West Almond Trails IMPACT Run

Event Overview

The West Almond Trails IMPACT Run is a trail running event hosted by IMPACT: Friends Improving Allegany County Trails, a non-profit volunteer group. The 2026 edition is the second annual event and takes place on Saturday, August 29.

Distances

The event offers several distance options:

• 5K run and walk
• 10K run and walk
• 25K run There are also special registration categories for IMPACT members and for high school or collegiate teams.

Course Details

All courses are on trails within Phillips Creek, Turnpike, and Palmers Pond State Forests near Belmont, New York. The routes pass through rolling hardwood stands and older pine plantations.

The 5K course is a clockwise loop on Trail 3, finishing at the State Route 244 parking lot trailhead. It is described as a rolling route with potential wet spots to cross; the longest climb is 25 meters near the 4-kilometer mark.

The 10K route uses Trails 3, 4, 5, and 2/6, and includes a creek crossing. The topography has many small hills, with an overall elevation change resulting in a net loss of roughly 60 meters over the first 7.5 kilometers, which is regained over the final 2.5 kilometers.

The 25K is a new distance for 2026. It connects trails across all three state forests, using both well-traveled and lesser-used paths, as well as some gravel and seasonal roads. It features creek crossings and a varied topography with many small hills and several larger ones.

Location and Check-In

The event starts and finishes at the Phillips Creek State Forest Parking Area on State Route 244 in Belmont, New York. Check-in and bib pickup open at 7:00 AM on race day.

Organization

Proceeds from the race support IMPACT's mission of improving trail accessibility in Allegany County. The event is supported by sponsors and volunteers, including local emergency services, ham radio operators, and Scout troops. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.