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Run for the Acorns

The 2022 Run for the Acorns is Sunday

By Press Release

Press release:

Enjoy a trail run in the Genesee County Park & Forest this weekend! Join us for the 10th annual Run for the ACORNS 5k/10k trail run and walk this Sunday, Oct 2 at the Genesee County Park & Forest!! Meet at Pavilion B on Raymond Road. In-person registration opens at 8 a.m. or register online at runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastBethany/RuntheAcorns. The price is $35/person and all proceeds benefit ACORNS, the nonprofit friends-of-the-park group. 10k begins at 9:00 am, and 5k run/walk begins at 9:15 a.m.

This 5k/10k trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.

5k and 10k courses are marked with signs and direction arrows. Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically. 10k runners must finish the first 5k of the race in 50 minutes or less or will be disqualified. The courses are 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 (rocks and roots are clearly marked for safety). The courses start on asphalt and then lead into the woods for a truly beautiful run through the countryside.

Surround yourself with the beauty of the autumn forest on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills.

Awards will be given to the top male and female running finishers in each race and to the top male and female running finishers in each age group. You must be present to receive your medal. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants.

Run for the Acorns at County Park starts Sept. 23

By Press Release

Press release:

The Run for the Acorns is from Friday, Sept. 23, with the virtual run going to Oct. 1. It includes the following events: 10k Run (In person), 5k Run/Walk (In person), Virtual 10k Run, and Virtual 5k Run/Walk.

Race in person or use the virtual option. Both courses are marked with signs and direction arrows, and the app tracks the courses using GPS points.   Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically.  To join the virtual race run the 5K or 10K course at the park between 8 a.m. Sept.  23, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, using the RaceJoy tracking app.  Your start and finish times will be recorded and posted to the results automatically. 

The courses are 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 (rocks and roots are clearly marked for safety). The courses start on asphalt and then lead into the woods for a truly beautiful run through the countryside. Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek, and over rolling hills.

Grab a friend for some great exercise and fun in the park!! Meet at Pavilion B for the race start.  This 5k/10k trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.  Awards 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.  Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

DETAILS

Starting Times for October 2nd: Check-in 8:00 a.m. 10K Run 9:00 a.m. 5K Run/Walk 9:15 a.m.

Virtual Run:  You must run the 5K or 10K course at the Genesee County Park & Forest between 8 a.m. Sep. 23, 2022, and 5 p.m. Oct. 1, 2022, using the mobile RaceJoy tracking app which you can download when you register.

10K Run: You must finish the first 5K of the race in 50 minutes or less or you will be disqualified.

Shirts: Must register by September 10, 2022, to receive a long-sleeved tech race shirt. No guarantee of a shirt if you register after this date.

Awards: Medals to the overall top two male and female finishers in the 5K and 10K run, to the winning team in the 10K Team Relay event, and to our top male and female finishers in each age group (14 & under for the 5K run, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 & over) – you must be present to receive your medal. No awards to virtual race participants.

Fees: October 2, 2022: $30 in advance (must be received by 5 p.m.  Sept. 25, 2022); $35 late and race day registration.

Virtual Race: $10 in advance for virtual race participation plus a $20 option to purchase a race shirt (order for shirt must be received by 5 p.m. Sept. 10, 2022). 

Packet Pickup: Friday Sept. 30, 2022 4:30 – 6:00 pm at DeWitt Recreation Area 115 Cedar St., Batavia, at Pavilion 1 or on race day.

Register online:  runsignup.com/Race/NY/EastBethany/RuntheAcorns

Photo: File photo by Howard Owens

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 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.

Fifth annual Run for the ACORNS to benefit local parks is Oct. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

East Bethany -- The fifth Anniversary Run for the ACORNS is Sunday Oct. 1st, and promises to be the best event yet!

Grab a friend for some great exercise, fun and free stuff! Run for the ACORNS 5K/10K trail run and walk will be held at Genesee County Park & Forect.

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 & 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.

Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills. 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 through the
countryside. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants!

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! Fee is $25 before Sept. 27th; $30 late registration. Register before Sept. 17th to get your long-sleeved race tech shirt! Special fifth year anniversary shirts to participants registered for this and all other previous Run for the ACORNS races!

Register online by clicking here 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 here or call 585- 344-1122. 

Photos: 2016 Run of the Acorns in Genesee County Park

By Howard B. Owens

Once again, hundreds of runners and walkers turned out for the annual Run of the Acorns at Genesee County Park.

The event features 5K and 10K races and was sponsored this year for the first time by Alex's Place.

Proceeds benefit the county parks.

Run for the Acorns is Sunday at GC Park & Forest, Alex's Place is first-ever sponsor

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The 2016 Run for the ACORNS is Oct. 2nd and promises to be the best event yet! Grab a friend for some great exercise, fun and free stuff. Run for the ACORNS 5K/10K trail run and walk takes place Sunday at Genesee County Park & Forest!

This year's race will feature the first-ever Cup Sponsor -- Alex's Place. Each race participant will receive a 16 oz. reusable green plastic fluted cup engraved with the race logo and an offer from Alex's Place. Race signup includes coupons and special offers from local businesses and restaurants. This 5K/10K trail run and walk is designed for people of all ages and activity levels.

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.

Surround yourself in the beauty of the forest in October on trails through the woods, along the headwaters of Black Creek and over rolling hills. Trail course is wide, well marked and includes a water station at the halfway point. Enjoy post-race snacks and drinks as you congratulate your fellow participants.

Awards sponsored by Brothers-All-Natural and 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.

Registration is required. Registration fee is $30.

You can register at check-in on the day of the race. For more information or to register online, click here. 

Enjoy the morning in the forest and run for the ACORNS – You’re “NUTS” if you don’t! See you there!

Winners announced for Run for the ACORNS, proceeds benefit county parks

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The third annual “Run for the ACORNS” 10K and 5K Trail Run/Walk was held at the Genesee County Park & Forest in East Bethany on Oct. 11th. More than 200 participants enjoyed a picture-perfect fall morning as they made their way along a course that highlights the beauty of the park.

Holly Sharpe of Batavia, who ran the 5K race, said: "It's a great, well-planned event. As a runner, it is a nice change to have a trail run as opposed to running on the pavement. The trails are beautiful, well- marked, staffed appropriately and it's nice not to have to worry about cars and traffic! It's a beautiful park and a great event! It should be on everyone's calendar for next year!"

The course wound through the park on trails which feature hills, ponds, forests and Black Creek. A dozen environmental education signs entertained runners and walkers as they passed by some noteworthy park features. Post-race activities included an award ceremony and refreshments including yogurt provided by Muller Quaker Dairy, apples from Roanoke Apple Farm and nut butters from Once Again Nut Butter.

Race organizer Julia Garver said, “For the third year, I have heard nothing but accolades for this event. The runners love the course as it is quite unique. We hope the word spreads and there are even more participants next year.”

The race date for the fourth annual Run for the ACORNS is set for October 2, 2016.

Congratulations to all the winners in the race. The overall top finishers in the 10K run were Andrew Macmillan, of Rochester (41:32), and Beth Deciantis, of Rochester (48:41). In the 5K run the top male finisher for the third year in a row was Calvin Patten, of Alexander (18:56), and the top female was Kristina Martin, of Alden (21:06).

Each winner received a wooden medallion with the race logo and race category burned into the wood. Brothers-All-Natural sponsored the awards. First-place winners of the trail runs received a $50 gift certificate from Dick's Sporting Goods, and second-place winners received a fleece jacket from the Tompkins Bank of Castile.

Many thanks to the major sponsors of the race -- the Awards sponsor: Brothers-All-Natural; and the Corporate sponsors: Tompkins Bank of Castile, CC Environment & Planning, Carquest -- Batavia, and D&D Logging.

Also thanks to the volunteers who helped to make this an amazing event, especially members of ACORNS, the USN Sea Cadets and Bethany Volunteer Fire Department. Special thanks also go out to our other sponsors, all of whom helped make the Run for the ACORNS a great success!

For more information and full race results please go to: https://runfortheacorns.shutterfly.com/

Photos: 2015 Run for the ACORNS

By Howard B. Owens

More than 200 runners and walkers were in County Park this morning for the annual Run for the ACORNS 5K and 10K races. Organizers were pleased with the Fall-perfect weather.

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