Aiken Trails Club April Newsletter

Yeti Dark Horse

24/48hr. Ultra

Recap

Trails Club Calendar:

2026

April 11 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

April 18: Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View Spring Race - For more information or sign up HERE

May 9 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

June 6 @8am - Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

June 25 - 28 - Camp-Run-A-Muck Running Retreat - For more information or sign up HERE

July 11 - Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

August 1 - Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

September 1, 2026 – Middle School X-Country Meet

September 5, 2026 - Monthly Group Run/Walk

September 15, 2026 – Middle School X-Country Meet

October 3, 2026 - Monthly Group Run/Walk

October 20, 2026 – Middle School X-Country Meet

October 23 – 25, 2026 – Fall Aiken Trailblazer Marathon/Half Marathon/10k/5k/Kids Fun Run

November 14, 2026 - Monthly Group Run/Walk

December 5, 2026 - Monthly Group Run/Walk

2027

January 23, 2027 - Battle of the Run Clubs - For More information or sign up HERE

Barry’s Trail Club Monthly Letter

As you read this note, please consider if there are ways that we can continue to diversify and develop the activities of the Trails Club @ Stable View.

New Events can involve running, walking, jogging, sprinting or just fun-runs.

We could add weekday events or weekends, and could include one-day, two-day or three-day formats.

Our view is that the 800 acres and 15 plus miles of Trails at Stable View are to be shared and improved.

As events grow, we're happy to offer increased hospitality including Stable View's signature Graze and Gaze.

As you think about how you can assist in the development of the Trails Club, please don't forget the benefits of a Trails Club Membership - this can also work well as a Birthday, Christmas, or Anniversary Present.

Please reach out to Kena or Sarah at 484-356-3173 or kena@stableviewfarm.com with any ideas.

The Spring Aiken Trailblazer

Stable View is known a years it has expanded into endurance sports, with the Aiken Trailblazer serving as its cornerstone running event. As the flagship race, it showcases everything that makes the property unique over 1,000 acres of preserved land, well maintained trails, and a commitment to outdoor recreation and conservation. Unlike typical road races, the Trailblazer highlights the venue itself. Runners experience winding forest paths, rolling terrain, and a peaceful countryside setting that reflects Aiken’s deep-rooted connection to both nature and sport.

Spring 2026 Race Details

The spring edition of the Aiken Trailblazer Trail Race is scheduled for April 18, 2026, offering multiple distances to accommodate runners of all levels:

Half Marathon, 15K, 5K and Kids Fun Run

All races take place throughout Stable View, with courses designed to challenge seasoned trail runners while remaining accessible to beginners and walkers. Participants can expect well-supported courses with aid stations, hydration options, and energy supplements positioned throughout longer distances.

What sets the Aiken Trailblazer apart—and reinforces it as Stable View’s flagship race—is the full event experience. Every participant receives a finisher’s medal and race shirt, along with access to post-race amenities such as food, showers, and on-site hospitality.

For more information or to register, click HERE

Yeti Dark Horse 24/48 Hour Ultra Recap

by Sarah Hansel

As I pulled in to Stableview on Saturday morning, I passed a man with a hoolahoop, race bib on, twirling his way down the path. Behind him a was a group of ladies in matching tutus, walking and chatting, and seemingly sharing a sandwich. I pulled in and parked, grabbed a few things from my car and made my way to the Pavillion. Pink Pony Club was blasting from the speakers and a man dressed as a unicorn and a woman dressed as a horse were absolutely rocking out and dancing their way down the lane. They were politely passed by a man, all business and running strongly, intent on crossing through the timing mats to record his lap.

Welcome to The Dark Horse 24/48 hr race, put on by Yeti Trail Runners. Over 150 runners from all over spent the weekend running, walking, and sharing community around a four-ish mile loop through Stableview's back 800. Some were there to run far, some were there to run fast, and some were there to share the miles with friends and strangers. My favorite part of the whole thing was to see the smiles and sense of accomplishment shared between runners as they made their way back to the Pavillion each time. No one seemed to care what lap number anyone else was on, it only mattered that they were all out there, going on this journey together.

48 Hour Women

1. Jennifer Westbrook 116.25

1. Dawn Fontana 116.25

3. Becca Neel 108.75

3. Christy Scott 108.75

3. Kimberly Caldwell 108.75

48 Hour Men

1. Ben Niebla 183.75

2. Shawn Cissel 176.25

3. Christopher Bortz 150.0

Results

24 Hour Women

1. Christine Soskins 97.5

2. Elizabeth Lucarelli 67.5

2. Cassie Nevin's 67.5

2. Sam Burns 67.5

24 Hour Men

1. Todd Henrich 101.25

1. Matthew Greschak

1. Nick Landy 101.25 1. Gene Green 101.25 1. Tony Maloney 101.25

48 Hour Relay (2 people)

1. Don'T Die Roger 90

2. Team Studee 67.50

48 Hour Relay (3 people) 1. Should Stayed Home 120 2. Shadowfax Icorns 93.75

3. Golden Girls 15.0

48 Hour Relay (4

Coach’s Corner with Victoria

Victoria Seahorn, founding Race Director of the ING Georgia Marathon is a veteran of 30 marathons and numerous half marathons. In addition to her personal experience completing races, Seahorn has created training programs to guide more than 10,000 people to achieve their goal of completing marathons to 5K’s.

Throughout her career, Seahorn has been in demand as a speaker, coach, marathon pace group program organizer and leader. She is the race director of The Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View trail races.

Spring Running Tips

April showers bring May flowers…maybe.

Our weather can be most unpredictable anytime of the year. And this time is no different. If we do, in fact, have lots of rain this month, the trails can be quite challenging. But that’s a good thing. All you have to do is shorten your stride and pay close attention to the trails, which, for me, seems to make the miles go by faster. And an extra added bonus, adapting to different terrain will improve your balance as well as patience!

Gear check…

It is so important to have good gripping shoes for those potential muddy trails. And equally important to not get upset when they get quite dirty.

A waterproof jacket is always good to have as you never know when a pop-up shower might happen or when that fine mist that feels so good turns out to be a downpour.

And, of course, a hat to help keep rain and/or sweat from your eyes.

Help keep the trails in great shape…

I know it sounds like the wrong thing to do, but running through the mud instead of going around it helps keep the trails in shape. It not only helps prevent the trails getting wider and wider, but also from destroying or damaging potential vegetation growing up on the sides of the trails. Finally…Enjoy running this spring, even with our wacky weather. Appreciate the beautiful budding flowers and trees. Watch out for all the wildlife coming to life And join us for our Aiken Trailblazer springtime events. If you’ve just started running, run/walk the 5K, it is perfect for the entire family. If you’ve been keeping up your base mileage this winter and up for a bit of a challenge, join us for either the 15K or half marathon. Registration is open on runsignup.com

Happy Running, Coach Victoria

The OG T ilbl K l i C

If you find yourself in Kalmia Canyon later this month, two new single tracks have been added with the help of my young trails apprentice, Rylan - the Kalmia Canyon Climb and the Kalmia Canyon Maze. And let me tell you… both worth every step.

Tucked sweetly into the folds of the canyon, the Kalmia Canyon Climb eases you up with a gentle climb nothing too rude, just enough to remind your legs they’re alive and well. It’s the kind of uphill that asks politely, not demands, and gives you time to take in the views around you. And here’s the best part—the kalmia is already starting to bud.

If you’re wondering what kalmia is, I’ll paint you a picture. It’s a native evergreen shrub—some folks call it mountain laurel—with glossy green leaves and clusters of delicate, cup-shaped blooms. When it flowers, it’s special… soft shades of pink and white. It’s one of those plants that doesn’t just sit pretty it puts on a proper show, the kind that makes you slow your step and take it all in.

The Kalmia Canyon Mazes winds through the shrubs and you will be surrounded in Kalmia canyon… thousands of little buds dotting the branches, just waiting on their moment. Give it just a little more time, and they’ll open, showing off in soft pinks and whites like nature’s own front porch bouquet. And where this trail leads? Why, it sets you up with a view so fine, you’ll feel like you’ve got a frontrow seat to the whole show.

There’s no way to sugarcoat it you’ll feel that climb a bit on the way up. Your quads might grumble, maybe even try to negotiate a break or two. But the funny thing is, once those blooms start showing off, you will completely forget that you made that climb and be glad you made the trip.

Trails Report: It’s dry and dusty, especially on the red loop. This week, lots of dogwood and native azaleas can be spotted blooming on the Blue Loop and Kalmia buds are starting to appear throughout the entire system.

Camp-Run-A-Muck

Join the fun at Camp Run-A-Muck this summer — where your inner kid gets to stay up late, play in the dirt, and run wild… just with better snacks and a slightly earlier bedtime. This 3-day, all-inclusive running and wellness camp is set at Stable View in Aiken, South Carolina a sprawling, trail-laced playground built for adventure, connection, and a whole lot of good, sweaty fun. Think summer camp… but upgraded for grown-ups. Your days are packed (in the best way) with trail runs, coaching workshops, nutrition chats that actually make sense, yoga to stretch it all out, and even a self-defense session to keep things interesting. In between? Chef-prepared meals that’ll make you forget all about cafeteria food, plus plenty of time to kick back, swap stories, and make new friends.

Pictured below are the camp’s three primary facilitators. Click the link (Camp-Run-A-Muck) to learn more about each of them, the camp, or reserve your spot!

Aiken Trails Cl b L Map: