The first Salt City Trail Race of 2024 and in cooperation with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation – Central Region, Reluctant Runner Racing is thrilled to present the 6th Annual English’s Ridge Rumble at Green Lakes State Park!

COURSE UPDATE FOR 2024….I’m working with the Park to use the Frisbee Golf Pavilion area as the start/finish line. This won’t alter the course at all but rather shift the Start/Finish from the parking lot to a more shaded and functional area!

Welcome to the idyllic Green Lakes State Park! If you’ve been before you know what a gem of a park this is for us in Central NY. If this is your first time visiting the park, then please enjoy it! Thankfully, the course is set up for you to visit several of the coolest parts of the park so you’ll get to see most of what Green Lakes has to offer.

Each lap is a little over 10 miles and includes about 1,300’ of elevation gain. From the starting line in the lower parking lot adjacent to the beach and boat launch, you’ll begin climbing almost immediately!

The first stop on the “tour” will take you by the campground, where you’ll cross over the first ridge of the day. After a few twists and turns, you’ll find yourself underneath and at the bottom (by design!) of the power line trail, making the climb up towards the Serengeti. This is where you’ll see the first aid station although at only 2 miles into the course you’re not likely to stop for food but may want to catch your breath after the power line climb!?! Shortly after the Snack Shack Aid you’ll find yourself bombing down a nice double track trail towards the Quarry turnaround. Once at the bottom, you’ll check in with a volunteer and turn right around to climb back out and up, where you’ll traverse the 2nd ridge and a bunch of grassy rollers until you get to Farmers Hill, which you guessed it, you’ll need to climb! Upon climbing the hill you’ll find yourself at the backend of the rolling hills of the Serengeti which will provide some pretty amazing vistas.

At about mile 6.5 you’ll find yourself back at the Aid Station where you’re going to want to recharge and refill your water. Heading back down towards the campground along some gravel road you’ll have a chance to enjoy some nice downhill running for a bit. Once you cross over the footbridge, you’ll start heading up Hernia Hill making a relatively quick loop back towards the footbridge and down to Round Lake. This may be the best part because the water is clear, the views amazing, and the mulch bedded trail is heavenly!

You’ll make your way about half way around Round Lake before heading up yet again towards the campground. This is a pretty long and gradual climb so bear down and get after it! Once to the top, you’ll make a hard right and follow the road on the homestretch to the finish line. But before you get there, you may need to duck a couple of frisbees as you’ll be crossing the frisbee golf course.