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SCTR Race Team
Welcome to the Salt City Trail Running's race team page!
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Part of the reason for SCTR being started was for a love of trail running and the need to share that with others. While sharing that love we have created an environment based right here in Syracuse, NY that has a strong bond. Our races offer you the "family" feel that you get at most trail races. Part of our success has been the support from that family and we are happy to say that we have now added a competitive side to this family.
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Please read about our athletes below as you might learn some things about trail running/racing from them.
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Check out the Race Team Video HERE!!!
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Men: Fred Abe Trae Patrick Women: Tess Erika Bethany
Fred Harle
A little about you:
I grew up in San Mateo, CA and graduated from Syracuse with BFA in sculpture. I'm a father to two wonderful teenage daughters, and husband to Amy, my loving companion and partner for 21 years. I own a small custom cabinet shop, The Joinery, located in New Woodstock, a short mile from the North Country Trail south of Cazenovia. I'm a big fan of God and Jesus; the Divine's sense of humor, grace, forgiveness, and patience have proven faithful and steady in joyful and challenging times.
When did you start running?
In elementary school I REALLY loved all forms of tag! Freeze tag, tunnel tag, and regular tag - I loved to run! During the summers, my parents would pack up the family for extended camping trips. After long days filled with fishing, rafting or swimming, I often would run the campground loops to explore and keep out of trouble!
What draws you into running?
It's intimately spiritual and physical. It often empties and clears the mind. The repetitive nature of the foot-strike and rhythmic breathing are calming and empowering; each stride can reveal strength, weakness, resolve or dispair. Running in the woods is a constant reminder of God's wonderful and amazing creation. Simultaneously, I'm intersted in getting "faster". Early season slow runs become easier, legs become looser, breathing less labored... The whole cyclical process of pushing the mind and body through perceived limitations and improving fitness week upon week, month upon month. There are genetic limits to what can be done, but Greg Lemond once said, "it doesn't get easier, you just get faster". Pain is OK.
What is your favorite race?
Wakely Dam Ultra. It's a self supported 55k along the Northville Placid Trail. One summer several years ago, I was in Long Lake and saw a trail sign showing it was about a marathon's distance ro Lake Placid along the NPT. Later that week, I did some searching and found the Wakley trail race which became my first race longer than 16 miles.
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
Vitargo. It's a sugar-free, high-molecular weight starch that's mixed with water. You can mix it to varying concentrations. I often add sodium and potassium.
Favorite Shoe?
HOKA ONE ONE Challenger ATR.
Any tips for beginners?
Run walk intervals! It greatly reduces injury risk and your body and mind will tell you when you're ready to drop the walking. Most of all, be patient and run without earbuds!
Tess Clark
A little about you:
I am a CNY transplant from the Philadelphia area. I grew up watching the Philly Fanatic and eating delicious but forbidden tastykakes. I came to Syracuse to get a Masters Degree at SUNY-ESF, and I've never looked back! I am so glad to have found an awesome community of trail runners in Syracuse to share beers and hobbies with.
When did you start running?
I started out as the slowest runner on my high school cross country team. I had a lot of room to improve! I never stopped running after that, but it wasn't until I was much older that I took the plunge into long distance running.
What draws you into running?
Running helps me shed a lot stress and worry, and leaves me feeling lighter and more ready to tackle other things in life. Also: I love carbs.
What is your favorite race?
I will hype the Table Rock Challenge till the cows come home. It's unlike any other race I've done
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
All of it. Pickles are surprisingly refreshing after many miles of running
Favorite Shoe?
Still searching...
Any tips for beginners?
We want you here! Join us. It can be intimidating to show up at a race or a group run, but it's worth it.
Abe Gnann
A little about you:
I was born in 1982 and grew up in a small Adirondack town. I went to college for engineering and have worked in that field for the last 15 years. I currently live in Syracuse with Sara, my wife of 10 years, and our Dachshund Betty. I discovered my love of endurance trail running only recently, running my very first Ultra at the inaugural English's Ridge Rumble 50k in April 2018. I was hooked and have run various distance trail Ultras since then, up to completing my first 100 mile mountain race in September 2019.
When did you start running?
I was a late bloomer not running regularly until I was about 30.
What draws you into running?
I enjoy the outdoors, the solidarity of being out on the trails and how running helps balance the stresses of everyday life.
ur favorite race?
IMTUF 100 (The scenery just can't be beat!)
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
Salt Potatoes
Favorite Shoe?
Altra Lone Peak
Any tips for beginners?
Sign up for a race that scares you a bit or is a little further than you think you can go...you will surprise yourself.
Erika Zazarra
A little about you:
I have worked for the Syracuse City School District for 19 years. As a Special Education Teacher. I love the mountains. I love taking pictures and creating memories. If you ask me what I’m doing on the weekends? Well, I’m running every weekend
When did you start running?
I ran competitively for Fayetteville-Manlius High School. I ran cross country indoor&outdoor track .
What draws you into running?
The friendships I make. Running makes me feel alive and free. Like I can do anything.
What is your favorite race?
Well, SCTR Morgan Hill Meat Grinder. It’s so close to home
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
Salt & Vinegar Chips - PBJ
Favorite Shoe?
Topo Ultraventure
Any tips for beginners?
Just believe you can , and you will !!!!!!
Trae Farrington
A little about you:
I am a Fleet Feet coach having coached NoBo, Distance Program, and coached/organized the Fleet Feet Trail Program with the help of Michael Jordon and Scott English. I mainly specialize in shorter distance races. I am a part time outfitter at Fleet Feet Syracuse and spend my days working as a pipefitter/welder
When did you start running?
2015
What draws you into running?
The ability to explore, get lost, think, and become the stronger version of myself
What is your favorite race?
Boilermaker (sorry Scott, I like to run fast sometimes!)
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
Pop tarts and Mountain Dew!
Favorite Shoe?
On Cloudventure
Any tips for beginners?
Don’t be afraid of trails. Don’t be afraid of getting lost or falling. It’s all apart of what keeps trail running interesting!
Bethany Titus
A little about you:
I was born and raised in a suburb of Syracuse and received my Bachelor of Arts degree (Sociology) at Le Moyne College and my Master of Science degree in School Counseling at Syracuse University. I have been the Executive Director for the International Sociology Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Delta, since 2009. I absolutely love my job and would not trade it for anything in the world! It is not something I ever saw myself doing (who knew that was even a job?), but neither was running! I am a big advocate for supporting local businesses, a bit of a coffee snob, a lover of the mountains, and a complainer that there is never anything good to watch on Netflix.
When did you start running?
I would run back in college as a way to deal with (more so avoid) mental health and eating disorder issues. What started out as an unhealthy and toxic coping mechanism later turned into something that truly saved my life. Once I was able to flip the switch and create a positive relationship with fitness, I got into pushing the limits some and signing up for races. I ran my first half marathon in 2011 and started going harder and longer after that.
What draws you into running?
Everything. Running truly changed my life as it gave me the power to take back my life from all of the demons I had been battling for so many years. Running allows me to put all my "problems" into perspective; everything that I find overwhelming just melts and seems manageable after a run. It helps me to voice all my insecurities and fears and allows me to let them all go. I also love how it has connected me to our community. I have met some of my favorite people through different running communities. As I have recently transitioned from primarily road running to trail running, I have come to love how much the trails bring calmness and peace into my life. They have helped balance me in ways I didn't even know I needed. They are humbling. They are hard. But they are worth every step.
What is your favorite race?
I am going to have to go with SCTR's Table Rock race. That is the race that truly made me realize my potential and strength. That I could push harder than I ever gave myself credit for. When I thought I was ready to tap out, I sucked it up, dug real deep, and went out for another lap. And another. And another. There was just something extraordinary about coming through that finish line that one last, final time and knowing I gave it everything I had and then some. Knowing that I never gave up on myself and neither did any of the people cheering on the sidelines. Those cheers from everyone who stayed until the last runner came through also made me realize how special the trail running community truly is. But let's be honest for a second, if Scott (SCTR Race Director) didn't yell at me to get back out there after each lap, that I had another one in me, I may not have achieved what I did that day. I also love Table Rock because it will forever remind me how I told Scott before and after that race that I will never, ever in a million years be a trail runner. Well, I was wrong. Table Rock is the race that genuinely first sparked my interest in trail running and its community. I haven't looked back since.
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
My own trail mix creation of only the tastiest treats: peanut butter M&Ms, salty chips, chocolate covered pretzels, and little almond butter and jam sandwich squares. Hands down my favorite snack during a long race. Training wise, ProBar meals are my go-to (oatmeal chocolate chip is my favorite)!
Favorite Shoe?
Currently, I am loving the Salomon Sense Pro 4 shoes for trail running.
Any tips for beginners?
Invest in a good pair of running shoes that work for you! Do not just buy any ol' sneaker that looks cool or the make/model everyone else uses and swears by. Our foot shape, running gait, and foot strike are all different; therefore, you want to make sure you have something that will offer you the support you need for the type of running you are doing. Shoes can make or break you! Additionally, do not fret about taking walk breaks. Slowing down can actually build strength and endurance which will benefit your running in the long run. I am a master of learning that the hard way!
Patrick Hallahan
A little about you:
I grew up in a small town outside of Saratoga Springs called Burnt-Hills. Life's crazy way of being ever-changing landed me up in Cazenovia NY. I recently moved to Syracuse. Fitness and nutrition became a staple in my life, and I love spreading the knowledge I have learned to others. Within the last year I have started Nutrition Coaching for athletes to help them get everything out of their body to make their goals a reality. I am currently in school looking to further my expertise and open-up new doors of opportunities.
When did you start running?
II started jogging a few miles a week in my teens to help with my motocross racing. Each time I ran I felt more clarity and at peace. Unfortunately, I did not stick to it. Cut to 2018, I started going up to the Adirondacks hiking. When I realized people run in the mountains it changed my world! I have not looked back since!
What draws you into running?
Enlightenment! It taught me discipline I didn't know I was capable of. We can truly push ourselves further than we ever thought possible, if we are just willing to open that door! From this I was able to start applying what I got out of runs to my everyday life. Just as important, the like minded community of runners i was introduced to has been amazing and we continue to push one another to our potential.
What is your favorite race?
Completely honest, The Morgan Hill Meat Grinder. Scott was kind enough to take me up there and show me the trails. It blew my mind this was so close to me and I had no idea! This place has truly become my second home and training ground. There is just enough tech to keep you on your toes while still flowing, and elevation to make any runner humbled! The emotion I see people have when they cross that finish line is so special. A female came across the line this year and tears of emotion poured out of her. There is nothing more amazing to me then to see someone conquer something they are not sure they can complete!
Favorite food to eat at a race or training?
Bananas (potassium and quick carbs) at any aid station! Spring energy gels will be in my handheld during a race. I try to stay away from foods I have to chew while racing as it greatly elevates my heart rate.
Favorite Shoe?
What a loaded question! Short answer: Speed runs, Salomon S/lab sense 8. All around shoe Salomon Sense 4 Pro.
Any tips for beginners?
Listen to your body while training. Nowadays I would rather show up to a race slightly undertrained than being anywhere near overtrained. Nutrition is the key to distance. Your body can only go as far as you fuel it. Also stay hydrated!