Grafton 15k

The Grafton 15k is a spring trail race scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, within the scenic and varied landscape of Grafton Lakes State Park, New York. Starting and finishing at the park’s beach area, the race offers a 9.3-mile course that balances technicality with runability. It is designed to be accessible for those new to trail running while providing a stimulating challenge for veterans. Given its timing in the spring, participants are advised to expect muddy conditions throughout the park's forested paths. A common benchmark for this course is that finishing times often align closely with a runner's road half marathon personal best.

Grafton is a town in Rensselaer County, New York, situated on the Rensselaer Plateau with a population of approximately 2,100 residents. The demographic profile of Grafton is 96.4% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Asian, and 0.5% Black or African American. The median annual household income is approximately $84,000. Geographically, the town is defined by high elevations and numerous glacial lakes, with Grafton Lakes State Park serving as a central feature of the local wilderness. In late April, the climate in the upper Hudson Valley typically features average highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). The high elevation of the plateau often results in cooler temperatures and more persistent moisture than the nearby valley floors, contributing to the "mud season" conditions synonymous with this race.

The event logistics are centered at the beach area, where the park gates open at 8:00 AM to allow for pre-race preparation. The course markings and technical sections are managed to ensure safety while maintaining the "fun and challenging" spirit of the event. Registration remains open until April 23, 2026, via the UltraSignup platform. Participants are encouraged to view the course details on CalTopo to familiarize themselves with the 900 feet of climbing scattered throughout the loop. As a staple of the regional spring racing calendar, the Grafton 15k continues to draw a diverse field of runners looking to transition from road surfaces to the trails of the Capital District.