Lace Up! The 5th Annual Michael J. Pitney Farm Run Returns To Pitney Meadows!
Pitney Meadows Community Farm is excited to welcome back the 5th Annual Michael J. Pitney Farm Run on Saturday, October 4th, 2025! This beloved community tradition kicks off with a 5K at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Youth ½ Mile Fun Run at 10:00 a.m. Runners and families alike are invited to enjoy a morning of fresh air, camaraderie, and celebration of the great outdoors, all while supporting the mission of Pitney Meadows.
This year’s event coincides with the Saratoga XC Invitational, giving community members the chance to take to the course before the high school athletes compete.
More than just a race, this event uplifts the values at the heart of our mission: public access, shared stewardship, and joyful engagement with the land. Proceeds from the race support our year-round work in sustainable agriculture, food justice, youth education, and wellness.
“We are really excited to be hosting this great community race, followed by the Saratoga Cross Country Invitational, which will feature some of the best high school runners in the state. The Michael J. Pitney Farm Run honors the Pitney family’s vision of bringing recreation to the farm, and in my opinion, there is no better place to run in Saratoga Springs,” said Shane Zanetti, teacher and Cross-Country and Track coach at Saratoga Springs High School and Pitney Meadows Board Member
Honoring a Legacy of Adventure
The event honors the memory of Michael J. Pitney, an outdoor enthusiast whose love for nature continues to inspire those who explore the trails at Pitney Meadows. Michael, an avid fisherman, golfer, and hiker, completed all 46 Adirondack High Peaks and hiked both the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, covering an astonishing 4,660 miles between 2016 and 2017. His legacy lives on through the 1.7-mile trail loop at Pitney Meadows, named in his honor, where visitors can experience the same sense of adventure and connection to nature that Michael cherished.
A Scenic and Spectator-Friendly Course
The Michael J. Pitney Farm Run takes place on the picturesque grounds of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. The 5k course is a mixed-surface route, featuring grass and stone dust trails that wind through the farm’s open fields. The course is primarily flat with gentle rolling sections, offering a smooth and safe running experience with no road crossings. The start and finish areas are easily visible from the course, making it a spectator-friendly event that allows everyone to enjoy the race day atmosphere. Race awards include: Top finisher, Kids 6 & Under, Top finisher, Kids 10 & Under, Top 3 Overall Male & Female, and Top 3 Masters Male & Female (40+)
Sponsorship Opportunities: Support a Vital Community Resource
Corporations and families are invited to sponsor the event and contribute to the continued success of Pitney Meadows Community Farm. This beloved community celebration draws hundreds of runners, walkers, and families to our trails and wide-open fields to honor what we all hold in common—land, connection, and community well-being. Your sponsorship helps keep our trails open, our programs inclusive, and our impact growing.
Sponsorship of this race is more than a logo. It’s a visible expression of your commitment to community, wellness, and open space. You’ll be featured on race shirts, signage, and across our communications channels—and you'll be part of a growing network of partners who believe in what’s possible when we come together.
Sponsors can learn more here. Sponsorship opportunities close on September 19th.
Community Perk Milestones
This year, we’re adding something extra special: a set of “Community Perk Milestones” that celebrate collective giving. As we hit fundraising goals, the entire community benefits! These joyful activations add up to a vibrant, inclusive day that reflects everything we stand for!
Join Us for a Day of Fun and Fitness
From competitive runners to families out for a morning adventure, the Michael J. Pitney Farm Run is more than a race—it’s a celebration of community, wellness, and the land we share. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this fall tradition and help sustain a resource that nourishes us all.
"This race is about more than miles,” says Executive Director, Brooke McConnell, “it’s about connection, stewardship, and honoring a legacy that continues to grow here at Pitney Meadows."
To register for the race or to become a sponsor, please visit https://www.pitneymeadowscommunityfarm.org/michael-j-pitney-run/sponsorship-opportunities
For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please contact contact@pitneymeadows.org