Ten years ago I started photographing trail running events, almost by accident.
My respect for these athletes has grown over the years, and it still amazes me to witness the grit and strength of these runners as they traverse trails through the mountains on courses of ranging from 10 to 70 miles in length.
Over the years, I’ve come to know many of the runners with appreciation for their perseverance, but also for their warm sense of community. Trail runners are an incredibly friendly group of athletes.
My formula for photographing the races is pretty simple – pick a spot on the course and hike in the opposite direction from the runners, and take their photos as they pass. The best part is when these runners wave, smile, flash a thumbs-up, hug a tree or leap in the air to make the photos more interesting. The vast majority of the runners thank me for being out there photographing them.
I came to trail running photography through race organizers that soon became my friends. Through time, they organized their races under the umbrella of a group called Run Wild. In addition to organizing some of the best trail runs in the area, Run Wild’s mission is to raise funds for land conservation and stewardship in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
To date, Run Wild has contributed close to $175,000 supporting land conservation and stewardship in New York and New Jersey. Through my photography and passion for land conservation, I recently joined the board of Run Wild.
Manitou’s Revenge, one of the most grueling trail runs to be found anywhere was last held on June 21. Manitou’s is a test of the individual, covering 53 miles through the Catskills, starting from Windham and ending in Phoenicia. The course crosses five Catskill High Peaks, and several other lesser, but not-insignificant peaks, while climbing 15,000 total feet.
The length of the race allows me to shoot photos in multiple locations — near North-South Lake in the morning, and Sugarloaf Mountain in the afternoon. Both locations are incredibly scenic, allowing for the creation of some outstanding photos. Manitou’s is one of my favorite races to photograph, due to the intensity of the event, the good cheer of its participants and the incredible scenery.
The Shawangunk Ridge Trail Run (SRT) is another one of my favorite trail runs. This race is also challenging for all, with 70 mile, 30 mile and half-marathon distances — all requiring participants to be self-supported — there are no aid stations, nor are friends allowed to support the runners with food or water. The course ends just north of the Rosendale Trestle on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. The 70-mile race starts at High Point, NJ, the 30 starts at Sam’s Point and the half-marathon starts at Minnewaska’s Peterskill area.
Both the 70 and the 30 pass through some of the most uniquely beautiful scenery to be found anywhere – the Shawangunks of Minnewaska State Park. This section of the Shawangunks was recognized by the Nature Conservancy as one of the Earth’s Last Great Places. I enjoy photographing the SRT from various locations including Sam’s Point for the start of the 30 and Litchfield Ledge in Minnewaska to catch the runners in late morning / early afternoon against some classic Shawangunk scenery.
The SRT passes right behind the 190 foot tall Verkeerderkill Falls, which is the highest waterfall in the Shawangunks — a true gem among the many waterfalls of the Shawangunks. Verkeerderkill Falls is located on privately held land, with hiker access granted by the land owners.
Recently the Open Space Institute has arranged to purchase Verkeerderkill Falls for eventual inclusion in Minnewaska State Park Preserve. Run Wild is supporting this preservation of the falls with a pledge of $200,000. With $195,000 raised, we’re looking for additional public support to push us over the $200,000 finish line. If you’d like to help, here is the link to our GoFundMe page.
Steve Aaron is an avid skier, hiker and cyclist armed with a camera. Steve’s landscapes have appeared in Backpacker Magazine, Hudson Valley Magazine, NY Newsday and the Albany Times Union. Every August, Steve publishes a wall calendar featuring landscapes from the Catskills and Shawangunks. For more information on the calendar, join Steve’s mailing list.
Thank you Steve for highlighting the great efforts of Run Wild and the people who participate. Seeing you on the course provides a much needed boost to the runners. (I think I recognize the guy in the first pic at Sam’s Point). It’s wonderful to know that the Verkeederkill section will finally be secured. That is some beautiful and wildly enchanted country back in there. From fixing the damage caused by wildfires, organizing trail work, to acquiring land for open space, Run Wild’s mission makes it a joy to experience these events. Hope to see you again on the SRT this September.
Hey Steve,
It’s funny you say that about the community and positive cheer. I totally agree with you. My wife has just started her journey into ultrarunning and she’s become absolutely addicted to it.
While not my cup of tea (more of a mtn biker in the summer) it is fun to be at the races and experience the positive vibes.
Thanks for a great story and photos, Steve. I’ve done the Wakely Dam Ultra, which is self supported, but *only* 32 miles. I can’t imagine a self supported 70 mile race. In one of the early years of Manitou’s Revenge, I volunteered as a sweep. I can’t imagine running the whole thing. I would have been on the Devil’s Path in the dark.
Terrific article Steve. Your photography really brings folks to the moment and tells of tth runners’ journey throughout the beautiful scenic locales
Great article Steve – thank you!
This is some good stuff. Thanks for sharing it