West Almond Trails IMPACT Run
- Date Sat 29th August 2026
- Time 7:45AM EDT
- Location Belmont, New York
- Price $20.00 - $40.00
- Races 12 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating West Almond Trails IMPACT Run on Saturday, August 29, 2026, in the scenic Belmont, Allegany. This annual trail running event promises an unforgettable experience as participants navigate through the breathtaking Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmers Pond State Forest. This year introduces new exciting options, including a 10K distance walk and a challenging 25K race course for avid runners.
The event features three distinct race distances: a 5K run and walk that showcases the beautiful rolling hardwood stands, a scenic 10K route with varied elevation and thrilling terrain, and a newly added 25K course that weaves through both well-traveled and hidden trails. Each course is designed to highlight the stunning landscapes of Western New York, making it a perfect outing for both competitive runners and leisurely walkers. With check-in starting at 7:00 AM and races kicking off shortly after, it's a day filled with adventure, community spirit, and the joy of supporting trail accessibility in Allegany County. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts!
The event features three distinct race distances: a 5K run and walk that showcases the beautiful rolling hardwood stands, a scenic 10K route with varied elevation and thrilling terrain, and a newly added 25K course that weaves through both well-traveled and hidden trails. Each course is designed to highlight the stunning landscapes of Western New York, making it a perfect outing for both competitive runners and leisurely walkers. With check-in starting at 7:00 AM and races kicking off shortly after, it's a day filled with adventure, community spirit, and the joy of supporting trail accessibility in Allegany County. Don’t miss out on this chance to connect with nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts!
Organiser's Description
IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails is hosting the second annual trail run through the forested Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmers Pond State Forest.
NEW THIS YEAR - we have added both a 10K DISTANCE WALK and a 25K RACE COURSE FOR RUNNERS. Improvements to trail 3 were completed in 2025 and the 5K course has returned to the distance advertised. All courses pass through rolling hardwood stands as well as sections of older pine plantations showing off the beauty of Western New York. Map of Palmers Pond, Phillips Creek ,and Turnpike State Forest Trails: Map of State Forest Trails [https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/mappalmerspondphillipscreekturnpike.pdf]
-The 5K RUN AND WALK follows the the Trail 3 loop clockwise finishing at the trail head of the State Route 244 parking lot. The route is rolling and may have wet spots to cross. The longest climb of 25m comes at the 4km mark.
-The 10K RUN AND WALK follows the West side of Trail 3 then continues north on Trail 4 to the Stewart Forest Road. It then follows a short section of the gravel road north before turning onto the Trail 5 loop and heading back south to Trail 4, merging with Trail 6, and finally heading south on Trail 2/6 before finishing at the trailhead of the State Route 244 parking lot. There is one creek crossing and potential for mud or wet spots to run/walk through. The topography varies greatly with many small hills while the overall elevation change along the 10K route results in a ~60m loss over the first 7.5 kilometers, which it gains back over the last 2.5 kilometers. The route is similar to last year when it was well received and considered a scenic and exciting challenge for trail racers. We hope it will be equally enjoyable and invigorating for walkers.
-The newly added 25K RUN follows both well traveled and little traveled trails along with some gravel and seasonal roads to connect trails of all three state forests. There are creek crossings and high potential for mud and wet spots to run through. Additionally, the topography varies greatly with many small hills and several larger ones making this a scenic, exciting and challenging 25K trail run!
The host, IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, is a non-profit volunteer lead, membership driven group dedicated to improving trail accessibility for all users to enjoy the natural wonders of Allegany County. All race proceeds and donations contribute to furthering the groups mission. Accomplishments of IMPACT are directly linked to the dedication of members and the Board of Directors. For more information see IMPACT Friends Group website [https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/]
CHECK-IN / PACKET & BIB PICK-UP
Location: State Route 244 Phillips Creek State Forest Parking Area
Time: open at 7:00am on race day
25K RUN - Start time 7:45am
5K AND 10K RUN - Start Time 8:45
5K AND 10K WALK - Start Time: 9:15am
_**Special Note**_
This event is ONLY possible with the Generosity of Sponsors and help of Amazing Volunteers to which we are indebted.
Sponsors: you can be listed here and with all publicity! Sponsors for the inaugural event-2025 are listed below
Volunteers include but are not limited to:
* Emergency rescue services of Alfred Station Fire Company, Angelica Fire and Rescue.
* Ambulance and EMT services of Alfred A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company and Andover Ambulance Company.
* Communications assistance provided by local Ham Radio operators using the repeaters of Alfred and Wellsville
* Logistic assistance from local Scouts of America Troops
* Water distribution sites TBD
2025 list of Sponsors:
Platinum level
THE BETHESDA FOUNDATION OF HORNELL
Gold level
RUNNINGS
RYAN AGENCY - Insurance Protection You Can Rely On
SERVU CREDIT UNION
ZIMMERMAN OUTDOOR SERVICES
Silver level
ALCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
HARRINGTON'S GROCERY
PAULINE E. BURNES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, PLLC
UR JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
WEGMANS
Bronze level
ACE'S COUTNY CUPBOARD, FLEET FEET, LARRY'S LATRINES, NICHOLSON PHARMACY, TEXAS HOT, VICKY WESTACOTT, WEYAND CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATES, W. BROOKE HARRIS
NEW THIS YEAR - we have added both a 10K DISTANCE WALK and a 25K RACE COURSE FOR RUNNERS. Improvements to trail 3 were completed in 2025 and the 5K course has returned to the distance advertised. All courses pass through rolling hardwood stands as well as sections of older pine plantations showing off the beauty of Western New York. Map of Palmers Pond, Phillips Creek ,and Turnpike State Forest Trails: Map of State Forest Trails [https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/mappalmerspondphillipscreekturnpike.pdf]
-The 5K RUN AND WALK follows the the Trail 3 loop clockwise finishing at the trail head of the State Route 244 parking lot. The route is rolling and may have wet spots to cross. The longest climb of 25m comes at the 4km mark.
-The 10K RUN AND WALK follows the West side of Trail 3 then continues north on Trail 4 to the Stewart Forest Road. It then follows a short section of the gravel road north before turning onto the Trail 5 loop and heading back south to Trail 4, merging with Trail 6, and finally heading south on Trail 2/6 before finishing at the trailhead of the State Route 244 parking lot. There is one creek crossing and potential for mud or wet spots to run/walk through. The topography varies greatly with many small hills while the overall elevation change along the 10K route results in a ~60m loss over the first 7.5 kilometers, which it gains back over the last 2.5 kilometers. The route is similar to last year when it was well received and considered a scenic and exciting challenge for trail racers. We hope it will be equally enjoyable and invigorating for walkers.
-The newly added 25K RUN follows both well traveled and little traveled trails along with some gravel and seasonal roads to connect trails of all three state forests. There are creek crossings and high potential for mud and wet spots to run through. Additionally, the topography varies greatly with many small hills and several larger ones making this a scenic, exciting and challenging 25K trail run!
The host, IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, is a non-profit volunteer lead, membership driven group dedicated to improving trail accessibility for all users to enjoy the natural wonders of Allegany County. All race proceeds and donations contribute to furthering the groups mission. Accomplishments of IMPACT are directly linked to the dedication of members and the Board of Directors. For more information see IMPACT Friends Group website [https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/]
CHECK-IN / PACKET & BIB PICK-UP
Location: State Route 244 Phillips Creek State Forest Parking Area
Time: open at 7:00am on race day
25K RUN - Start time 7:45am
5K AND 10K RUN - Start Time 8:45
5K AND 10K WALK - Start Time: 9:15am
_**Special Note**_
This event is ONLY possible with the Generosity of Sponsors and help of Amazing Volunteers to which we are indebted.
Sponsors: you can be listed here and with all publicity! Sponsors for the inaugural event-2025 are listed below
Volunteers include but are not limited to:
* Emergency rescue services of Alfred Station Fire Company, Angelica Fire and Rescue.
* Ambulance and EMT services of Alfred A.E. Crandall Hook and Ladder Company and Andover Ambulance Company.
* Communications assistance provided by local Ham Radio operators using the repeaters of Alfred and Wellsville
* Logistic assistance from local Scouts of America Troops
* Water distribution sites TBD
2025 list of Sponsors:
Platinum level
THE BETHESDA FOUNDATION OF HORNELL
Gold level
RUNNINGS
RYAN AGENCY - Insurance Protection You Can Rely On
SERVU CREDIT UNION
ZIMMERMAN OUTDOOR SERVICES
Silver level
ALCO FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
HARRINGTON'S GROCERY
PAULINE E. BURNES LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT, PLLC
UR JONES MEMORIAL HOSPITAL
WEGMANS
Bronze level
ACE'S COUTNY CUPBOARD, FLEET FEET, LARRY'S LATRINES, NICHOLSON PHARMACY, TEXAS HOT, VICKY WESTACOTT, WEYAND CHIROPRACTIC ASSOCIATES, W. BROOKE HARRIS
Races
-
5K Walk
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$25.00
The 5K walk starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. It follows the Trail 3 loop clockwise, heading north on the west side, continuing north to Lockwood Forest Road before doubling back briefly, then returning on the east side of the trail 3 loop to end at the State Route 244 Phillips Creek parking area. This is as close to a true 5K as we can make it! -
10K Walk
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$30.00
The 10K walk starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. The course follows the west side of Trail 3, then continues north on Trail 4. Here the course turns right onto Stewart Forest Road and continues east on the road until making a left turn onto Trail 5, heading west then southwest. Trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway where the course turns right, then right again onto Stewart Forest Road. The course travels west on the road before turning left onto the west side of Trail 4. The course continues south on Trail 4, south on Trail 6, then south on Trail 2 back to the finish line. -
5K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$25.00
The 5K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. It follows the Trail 3 loop clockwise, heading north on the west side, continuing north to Lockwood Forest Road before doubling back briefly, then returning on the east side of the trail 3 loop to end at the State Route 244 Phillips Creek parking area. This is as close to a true 5K as we can make it! -
10K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$30.00
The 10K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. The course follows the west side of Trail 3, then continues north on Trail 4. Here the course turns right onto Stewart Forest Road and continues east on the road until making a left turn onto Trail 5, heading west then southwest. Trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway where the course turns right, then right again onto Stewart Forest Road. The course travels west on the road before turning left onto the west side of Trail 4. The course continues south on Trail 4, south on Trail 6, then south on Trail 2 back to the finish line. -
25K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (7:45AM EDT)
$40.00
This is a challenging course with hills (some short but steep), mud, and possible standing water. The majority of the course follows trails in Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmers Pond State Forest, never taking a trail twice. It also follows ~4.5km of gravel or seasonal roads sometimes doubling back on a road to get to a new trail head. From the Start/Finish line at State Route 244 trailhead parking area, the race course quickly turns left to follow trail 2 then trail 6 north until it veers right on trail 4. It continues northeast on trail 4 to Stewart Forest Road when it heads west on the road for 1km until taking a right turn to head north again on Trail 6. The trail pops out onto North road which it follows north a short distance before turning left on Geitner Forest Road. It stays on the road for 0.5km then takes a right turn back onto trail 6 to head south/southwest. The course follows this section of trail 6 until it loops back to Geitner Forest road where it follows the road west to then take Palmers Pond Road north, past palmers pond (and the snowmobile trail) until the right turn onto Trail 8. The course follows Trail 8 west to a left turn onto Simmons Road which it follows for 3/4km to a left turn onto the snowmobile trail that heads east back to Palmers Pond Road when it turns right (south) then takes a left turn onto Geitner Forest Road. The next 2km+ continue on the gravel road, first to a left turn (North) onto North Road and then a right turn onto Trail 7. The course follows the entire trail 7 to a right onto Stewart Forest Road and then another right onto Trail 5. Where trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway, the course turns left then crosses Stewart Forest Road to Trail 4 and continues south past Lockwood Forest Road, follows the east side of Trail 3, and returns to the Start/Finish line at State Route 244 trailhead parking area. -
IMPACT Members 5K Walk
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$20.00
Same walk, reduced price for members! Become a member on our website: https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/membership The 5km walk starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. It follows the Trail 3 loop clockwise, heading north on the west side, continuing north to Lockwood Forest Road before doubling back briefly, then returning on the east side of the trail 3 loop to end at the State Route 244 Phillips Creek parking area. This is as close to a true 5K as we can make it! -
IMPACT Members 10K Walk
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (9:15AM EDT)
$25.00
The 10K walk starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. The course follows the west side of Trail 3, then continues north on Trail 4. Here the course turns right onto Stewart Forest Road and continues east on the road until making a left turn onto Trail 5, heading west then southwest. Trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway where the course turns right, then right again onto Stewart Forest Road. The course travels west on the road before turning left onto the west side of Trail 4. The course continues south on Trail 4, south on Trail 6, then south on Trail 2 back to the finish line. -
IMPACT Members 5K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$20.00
Same race, reduced price for members! Become a member on our website: https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/membership The 5K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. It follows the Trail 3 loop clockwise, heading north on the west side, continuing north to Lockwood Forest Road before doubling back briefly, then returning on the east side of the trail 3 loop to end at the State Route 244 Phillips Creek parking area. This is as close to a true 5K as we can make it! -
IMPACT Members 10K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$25.00
Same race, reduced price for members! Become a member on our website: https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/membership The 10K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. The course follows the west side of Trail 3, then continues north on Trail 4. Here the course turns right onto Stewart Forest Road and continues east on the road until making a left turn onto Trail 5, heading west then southwest. Trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway where the course turns right, then right again onto Stewart Forest Road. The course travels west on the road before turning left onto the west side of Trail 4. The course continues south on Trail 4, south on Trail 6, then south on Trail 2 back to the finish line. -
IMPACT Member 25K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (7:45AM EDT)
$35.00
Same race, reduced price for members! Become a member on our website: https://www.impactfriendsgroup.org/membership This is a challenging course with hills (some short but steep), mud, and possible standing water. The majority of the course follows trails in Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmers Pond State Forest, never taking a trail twice. It also follows ~4.5km of gravel or seasonal roads, sometimes doubling back on a road to get to a new trail head. From the Start/Finish line at State Route 244 trailhead parking area, the race course quickly turns left to follow trail 2 then trail 6 north until it veers right on trail 4. It continues northeast on trail 4 to Stewart Forest Road when it heads west on the road for 1km until taking a right turn to head north again on Trail 6. The trail pops out onto North road which it follows north a short distance before turning left on Geitner Forest Road. It stays on the road for 0.5km then takes a right turn back onto trail 6 to head south/southwest. The course follows this section of trail 6 until it loops back to Geitner Forest road where it follows the road west to then take Palmers Pond Road north, past palmers pond (and the snowmobile trail) until the right turn onto Trail 8. The course follows Trail 8 west to a left turn onto Simmons Road which it follows for 3/4km to a left turn onto the snowmobile trail that heads east back to Palmers Pond Road when it turns right (south) then takes a left turn onto Geitner Forest Road. The next 2km+ continue on the gravel road, first to a left turn (North) onto North Road and then a right turn onto Trail 7. The course follows the entire trail 7 to a right onto Stewart Forest Road and then another right onto Trail 5. Where trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway, the course turns left then crosses Stewart Forest Road to Trail 4 and continues south past Lockwood Forest Road, follows the east side of Trail 3, and returns to the Start/Finish line at State Route 244 trailhead parking area. -
Team (High School or Collegiate) 5K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$20.00
The 5K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. It follows the Trail 3 loop clockwise, heading north on the west side, continuing north to Lockwood Forest Road before doubling back briefly, then returning on the east side of the trail 3 loop to end at the State Route 244 Phillips Creek parking area. This is as close to a true 5K as we can make it! -
Team (High School or Collegiate) 10K Run
Incl. T-Shirt
Sat 29th August 2026 (8:45AM EDT)
$20.00
The 10K race starts and finishes at Phillips Creek SF State Route 244 parking area trailhead. The course follows the west side of Trail 3, then continues north on Trail 4. Here the course turns right onto Stewart Forest Road and continues east on the road until making a left turn onto Trail 5, heading west then southwest. Trail 5 ends at a picnic/parking area driveway where the course turns right, then right again onto Stewart Forest Road. The course travels west on the road before turning left onto the west side of Trail 4. The course continues south on Trail 4, south on Trail 6, then south on Trail 2 back to the finish line.
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Phillips Creek State Forest Parking Area, State Route 244, Belmont, 14813, NY, United States
West Almond Trails IMPACT Run
