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5K

Photos: 2021 Friends and Family 5K in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

Brandon Rebert set a new course record of 18:09 today in Elba in the annual Arc of Genesee  Orleans Friends and Family 5K.

Rebert beat his 2019 winning time -- the last time the race was won -- by nine seconds.

Kim Mills took yet another women's 5K title with a time of 21:37.

Arc of Genesee Orleans' 15th annual Family & Friends 5K and Fun Walk is Sept. 21 in Elba

By Billie Owens

Arc of Genesee Orleans will hold its 15th annual Family & Friends 5K and Fun Walk on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Elba.

There will be food, music, kids' activities and face painting at a post-party afterward. It all begins and ends at the Day Habilitation Center, 4603 Barrville Road.

Registration / check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. The 5K run starts at 10 o'clock, with the Fun Walk immediately following.

Register by Sept. 16 for best pricing. After that, rates increase to $25 (5K) and $20 (Fun Walk) up to and including race day.

Sponsorships are available.

Funds raised benefit education through the Arc of Genesee Orleans Mary Anne Graney Memorial Scholarship Fund and programs and services for people served by Arc.

Register online here.

For more information, call Sandy at 585-343-4203, ext. 223.

Batavia Area Jaycees to hold Labor Day 5K Sept. 2 at MacArthur Park

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Area Jaycees are proud to announce their 32nd Annual Labor Day 5K Run & Walk, to be held on Monday, Sept. 2nd at MacArthur Park in Batavia.

Participants should check in from 8 to 8:50 a.m. Race time is 9 o'clock.

The registration fee for runners/walkers is $25 if preregistered until Aug. 18th and $30 afterward, including the day of the event. The fee for runners/walkers 17 and younger is $20 preregistered until Aug. 18th and $25 afterward.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers and first place in age group. 

You can register at runsignup.com or go to Batavia Area Jaycees Facebook page. Registration forms are available at runsignup.com and the day of race.

The Batavia Area Jaycees have been a part of the community and helping out for more than 65 years. Our goal is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop personal, professional and leadership skills through community involvement and specific trainings tailored to enhance their abilities for future endeavors.

Batavia Area Jaycees

PO Box 285

Batavia, NY 14021

www.bajny.com

Sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot is Thursday, benefits Sheriff's K9 Fund

By Billie Owens

The sixth annual Caryville Inn 5K & Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day -- Thursday, Nov. 22 -- in memory of K9 "Destro."

Registration begins at 8 a.m., with race starting at 9 at Caryville Inn, located at 25 Main St. in the Village of Oakfield.

Proceeds benefit the Genesee County Sheriff's Office K9 Fund.

Preregistration is $20, with T-shirts available for participants while supplies last.

Register via email:   caryvilleinn@gmail.com

Or in person at Caryville Inn during normal business hours.

Questions? Call 948-9780.

Winners announced for 2018 Run for the ACORNS

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The sixth annual “Run for the ACORNS” 10K and 5K Trail Run/Walk was held at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany on Sept. 30th. More than 240 participants enjoyed the misty fall morning as they made their way along a course that highlights the beauty of the park.

The course winds along park trails which feature rolling hills, ponds, forests and Black Creek. A dozen environmental education signs inform runners and walkers as they pass by some noteworthy park features.

Said Deputy County Treasurer Kevin Andrews, 5K winner in the male 30-39 age group, “[A]s tough as some of those hills are, I really enjoy that course, it is my favorite course out of the races that I do each year.”

Rochester resident Emma Jones, who won the overall 5K, said, “I’d never been to that park before but it’s definitely worth the drive – it’s beautiful! I can’t wait to go back and check out the nature center. Thanks to you and everyone involved for putting on an awesome event!”

A fire in the fireplace at the park pavilion warmed runners when the race was over as they enjoyed refreshments including yogurt provided by Upstate Milk, juices from Red Jacket, apples from Roanoke Apple Farm and nut butters from Once Again Nut Butter.

Post-race activities included an awards ceremony and a Kids Fun Run where everyone won a ribbon.

Many thanks to the major sponsors of the race - Awards Sponsor: Brothers-All-Natural; Cup Sponsor Eli Fish Brewing Co.; Special Corporate Sponsor AKIMA, and Corporate Sponsors: Tompkins Bank of Castile, Genesee Carquest and Fastenal. Also thanks to all our other sponsors and to the volunteers who helped to make this an amazing event!

Congratulations to all the winners! For more information and full race results visit here.

Next Year’s Run for the ACORNS takes place on Sunday, Oct. 6th.

Winner’s Circle (listed male, female)

10K

1st Place: Chad Minuto, Kimberly Mills

2nd Place: Kenneth Plossl, Rene Hoover

Age Group Winners (listed male, female)

15-19: Rodney Egli

20-29: Jason Harasimowicz, Jess Juliano

30-39: Michael Harasimowicz, Jill Patric

40-49: James Caswell, Kelly Roberts

50-59: Adam Douglas, Carol Vanderberg

60-69: Terry Sweeney, Janice Spiotta

5K

1st Place: Mike Miller, Emma Jones

2nd Place: Jacob Seppe-Schultz, Steph Parmenter

Age Group Winners (listed male, female)

14 and under: Elijah Abdella, Ainsley Kent

15-19: Alex Harper, Kathleen Nolan

20-29: Thomas Demmer, Julianna Parmenter

30-39: Kevin Andrews, Jessica Beal

40-49: Jason Smith, Michelle Abdella

50-59: David Demmer, Wendy Marchese

60-69: Lin Jursted, Mary Young-Murray

Photos: GLOW Corporate Cup 2018

By Howard B. Owens

More than 860 runners and walkers -- a new event best -- participated in the GLOW Corporate Cup 5K on Thursday.

Batavia Downs was the top corporate team led by race winner Collin Mulcahy with a time of 16:43.

Kimberly Vona, also representing Batavia Downs, was the top female with a time of 18:25.

Collin Mulchay

Kimberly Vona

Batavia Downs


Upstate Toyota

Tompkins Financial/Bank of Castile

UMMC

City of Batavia

Tomorrow's Jenny Kuzma 5K in Bergen could be last for event in its third decade

By Virginia Kropf

As time winds down for the 2018 Jenny Kuzma 5K race, organizers are fearful this could be the last year for the race, which has earned the reputation as one of the most competitive races in Western and Central New York.

Started more than 25 years ago as the Bergen Swamp Race, it was renamed the Jenny Kuzma Memorial 5K race to honor the Byron-Bergen eighth-grader who died of leukemia in June 1990 at the age of 13.

Eric Boyce has chaired the race for the last 12 years, assisted by Joe Chimino, a senior lineman with the Village of Bergen until his retirement in May.

Boyce, however, has moved to Canandaigua, and since Chimino’s retirement, he doesn’t have access to the village equipment needed to set up for the race and handle traffic control. Because of these factors, both men have decided this will be their last year chairing the event.

Both Boyce and Chimino are hoping someone else will come forward to chair and organize the race, which has drawn some pretty impressive participants.

Boyce, who used to run the race and won it several times, became involved in organizing it when Paul Thomas, his former cross-country coach at Byron-Bergen High School, was chairman. Boyce was eventually instrumental in raising the race to the status of a USA Track and Field qualifying race 10 years ago.

“If you look at race statistics in Western New York, this one sticks out,” Boyce said. “Besides promoting healthy lifestyles and community involvement, we’ve had some pretty neat highlights along the way. Several people got engaged at the finish line; the second fastest 5K run by a woman was at this race in 2014, and a man from Kenya set a course record here after riding on a bus all night from Nyack to get here.”

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday on Parkview Drive in Hickory Park.

Early registration ended Wednesday, but racers can still register for $30 from up until 6:15 p.m. today at Medved Running and Walking Outfitters, 3400 Monroe Ave., Rochester; or they can register the day of the race up until 8:30 a.m. for $35.

Proceeds from the race fund a scholarship for an eighth-grader at Byron-Bergen School and Camp Good Days.

Boyce said he doesn’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but he hopes someone will take over.

“We’ve been contacted by several groups who are interested, but most don’t realize how much is involved behind the scenes,” he said. “This event is good for the village and the community.”

If someone is willing to take it over, Boyce said he might possibly be able to help.

Top photo: Hundreds of racers hit the street in last year’s Jenny Kuzma 5K race in Bergen. This could be the last year for the race if new organizers don’t step up.

The annual Jenny Kuzma 5K race in Bergen has earned a reputation as one of the most competitive races in all of Western and Central New York. Here, a runner from Kenya sets the course record after riding all night on a bus from Nyack to reach Bergen in a race several years ago.

Hannah Davidson, of Saratoga Springs, accepts her check in 2014 after posting the second fastest time by a woman in a 5K race in the Rochester area at the Jenny Kuzma 5K race.

Photos: Annual Kiwanis 5K

By Howard B. Owens

Bill Buckenmeyer crossed the finish line first in the annual Fourth of July Kiwanis 5K at Centennial Park in Batavia.

More than 280 runners and walkers participated this year.

Volunteers needed for GLOW Corporate Cup race on Thursday, Aug. 2

By Billie Owens

Volunteers are wanted to help with setup, traffic control, food and cleanup at the upcoming GLOW Corporate Cup on Thursday, Aug. 2.

If interested, register at the front desk at GLOW YMCA Inc., located at 209 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Volunteers are needed for various times between 4:30 and 8 p.m. on race day Aug. 2. You must be at least 18 years old.

For questions, contact Rachel Hale, Community Development coordinator, at 344-1664 or email her at  Rhale@glowymca.org

CANCELLED: Color-A-Thon event coming June 16th register today

By Steve Ognibene

UPDATE June 2, 2018: We were notified two days ago this event has been cancelled.

Press release:

Batavia High School baseball, softball and girls tennis teams are sponsoring their premier color run 5K event at Batavia High School (260 State St.) on Saturday, June 16th.  

Check in / registration starts at 8:15 a.m, race starts at 9 o'clock. This event is open to all ages. Cost is $30, which includes a T-shirt and color pack if registered by June 1st. After June 1st T-shirts are not guaranteed.

Registration is open now; register here.

After the event there will be a color blast party with music. Come out and support these athletes and help make this a great event.

For more information, contact coordinator Nickie Fazio at 356-1690.

Photos: Le Roy Winterfest 5K

By Howard B. Owens

Royce Breslawski celebrates his win in the men's division of Le Roy Winterfest 5K this afternoon. Heather Kent, below, was the first woman to cross the finish line.

Part of the tradition of the race is for winners to dress up with holiday flair. There was also an after-party at the Creekside Inn.

Mark Your Calendar: Dec. 2 is Le Roy's 'Jinglin' All the Way Festive 5K Run/Walk' for charity

By Billie Owens

Press release:

"Jinglin' All the Way Festive 5K Run/Walk" will be held in Le Roy beginning at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2. Check-in/registration is at the Masonic Temple, located at 21 Bank St.

Proceeds from the event benefit a Le Roy charity; this year's recipient is the Le Roy Pantry & Help Fund Inc.

Cost to register is $20 per adult, plus a toy donation for the Le Roy Pantry. Cost on race day is $25. Students pay $10 to preregister, plus a toy.

There will be a Jinglin' Post-race Party, graciously hosted by Farmer's Creekside Tavern & Inn, which will provide food, drink specials and music. The race is held in conjunction with the Le Roy Winterfest, which culminates with Santa lighting the Christmas tree in the center of the Village.

There will be a raffle for a basket valued at $75. Every nonperishable food item donated gets you one ticket for this basket raffle.

Go to TRItheOatka.com to register and see details.

The event is sponsored by the Tri the Oatka Committee.

About the committee:

About seven years ago, a group of friends got into a fitness regime. They participated in 5K run events in local areas. They made a day of the occasion because they enjoyed the sense of achievement they felt when they crossed the finish line. They always ran for charities or causes: breast cancer, leukemia, hemophilia, melanoma or some type of memorial run.

This made race day a win-win for all. The 5K runs quickly turned into 10K runs. Shortly after, they were purchasing road bikes and then swimsuits, goggles and wetsuits. They were transformed into Triathletes.

In 2011, they agreed that Le Roy was a great place to host such an event. They decided to take advantage of the beautiful Oatka Creek with a canoe / kayak event to replace the swim. And so….the “TritheOatka” was born; 5K run, 13-mile bike, 1.6-mile canoe or kayak. Thirty-eight teams competed that first year, doubling in year two.

The event continues to grow and the Jinglin' all the Way Festive 5K is now added.

Proceeds from the committee's events are always given back to the Le Roy community. The Le Roy Community Pool, LCCP, Sunshine Nursery School, Love Bugs Pre-K Program, the Le Roy Pantry & Help Fund Inc., Grace’s Kitchen, and Le Roy Nursery School have all benefitted. 

More so, though, it is the school that has benefitted. Since 2014, $4,000 has been awarded to Le Roy seniors for the Tri the Oatka Scholarship fund.

The committee has given to the Back-Pack program and again donated $1,000 for this school year.

Working with Joanne Hyde, they have purchased headsets for the grade school for all the computers in both labs, and purchased 100 pair of ear buds for kids who couldn’t afford their own. In 2015 they donated funds to the Ecology Club for their trip to Yellowstone. They will also be funding Mrs. Horgan’s CPR class this year and plan to continue helping with the expense of this program as long as funds allow.

Hoping for Your Support

"We are hoping we can have your support with encouraging students and staff to participate in our December 2nd 5K either by running, walking or volunteering. ... The Le Roy Pantry receives the donated toys and nonperishables from this event and it is a great and affordable way for our kids to help make a difference to many people in our own community.

"We hope we can count on you to continue helping our students and our community."

Sincerely,

Gabrielle & Scott Keister                                                                        Karen & Steve Samis

Tami & Pete Loftus                                                                                 Amy & Dan Vanderhoof

Photos and results of 2017 Run the Acorns at Genesee County Park & Forest

By Steve Ognibene

The Fifth Annual Run for the Acorns was this morning at Genesee County Park & Forest.

Here are the results:

10K
Male overall winners:
1 -- Chad Minuto (Batavia) time: 41:11
2 -- Michael Emmons (LeRoy) time: 46:34

Age 30-39 winner: Stephen Konieczny
Age 40-49: James Caswell
50-59: John Cole
60-69: Daniel Miller

Female overall winners:
1 -- Lyndsey Macmillan (Rochester) time: 47:13
2 -- Jess Juliano (Hamburg) time: 50:16

Age 30-39 winner: Jaime Kelly
40-49: Heather Biondolillo
50-59: Karen Samis

5K
Male overall winners:
1 -- EJ Boyce (Bergen) time: 19:15
2 -- Kevin Sheehan (Victor) time: 20:36

Age 14 and under: Cooper Konieczny
Age 15-19: Adam Hess
20-29: Thomas Demmer
30-39: Dave Bateman
40-49: Gabe Abdella
50-59: David Demmer
60-69: Frank Gioia

Female overall winners:
1 -- Kimberly Mills ( Basom) time: 22:06
2 -- Alison  Zybczynski (Alden) time: 24:24

Age 14 and under: Ainsley Kent
15-19: Megan Smith
20-29: Kerry Mills
30-39: Amanda Hoy
40-49: Sheila Hess
50-59: Mary Ann Arnold
60-69: Denise Macpherson

For more photos: http://steveognibenephotography.zenfolio.com/f354975482

5K race and walk start pictured above.

Run for the ACORNS celebrates 5th anniversary with event Sunday

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

Grab a friend for some great exercise, fun and free stuff!

This race is part of the United Way of Genesee County race series, which is sponsored by LaCivita Enterprises.

Race signup includes coupons and special offers from local businesses and restaurants! This year's race will feature the first-ever Kids Fun Run! Free to youth 10 and under. Must register on race day. Age-appropriate categories and distances. Run is on a grassy playing field. Everyone is a “winner”! This 5K/10K trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.

Walk or run on single and double track trails through the forest, along a creek and up and down rolling hills in the Genesee County Park & Forest, with an estimated 100 feet of climb in the 10K loop. Trails are very wide and easy to negotiate (minimal rocks and roots). The course starts on asphalt and then leads into the woods for a truly beautiful run and walk through the countryside. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

East Bethany – The 5th Anniversary Run for the ACORNS is Sunday, Oct. 1st, at Genesee County Park & Forest and promises to be the best event yet!

Run for the ACORNS and surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along with the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills.

All proceeds benefit the ACORNS, the nonprofit organization that supports the Genesee County parks with a mission to enhance the visitor experience and foster environmental stewardship and education.

Awards prizes will be given to the top overall male and female running finishers in each race. Awards will also be given to the top male and female running finishers in each age group.

Check-in begins at 8 a.m. The 10k run begins at 9 a.m; the 5K run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m. Kids Fun Run begins about 10:30 a.m.

Registration is required! The fee is $25 before Sept. 27th; $30 late registration. Those who registered before Sept. 17th will get your long-sleeved race tech shirt! Special 5th-year-anniversary shirts to participants registered for this and all other previous Run for the ACORNS races!

 Register online  or at check-in on the day of the race. Enjoy the morning in the forest and run for the ACORNS – You’re “NUTS” if you don’t! See you there! For more information visit our website or call 585- 344-1122. 

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens.

Photos: Arc hosts annual 5K in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

The Arc of Genesee Orleans hosted the agency's annual 5K run and walk in Elba this morning.

We have not yet received the results of the race.

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