in the community and for some it is the idea of getting outdoors with other members of the community and celebrating the Earth. The first Earth Day took place in 1970 and the official Earth Day is April 22.

In Stamford, it will be properly celebrated on Saturday, April 25 with the fourth Earth Day 5K Fun Run and Walk, sponsored by the Stamford Business Alliance. It is an event that has continued to grow, drawing more than 120 participants of all ages last year. The race is followed by a morning filled with family-friendly, eco-friendly Earth Day activities.

There will be educational activities and local businesses are asked to do something special to celebrate Earth Day.

It is a day to promote environmental protection and communities host a myriad of activities, from cleaning up trash to planting trees and providing education. The Earth Day 5 K brings awareness to the environment and gets people out into the environment along a scenic route.

The proceeds this year will go to the not-for -profit Friends of the Catskill Scenic Trails. The trails are a popular attraction for locals and visitors as a hiking, biking venue, and an ideal location for the one-mile fun run that precedes the 5K race. Snowmobilers and cross country skiers also love it during the winter.

The "Friends" organization is dedicated to the preservation, enhancement, enjoyment and promotion of the 26 miles of the Catskill Scenic Trail . They are passionate in advocating the trail's importance as a community asset, tourism destination and nature connection resource. They add that it is a source of pride for surrounding towns.

There is always someone walking, biking, horseback riding, running or hiking along the trail. In winter, it attracts cross country skiers and snowmobilers. It is used constantly all year long.

A 5K fun run and a one mile fun walk will kick off  Saturday, April 25. The walk steps of at 9 a.m. from behind the Stamford Library, while the run kicks off at 9:45 a.m. from the same location. There are various categories for racers to enter, with times recorded. 

Walkers, runners and dogs are welcome, it's a family affair. Family fun will be provided by the Grand Gorge Girl Scouts, there will be kids crafts and movement, trail tale experience and racers will receive a free re-usable swag bag and there will be live DJs by the local radio station The PULL. The state Department of Environmental Conservation will provide free tree saplings, ACE Hardware is providing free seeds and there will be coffee, water and snacks. Throughout the village, businesses are being asked to participate with village-wide markets.

You can register at Catskills Junction, 28 Railroad Av. on  Friday and Saturday 11-4 and  Sunday noon-4.

You can also register online at: stamfordearthday5kandfunrun@itsyourownrace.com.