Rattlesnake Run sees biggest turnout in five years

Rattlesnake Run sees biggest turnout in five years

Runners beginning the second heat, the 10K distance.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

AMENIA — The rain held off for the fifth annual Rattlesnake Run on Saturday, June 14, which took place along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail.

With more than 110 registered runners, this year marked the largest turnout since the race’s inception in 2020, race organizer and founder Florent Lacroix said.

Photos By Aly MorrisseyGordon Simpson, 2, gets a head start during the 10K heat.Photo by Aly Morrissey

“It’s a fun community event,” Lacroix said. “The goal was originally to connect the towns of North East and Amenia, and the event keeps growing every year.”

In a shift from last year’s format, this year’s course began and ended in downtown Wassaic, allowing runners to pass each other along the trail for a more communal, interactive experience.

Participants chose from three distances — a half marathon, 10K, and 5K — each drawing a sizable group of runners.

Rattlesnake Run founder and organizer Florent Lacroix with Wassaic Project music director Tim Love Lee, who set the vibes as DJ for the event.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Named for the mountain that looms nearby, and surrounded by the vibrant presence of the Wassaic Project, the event offered a colorful and scenic environment. Spectators and runners alike enjoyed a festive atmosphere featuring a bake sale, live DJ, arts and crafts, and even a child magician.

Lacroix says he will connect with runners to see how they felt about the “out and back” format along the trail before determining the format for next year.

Sponsors of the race included Wassaic Project, Jack’s Auto Service, Four Brothers, Silo Ridge, Stoneleaf, St. Thomas Church, and the Food of Life Food Pantry. The logo and branding for the race were designed by Studio Bueno.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

Latest News

Governor Hochul implements temporary statewide burn ban

The LED sign in front of Amenia's Town Hall on Route 22 warns passing motorists of the current temporary burn ban, in effect from Oct. 2 to Oct. 15.

Photo by Nathan Miller

A statewide burn ban is in effect as of Thursday, Oct. 2, the New York State Governor's office announced in a press release.

The temporary ban is in effect until at least Oct. 15, and the statement released by the governor's office said the restrictions will be re-evaluated prior to the Oct. 15 deadline.

Keep ReadingShow less
Barbara Meyers DelPrete

LAKEVILLE, Conn. — Barbara Meyers DelPrete, 84, passed away Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 76 Sharon Rd., Lakeville.

Keep ReadingShow less
Stanford’s Haunted Fortress gearing up for opening day

Volunteers were hard at work putting the finishing touches on the crucial creepy decorations for the Haunted Fortress of Stanford on Sunday, Sept. 28.

Nathan Miller

STANFORD — Greg Arent led a devoted team of volunteers on Sunday, Sept. 28, in a final push to prepare Stanford’s Haunted Fortress for opening day.

Final touches included cleaning the bottomless pit, scrubbing the pirate ship, raking the graveyard and dressing the dolls. By 2 p.m., about 20 volunteers had assembled to creepify the beloved local landmark.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Public Works Superintendent resigns, Police Chief takes the job

From left, Jim Milton, Spencer Parks and William J. Clark stand with Joseph Olenik on their first day working under him as the head of Public Works on Monday, Sept. 29.

Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Village announced a leadership change at the Highway Department on Friday following the resignation of Superintendent Peter Dellaghelfa. Police Chief Joseph Olenik will step into the role, effective immediately, officials said.

Olenik will continue to serve as Police Chief.

Keep ReadingShow less