Dilemmas surround oversaturation of races
There are times when the solutions to yesteryear’s problems become the seedlings for new, unforseen consequences. The development of nuclear power was seen as the panacea for the world’s energy problems.
Nuclear power was going to give us an unlimited source of cheap and clean energy. It was going to usher in a “golden era” for mankind. What became of this “panacea” was the ability of humans to poison or destroy the planet.
At one time there were very few races in the area. I ran a local race in 1969 and had to wait until 1971 to run another. I had to travel to Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts to find races. After the running boom took hold in the early 1980’s, more and more races were created.
Examples of such races would be the Mad Dash, Kingston Classic, Orange Classic and the Dutchess County Classic. For local runners, this meant you could find a race somewhere in the Mid-Hudson Valley nearly every weekend. However, it was one race and locals would jump into their cars and flock to it.
These races were big, often over 1,000 runners, competitive and fun, social events. These races provided a challenge for everyone from the super-fit runners trying to win, to the beginner runners trying to improve and finish. Some label these races in the 1990’s as the “golden era of running.”
Participation in running events continued to grow and today it is estimated that 65 million Americans run. This market did not go unnoticed and for profit companies began to create races and race series. Nonprofit groups such as soccer leagues, Girls and Boy Scouts Troops and even football booster clubs began to put on races.
What has emerged is that today there are tons of local races, often within 10-15 miles of my house. On the surface, all this choice would seem to be a positive. You can easily find a race and not have to travel very far.
This proliferation of races has created several dilemmas. There are often many races on the same weekend or same day. Many of these races are great events, but not all of them can get a good turnout. The number of local races that have a big turnout has dwindled and many struggle to survive.
Races that once drew a 1,000 runners, now struggle to get 250. Many smaller events struggle to get 100. The talent in an area gets diluted and the races become less competitive. Overall performance has declined and runners often can “earn” an award for not much more than showing up.
For-profit races use professional advertising and offer more amenities such as music, beer, giant finishers medals and “swag” to lure runners. The price of running races has gone up from $2 to a recent race I paid $100.
Many of the organizations putting on fundraising events see these new prices as the going rate and follow suit. In order to attract runners, smaller races have to offer some of the same expensive amenities forcing their fees to go up.
This price inflation has forced runners and families to have to decide how many and what races they can afford. High prices run the risk of making running less inclusive.\
With so many different kinds of groups putting on races and no unified race calendar, it is inevitable that conflicts arise. By conflicts, I mean competition for runners among races that are good events and do meaningful work for the community.
A good example of this is September 23. On that Sunday, we have three local races. The Catch-A-Rae 5k in Red Hook, the Rosemary Gruner 5k in Kingston and the Towpath Run in Accord.
The Catch-A-Rae race raises money for Red Hook High’s Art and Athletic Scholarship Fund, the Gruner 5k raises money to help local families dealing with cancer. The Towpath Run raises funds for a free pre-school learning center. These are all well done events.
I organize races and I can tell you that it is disheartening to put a lot of work into a race and then see a small turnout.
Perhaps one thing that could lessen conflicts would be to have a summit meeting with representatives of the different “stakeholders” and try to create a more cohesive race calendar. Another idea is that perhaps a few events could collaborate, combine resources and present one event that they all share.
Perhaps, area running clubs could provide expertise/logistics for these combined efforts. Changing times demand new ideas and new solutions.
Escarpment Trail Run
The end of July brought us the 42nd running of the Escarpment Trail Run 30k (18.6 miles).
This rugged, single track, trail race transverses 6 peaks of the northern Catskills. To forewarn participants, the entry form states “There are numerous places where runners must climb hand over fist, and the extremely steep downhills add a high degree of unwelcome danger. The following medical complications have and could occur: broken bones, ligament-cartilage-tendon sprains and tears, dislocations, cuts bruises, hypothermia, hyperthermia, bee stings, poison ivy, concussions, dehydration and occasional divorce.
“There are sections of the course that travel along cliffs. If you’re not careful you could fall to your death.”
This years race had 257 finishers. 8 of the top 10 finishers came from 7 states and the province of Quebec. Lee Berube from Syracuse broke Ben Nephew’s 14 year old course record (2:45:20) with a nifty 2:42:09. Taking 2nd and 3rd were Alister Gardner (2:52:46) and Liam Cregan (2:54:09).
Leading the women were Meira Minard (3:36:33), Michelle Pratt (3:43:58) and Courtney Breiner (3:51:38). Top local finisher was New Paltz’s James McCowan in 11th place with a 3:09:52.
Eight time winner Rich Fargo, nearing 60 years of age, ran an impressive 3:51:03 to garner 45th place overall.
I volunteer every year at this race and I see battered, bruised and bloodied runners every year who I then see come back again. This race has more than just the mystique of Manitou; it is a real challenge that provides a sense of accomplishment that is deeply satisfying to all who take up the challenge.
Morningstar 3.5 miler
Saturday, August 25 at 8:15 p.m., there will be a great running event in New Paltz. The Under the Stars at the Morningstar 3.5 miler.
The race will consist of 3 times the Morningstar Drive loop. In order to keep runners off Mountain Rest Road, the course cuts through the backyards of two neighbors. The path is lit by tiki torches. Every runner will receive glow sticks and it is recommended to wear a headlamp.
This run is grassroots organizing and neighborhood cooperation at its best. This race is not put on by a running club, organization or business. The Lapolt family decided to do something to benefit the community food bank of St. Joseph’s Church and enlisted their neighbors’ support. This will be the 4th year and it has only gotten better each year.
Registration is day of only at 14 Morningstar Drive and begins at 6:30 pm until race time. The fee for this event is $10.
Rosemary Gruner 5K
September 23, in conjunction with the Ride for Cancer Care, will be the Rosemary Gruner 5k at Dietz Stadium. The run will have both a fun run/walk and timed 5k option. To take advantage of the $15 pre-registration fee, sign up by September 1. For more info/register — bikeforcancercare.org/the-5k
Barry Hopkins Memorial Run
On September 9, you will not want to miss out on the Barry Hopkins 3.8 mile Memorial Run. Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, just south of the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, is a wonderful place for a run and picnic.
For more information on this run, go to onteorarunners.org and click on race info.
Calendar, results
Race directors, please submit information for the race calendar to sports@ freemanonline.com. Information should be in the form of a concise email with important details highlighted and included in the body of the email. No race flyer PDFs.
Race results should be submitted directly to me at ssrun54@aol.com.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.