Aiken Trails Club February 2026 Newsletter

Trails Club Calendar:

2026

February 7 @ 8am – Battle of the Run Clubs 10mile/10k/5k hosted by Aiken Trails Club at Stable View Registration HERE

February 27 – March 1 – Yeti Dark Horse Ultra (event will not be hosted by Aiken Trails Club) Registration HERE

March 7 @ 8am – Aiken Trails Club Monthly Group Run/Walk

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

April 18: Aiken Trailblazer at Stable View Spring Race

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

Barry’s Trail Club Welcome Letter

Wallace (AKA The OG) is the Stable View Trails Club secret weapon. Sometimes seen out in the morning with his big walking stick, he's most likely to be spotted with blue tape in his hand. This blue tape is not for marking large trees that need to be chain sawed, rather, it's for marking single runner access trails.

I believe we now have (at least) five of these at a Stable View. These narrow trails are in some of the most environmentally sensitive parts of Stable View. Some of them such as the Mountain Laurel (Kalmia) path are extraordinary, particularly during flowering season in May / June.

Extending to over four acres, the Kalmia run is around a mile within this environmentally sensitive area.... don't miss it this spring!

Wallace also has relationships with the owners of the properties opposite Stable View.

While I've not seen them, I have been told that Wallace has recently been leaving his blue tape behind on trails throughout the “neighborhood.”

If so, this would be perfect habitat as we complete plans for the first Stable View Marathon........Thank You, Wallace!

January 24, 2026

HOW TO ENTER:

February7, 2026

Run Clubs/Teams: All runners will enter individually, listing their team/ club name on the entry form. We realize that organizing a group of friends can be like herding cats, so don't feel like you need to fill all four slots before signing up. If a team comes up short, you will be matched with a "Free Agent" to ensure you are still eligible for an overall score.

Individuals: if you don't belong to a run club and still want to participate, you are more than welcome. On the entry form, when the team name is requested, simply enter "Free Agent" and we will match you with a mixed team. There will be awards for the top three finishers in each individual race as well.

SCORING:

There will be 6 races:

Men's 10 mile

Women's 10 mile

Men's 10k

Women's 10k

Men's 5k

Women's 5k

Each runner may choose the distance that suits them best. Each race will be scored equally, as follows:

1st place - 1 point

2nd place - 2 points

3rd place- 3 points

4th place- 4 points And so on....

Team scores will consist of the top 4 best placings, with the goal of earning the LOWEST overall team score. Teams can be as large as you want, the more the merrier, as more runners give you more chances at earning top placings. Additional runners on a team will not add to the score, but can definitely still contribute by bumping runners from other teams down in the rankings.

Don't feel like running, but would like to volunteer? Contact the Aiken Trails Club, as we'd certainly love a few extra hands on race day.

Hope to see you all out there this January for some fun and friendly competition!

Registration now available on RunSignUp HERE and on UltraSignUp HERE

Sponsored by:

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.

During 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.

Hitting the trails…snow or no snow

Our winter has been most interesting this year. The threats of snow and ice make us think twice about running outside and there’s nothing wrong with staying inside on the treadmill, but it is more fun, interesting and challenging to take it to the trails.

There is an advantage to running on the trails at Stable View. The trees! They can help shield you from the wind and some of the elements. I can’t think of anything more beautiful than running through the trails with snowflakes softly touching your face creating a quiet and peacefulness amidst the trees, except perhaps seeing deer running gracefully across the path in front of you.

We all need a mental boost from time to time…

When it seems winter is dragging on and on and on, getting out on the trails can give you that bit of a boost you need to get you back in the running zone. When you’re running on the trails, you’re forced to be in the moment. You never know when you might have uneven terrain, perhaps a little snow or ice, and changing surfaces which require you to focus and also helps calm the mental chatter that might be going on inside your head.

Sometimes, you might even feel that a short trail run is more refreshing than a longer road workout. Trails works your body differently than running on roads. The trails help strengthen your muscles in your ankles, hips and core as they have to work a little little harder on uneven ground and can ultimately improve your balance, coordination, and overall running strength. Plus there’s the advantage of trails being a little more forgiving on your body than hard surfaces.

A few trail tips for winter:

*Slow down, trails aren’t about pace

*Watch your footing. Mud, ice, and wet leaves can be super slippery.

*Shorter strides can help.

*Respect the trail, avoid damaging the muddy trails

And above all, have fun, enjoy and be safe.

Happy trails,

Coach Victoria

Rocky Ridge Crossings: A Trail Built with Heart

by Wallace Watkins & Kena Black

It's been a busy Winter on the trails while the snakes are out of sight and mind! Tucked way back in the woods—far enough you might start wondering if you missed a turn—you’ll find our newest slice of single track: Rocky Ridge Crossings. And this trail didn’t just pop up like mushrooms after a rain. It came together with grit, patience, and help from a young man named Rylan.

Take it at a jog or an easy stroll and you’ll cross streams, over solid rock, and alongside little waterfalls doing their steady, mind-yourbusiness kind of work. Out there, the land does most of the talking. The trail just minds their manners and keep pace.

Every step was mulled over like a fine cup of porch coffee. Those stone steps? Set by hand, built from rock pulled straight from the woods— because if you’re going to do it, you might as well do it right. Nothing flashy. Nothing forced.

What makes Rocky Ridge Crossings special is how it’s always been there, just waiting on somebody to notice. The granite boulders, the stream crossings, the steps—they all settle in like they own the place. And honestly, maybe they do. Seeing it finished literrally brought a few tears to one Trails Club member’s eyes, and that should tell you just about everything else you need to know. Rocky Ridge Crossing is shared with a grateful heart, and with the simple hope that you leave a little calmer, a little happier, and maybe—just maybe —a touch more thankful than when you came.

The OG Trailblazer Trails Report: February wills still have more equine traffic on the trails as the Winter Boarders are at Stable View, escaping snow and ice so they can keep training and competing. With more horses on the trails, it’s a good time to remember that horses always have the right way. Slow down, announce yourself, and give them plenty of space.

And don’t forget

The inaugural Dark Horse 24/48 Ultra at Stable View will take place from February 27-March 1, 2026, on a 4-mile loop in Stable View’s trail system, with options for both solo participants and team relays. For more information and to sign up click HERE

And if you’re not running in the race, come on out and cheer them on with me!

Pardon Our Progress—Something Big Is

Sneaking onto the Trails

In January, Trails Club members received a notification advising everyone to be mindful of heavy machinery operating on certain sections of the trail system. Stable View appreciates everyone’s cooperation and awareness during this time, as safety remains a top priority for both trail users and the crew working on-site. While we’re not yet able to officially announce the full details behind the activity, we can say that this work is tied to a largescale improvement for the Aiken Trails Club. The project is expected to bring approximately 1.5 miles of new, wide trails in the area near the stream that runs alongside the railroad tracks—an addition that will enhance both access and the overall trail experience. There will be one (or two) bridges over the stream incorporated as part of the improvements. Members should expect to see continued machinery activity over the next couple of weeks, and we encourage everyone to remain attentive to posted notices and temporary trail adjustments. If all goes according to plan, the project has a potential completion target of mid-February.

We’re grateful for your patience and understanding as this work progresses. These efforts are focused on creating long-term benefits for the Trails Club while and diversifying offerings at Stable View. We look forward to sharing more details once possible. Stay tuned—and as always, enjoy the trails safely.

Aiken Trails Cl b M