A look at my criteria for local race ‘coverage’
In my last column, I highlighted the problems created for runners and organizers by there being too many races. This over-saturation creates a dilemma for the running columnist as well.
There is no way to keep up with the sheer volume of events. There is not enough space to write about all the races and to recap everything that has happened. The paper cannot print all the results.
This situation forces me to pick and choose what races I write about and hence, in a sense “promote.” I tend to write about events I am familiar with. Events that have a “track record.” I have a “bias” in choosing to write mainly about running club events and races put on by charity and non-profit organizations.
The main criteria I use is I want to highlight races I consider to be “good” events. Good is a very subjective word. It means different things to different people.
When I critique a race, the first thing I look at is the organization of the event.
Is the basic information clearly communicated? Details such as distance, date, time, location and fees. Other important details include if there are tee-shirts, ample parking and bathroom facilities.
Another important criteria is the running route or course. Is the course accurately measured? Is it well marked; so no one gets lost? Does the route make sense or have a logical flow to it? Are there enough volunteers to make it safe? Is the location, venue or locale of the course appealing?
Some runners like a course that is billed as fast. Other competitors want a course they consider challenging (code for hilly).
Races are presented as competitions. It is important for the finish line to be orderly; so an accurate time and place can be recorded for every participant. When I first started racing, the top 3 individuals received medals. With the onset of the running boom of the late 1970’s, awards expanded to the top 3 men and women in categories called open (up to 39 years-old) and masters (over 40).
As more and more people came into the sport, the awards expanded. The standard today is to give awards to the top 3 men and women in 10 year age groups. The age groups often go from 19 and under to 70 plus. Some larger races use 5 year age groups.
Nowadays, a good event offers ample refreshments for after the race. Items such as bagels, fruit, cookies, ice cream and chocolate milk are popular. Longer races often have heartier fare such as salads, wraps, pasta and chicken tenders. In colder weather, some races will have chilli and soups.
Refreshments serve several purposes — they replenish a runner after a hard effort; they add to the social atmosphere and they help fill the time void between the end of the race and the award presentations.
For some runners, the size of the race is a consideration. Bigger races can have a “buzz” to them, meaning high energy. Larger races often means more competition. There is always someone near you to push and spur you on. Performing well in this atmosphere, can be both invigorating and rewarding.
Another factor that I consider in evaluating an event is who benefits from the proceeds. I tend to favor events where the entry fees are low. Low entry fees allows for running to be inclusive. There are some running club races in the area that charge $2.
The focus of these events is on the running and socializing. I also like events that are fundraisers for worthy community organizations or causes. I like feeling that my running helps others. I tend to shy away from running events put on by for-profit companies.
I do realize that many of these events are well organized and fun, however, they usually are the most expensive running events.
A superb race is one that is well organized, is run on an interesting course, is competitive, has awards, has ample refreshments, a reasonable fee and benefits the community. A good race is one that combines some of these features.
Looking ahead
This month there are some great races on the calendar.
On Sunday, Sept. 9, at the Olana historic site, just south of Hudson, is the Barry Hopkins Memorial Run. This race honors the memory of Barry Hopkins, one of the founders of the Onteora Runners Club. Hopkins was an avid runner and art teacher. Every year he put on the Bilbo and Frodo Birthday Run at Olana. His students would make spectacular awards.
After his death, his friends and family, in conjunction with the Olana Partnership, continue the tradition. The event has a free 1-kilometer race around the pond for kids. The 3.8-mile run uses the carriage paths of the former estate of Frederic Church.
His home sits high above the Hudson River and the race affords spectacular views of the Hudson River and Catskill Mountains. Come run the race, linger for a picnic and enjoy a beautiful place. For more information go to www.olana.org and click on the calendar.
On Sept. 15, the Ulster County SPCA is putting on a 5k/3k at Williams Lake in Rosendale. This first time event is unique in that it encourages dog owners to come run/walk with their pet. Most running events do not allow dogs.
The Williams Lake trails are unique and give you a glimpse of the famed Rosendale cement caves and works. For more information go to www.ucspca.org/doggie-dash
Sunday, September 23 there is the choice of 3 events. In Kingston, in conjunction with the Bike Ride for Cancer Care, there will be the Run For Cancer Care 5k. The bike portion of this event has rides of 50 miles, 25 miles and 12 miles.
The 5k run portion allows people to sign up for the fun run/ walk or a timed 5k race option. This event raises money for the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Fund. Since its inception, this fund has helped 1900 families and now averages 200 families yearly.
The 5k run is flat and fast. The event has organized activities for kids age 5-10, so that parents can participate in the 5k. This is surely a family friendly event. For more information go to www. bikeforcancer.org
In Red Hook, there is the 11th running of the Catch A Rae 5k. The race remembers and honors the memory of Alexandra Rae Gravino. Alexandra, a student at Red Hook High School, passed away at the age of 15 in 2008.
She was active in the school’s arts and athletic programs. She was a bright, friendly, compassionate, young lady who her mom, Jodi often referred to as “the Rae of my life.” Action for Alex has raised more than $40,000 for the scholarship fund in Alexandra’s name.
I have run in this race many times and highly recommend it. The spirit of the school and community shines brightly on this day. For more information go to www.catcharae.org
Also on Sunday, Sept. 23 in Accord will be the Towpath Run 6k (3.7 miles). This event is a fundraiser for the Little Ones Learning Center. The center is a free literacy program for children under the age of 6. The race is run along Towpath Road, a scenic wooded lane with views of the Catskills.
It parallels the old D&H Canal. A fun feature of this race is that the participants are bussed to the start. It is a nice way to get to know and meet new people. For more information go to http://littleoneslearningcenter.org/calendar
Congratulations
Congratulations are in order for John Capen who recently received the Ambassador’s Award for being the oldest finisher in the history of the Green Lakes 50k Ultra Marathon (31 miles). John is 81 years young and came in 63rd place with a time of 14:09:10.
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.