The Paine to Pain 1/2 Marathon Trail Race is returning as an annual event. Paine to Pain – the longest trail race within 50 miles of New York City – made its debut last September when the Colonial Greenway was dedicated. The Greenway is a massive figure-8 with over 20 miles of trails, incorporating many Westchester communities that nestle Long Island Sound.
Hosted by the local Sound Shore Runners and Multisport Club, the 13.1 mile race will take place October 4th and start at the Thomas Paine Cottage in New Rochelle, off North Avenue. The course proceeds up the Leatherstocking Trail past Larchmont into Mamaroneck, runs through Saxon Woods, and returns down the Hutchinson River Trail through Scarsdale and Eastchester before finishing on the New Rochelle High School track. The finish line is across the street from the start. Approximately 12 of the 13.1 miles are on dirt paths and in the woodlands.
The race received strong positive feedback from runners and local officials at last year’s event, leading organizers to make this an annual affair. New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, who held the finisher’s tape for the men last year, said, “Pain to Paine is fast becoming one of the New York area’s best – and most distinctive – racing traditions. We are delighted to host a spirited competition that brings together so many outstanding runners, and we are delighted also to show off the beautiful parks and trails of the Colonial Greenway.”
Mamaroneck Town Councilwoman Nancy Seligson, who held the finisher’s tape for the women last year, said, “I’m thrilled to have the Second Annual Paine to Pain on the Colonial Greenway trail. The race highlights how unique the trail is and brings runners from all over to experience it. We’re proud to have the Colonial Greenway in our community.”
Last year’s winner for the women’s division, Deirdre Coupe Hopkins (Greenwich, CT) said, “What an adventure! I grew up in Westchester so it was a blast to come back and run in familiar places – including my childhood friend’s backyard! Terrific support along the course and the track finish was very cool – I’ll be back in October!!” Men’s division winner Gerry Sullivan (White Plains, NY) was no less exuberant, saying, “The best part of the Paine to Pain is the trail itself. Being able to race through 13 plus miles of woods while never leaving Westchester is awesome. The fact that more people don’t know about this gift of the trail is a crime. Finishing on the track is awesome too. Feels like we’re having our own little Olympics out there.”
Given the unique nature of the race, and the lack of any comparative race in the New York metropolitan region, organizers see this as a signature sporting event for the county in the years to come.
Race information and registration is available at the new Paine to Pain website now being built: www.painetopain.com. Registration is limited to the first 200 runners.
Sponsors of the race thus far include:
City of New Rochelle
Town of Mamaroneck
Village of Scarsdale
County of Westchester (Parks and Recreation)
Sound Shore Runners and Multisport Club
The Turkewitz Law Firm (NYC)
Westchester Road Runner (White Plains)
Breaking the Tape Productions, LLC (Harrison)
JanMar Trophies (New Rochelle)
Café Mozart (Mamaroneck)