Race Results: Serenity on the Trails, Schenectady, NY- 2026

On August 22, 2026, JMA participated in the 4-Mile trail race held in Schenectady's Central Park, a first-time experience that proved rewarding. The event featured a staggered start, allowing participants to begin between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM, fostering a relaxed atmosphere. Organized in memory of Ellen Wisnoski, the race aims to raise awareness and funds for Hive of Hope, a recovery organization. This year, the event attracted 23 runners, raising approximately $4,250, nearly doubling last year's total. Top finishers included Nathan Laing, Christopher Rusc, and John Jurczynski. The race highlights community support for addiction recovery.

Kristin Gordon August 25, 2026 3 minutes read

This was JMA’s first time attending this 4-Mile trail race, and we’re glad we did as it was such a unique experience. The race took place on Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Schenectady’s Central Park. The weather was great for a trail run, there was ample parking close by, and a team of volunteers as well as the race organizers handing out race bibs only a few steps from the start.

This was a staggered race, meaning that everyone did not start running right at 8:00 AM. You had the option to show up any time before 11:00 AM with the course closing at 12:00 PM giving the race a very relaxed feel. No runners were stressed trying to get to the start line in time, they just moseyed on up to start at their leisure.

This is only the 2nd year that this race has been hosted, and it’s all for a great cause. This race is held to help raise awareness and funds, but it is also meant to honor the legacy of Ellen Wisnoski who lost her battle with recovery far too young. I had the privilege of meeting the race promoter who is Ellen’s sister, and was able to hear about the story and the consequences that the whole family had to endure because of this tragic loss.

100% of all proceeds from the race will be donated to Hive of Hope, a recovery based organization based in Albany, New York. Last year the race was able to raise roughly $2,500, and this year, they almost doubled it with a rough total of $4,250 raised. You can still donate towards the cause by clicking here.

With this race being new and upcoming, it is gaining more runners and donations each year. This year’s race had a total of 23 participants making the event feel like a tight knit and supportive community. The top 3 finishers are as follows:

1st Place: Nathan Laing, 33 years old from Schenectady, New York. Finishing Time: 33:15:04

2nd Place: Christopher Rusc, 41 years old from Ballston Spa, New York. Finishing Time: 38:11:94

3rd Place: John Jurczynski, 29 years old from Albany, New York. Finishing Time: 39:04:70

This race was hosted by NYARA (New York Adventure Racing Association) which hosts all types of events specializing in not just testing your physical prowess, but your expedition and survival skills as well. Please click here to see what they’re about and if you are interested in seeing what other events they have coming up.

You can watch the live-stream from the event on our YouTube Channel or simply by clicking play on the link below.

If you or someone that you love is struggling with addiction, please know that you’re not alone and there are resources out there to help. Please feel free to visit Hive of Hope’s website or you can always call the National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or dial 988 for a crisis through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Be sure to check out JMurrayAthletics to stay up to date on upcoming events, news, and entertainment in the athletic community.

Sources:
New York Adventure Racing Association- https://nyara.org

Run Sign-Up- https://runsignup.com

Hive of Hope- https://www.hivealbany.org

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)- https://www.samhsa.gov