PAUL SMITHS — Paul Smith’s College’s 31st annual Jingle Bell 5K Snowshoe Race at the Paul Smith’s College VIC will take place this Saturday at 1 p.m.

The Jingle Bell 5K is generally the first snowshoe race in the northeast. This will be a test for some snowshoe athletes who intend to head to Brillion, Wisconsin, for the 2025 Snowshoe Nationals and World Championships on Dec. 19 and 20.

More than a dozen runners from Paul Smith’s College will be racing in Wisconsin at Nationals, with a handful of them racing in the World Championships the following day.

Saturday’s cross-country snowshoe race will start and finish near the rear entrance to the VIC. The route will include Woods and Waters to and from Shingle Mills Falls to start and finish the race, with a 2-mile undulating loop taking advantage of our fine VIC trail system. The first and last mile are essentially the same for the 5K, as this is an out-and-back course. The trails will be mostly groomed and well-marked.

Those interested in taking part, but don’t have snowshoes, can rent out a pair for $5/pair. Registration for the event will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Saturday at the VIC Lobby. Those interested can also mail a completed entry form to: PSC Striders, Paul Smith’s College, Paul Smiths, NY 12970 and save $5.

The fee is $15 for pre-race registration and $20 on race day. The entry fee for children 14 and under is $2.