Race Reports
2025 Pond Hockey Trail Festival: Winter Trail Races Shine at Chenango Valley State Park
The 2025 Pond Hockey Trail Festival Races at Chenango Valley State Park were a highlight of the winter trail running season, drawing runners and spectators for an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Featuring 10k, 20k, and 50k races on a scenic 10k trail loop, the event was held alongside the renowned Binghamton Pond Festival, offering a festive atmosphere complete with food trucks, aid stations, and enthusiastic crowds. Standout performances included Ashton Murdock and Clara Barnhart leading the 10k, Josh Schlafer and Meghan Garvin dominating the 20k, and Eric Tartter and Mikayla Reinshagen excelling in the 50k. A special achievement came from Brian Rhodes, who completed his first marathon by running 42k. This race not only showcased incredible athleticism but also brought the community together to support local nonprofits and winter sports initiatives.
As the kickoff to the 2025 Confluence Challenge, this event sets the tone for an exciting year of running in Upstate New York. Upcoming races include the Parade Day Mile, Loop the Lemur Ultra, 1812 Challenge, and Carousel 5k, each offering unique opportunities for runners to push their limits. The Pond Hockey Trail Festival continues to grow as a staple in the New York trail running community, blending outdoor adventure, community spirit, and support for local causes. For full race results, photos, and details on upcoming events, visit ConfluenceRunningEvents.com. Don’t miss the chance to join one of the most exciting winter running traditions in the Binghamton area!
Conquer the Cold: January Freeze 10K at Otsiningo Park
Join the January Freeze 10K, a winter running tradition hosted by the Triple Cities Runners Club at Otsiningo Park in Binghamton, NY. Held over four Saturdays in January, this flat and scenic race is perfect for runners of all levels. Embrace the cold, connect with the community, and kick off your year with this no-frills 10K series!
Running Towards Wellness: Binghamton University’s Marathon Training Journey
STXC Championships | Chenango Valley State Park
NY State Championship XC Cross Country Course | Chenango Valley State Park
The Ultimate Guide to the Halloween 13K: Running Results, Race Day Highlights, and Community Impact
The Halloween 13K in Endicott, NY, has become a cherished annual event, combining fitness, fun, and community support. Hosted with the support of sponsors like Visions Federal Credit Union, Spiedie and Rib Pit, and Confluence Running, the race drew runners of all ages, many dressed in festive costumes, for a day of friendly competition and charity. Participants took on the 13 km course individually or as part of a 2-person relay, with awards for top finishers, creative costumes, and team spirit. This year’s proceeds benefited Team HopeFull and Pawlandias, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and creating meaningful employment opportunities for people with special needs.
Although not the organizer, Confluence Running is proud to support the Halloween 13K, which aligns with its commitment to community and wellness. The event highlighted impressive performances, from individual winners like Steve Esposito and Kristie McBride to standout relay teams such as the Runnin’ Rastlers and RyanJenn. Whether tackling the course for a personal best or simply embracing the Halloween spirit, runners made each step count for an impactful cause. This event offers something for every level of runner, making it a memorable and meaningful way to celebrate the season and support local programs.
STAC Cross Country Championships Recap & Photos | Showcasing Elite Performances
The 2024 Southern Tier Athletic Conference (STAC) Cross Country Championships, held on October 26 at Fortin Park in Oneonta, New York, brought together top teams from across the region to compete in Varsity, Junior Varsity, and Modified divisions. In the Varsity Girls race, Ithaca claimed the championship title with a team score of 40, led by individual winner Tsadia Bercuvitz (10th grade), who crossed the finish line in 17:52.40. Corning took second with 43 points, followed by Vestal in third with 90 points. For the Varsity Boys, Ithaca also dominated, with Riley Hubisz (12th grade) leading his team to victory in 16:12.6, giving Ithaca a strong team score of 27. Corning and Oneonta completed the top three teams, underscoring the fierce competition throughout the day.
In the JV and Modified divisions, both Corning and Vestal demonstrated impressive depth and potential. Corning’s JV Girls achieved a perfect score of 15, while Vestal’s JV Boys took the top spot with 23 points. In the Modified races, Corning once again showcased rising talent, securing first in both the boys’ and girls’ categories with standout performances from Keith Huff and Abigail Wagner. The STAC Championships celebrated the dedication and resilience of Southern Tier athletes, setting the stage for exciting future seasons and solidifying Ithaca and Corning as cross-country powerhouses in the region.
Marathon Invitational Replay 2024 Recap: Results, Photos, and Highlights from the 36th Annual Race
The Marathon Invitational Next-day Replay at Appleby Elementary School on October 20th, 2024, saw runners face a two-loop course under sunny skies and 40-degree temperatures. With standout performances by Steve Esposito of HUSTLE XC in the men's division and Emily Miller of Team Confluence in the women's division, the race was a memorable showcase of grit and team spirit. In the team results, HUSTLE XC claimed the men's division, Team Confluence took the women's title, and the Thirsty Harriers led the mixed division. Every participant contributed to the ongoing competition as season standings continued to shift.
As the Southern Tier Cross Country Series moves forward, the season standings in the Overall, Men's, Mixed, and Women's Divisions are heating up. The Bogus City Striders currently lead the overall standings, followed closely by Thilly Wabbit and Team Confluence, with several races still to come. Meanwhile, in the men's division, HUSTLE XC has become the team to beat. Whether you’re competing for the top spot or just enjoying the journey, check out the full results to see how your team stands and get ready for the next exciting race!
Marathon Invitational Course Map
Southern Tier Cross Country Race #2 Recap: Greene Lions Park
Results Race #1 - Hickories Park | Southern Tier Cross Country | XC Running
Experience the Thrill of the Southern Tier Cross Country Series at Hickories Park! The first race of the series brought runners of all ages together for a day filled with fun, friendly competition, and community spirit. Teams like HUSTLE XC, Thilly Wabbit, and Team Confluence dominated the Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed Divisions, respectively, showcasing outstanding performances by top runners including Jordan Varano and Emily Miller. Unique moments, like the Bunny (played by Eliana Gawors) handing out carrots to lucky runners, added a playful touch, making this event memorable for everyone from kids to grandparents.
Join the Southern Tier Cross Country Adventure and Stay Active This Fall! The series continues on October 13th at the Dave Panella Cyclocross Races in Greene, NY, offering more opportunities for teams to earn points and enjoy the excitement of cross-country racing. Don’t miss the upcoming group run on September 26th at Confluence Running, featuring a test run with the latest ON Running shoes. Whether you're looking to compete, have fun, or connect with the local running community, the Southern Tier Cross Country Series is the perfect way to embrace the cross-country spirit this fall.
Racing Under the Lights: Highlights from the Owego Night Invitational | Dash in the Dark
The Owego Night Invitational brought an exciting twist to cross country racing, as athletes competed under the lights in a thrilling nighttime event. Ithaca dominated the Varsity Boys race, securing the top three spots, led by Riley Hubisz with an impressive time of 12:45. Teammates Noah Hilker and Everett Shaw followed close behind, helping Ithaca to a commanding team victory. Northeast Bradford’s Creed Dewing and Athens Area’s Graham Wanck also delivered standout performances, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.
Owego Free Academy's Sullivan O'Donnell led his team with a 14th place finish, while Vestal showcased their depth by placing four runners in the top 20. The unique atmosphere of the nighttime race, combined with fierce competition, made the inaugural Owego Night Invitational an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike.
