The First Annual Rec-Way 10K

Some time last fall, a long, long time ago, maybe even earlier - you can look it up if you wish - there was a "call to arms" so to speak, asking for people who would (or could) direct some of the FLRC's traditional races, or create their own. I had once created an idiosyncratic race of sorts that was run on the roads twenty miles south of Ithaca. What had motivated me was a desire to share my enjoyment of running the rural hills of northern Appalachia, and so it was directed to people who were already pretty capable long-distance runners. Most people who ran it enjoyed it very much and quite a few repeated their attendance, but it didn't take off and I stopped doing it after a few years, having no desire to start another one.

I am trying it once again; this time based upon a more conventional scheme - that of enticing a wide range of many runners, recreational runners for the most part, into (simply) trying their hand at racing. Not so challenging or competitive - one needn't be hard-core in order to enjoy it, though one would enjoy it if they were - a good mix, in my opinion.

Saturday morning, August 12th, will be the first South Hill Recreation Way 10K with 1K and 3K fun-run options, sponsored by the FLRC and the Town of Ithaca. I picked the recway for several reasons: it is already a popular place to run and walk; it has great (level and soft) footing; some of it is lovely and all of it is pleasant; because it is narrow, almost like a tunnel in parts, it gives one a sense of speed; it is almost centrally located, with no automobile traffic; and it is there. As Herb and others were quick to point out, with the future opening of the Black Diamond trail, this would also be something of a "test run", a future direction that the club could be headed towards - making use of this valuable rails-to-trails resource.

I envision this to be as runner-friendly as it can be. Away from cars, low key and easy going, but standard enough to appeal to the more competitive, a gateway to the world of racing at whatever level feels comfortable. Not intimidating! There are already many 5Ks around, and at least one 5 miler readily available (the Ithaca 5&10 of course, and another at the Italian-American Festival in Watkins Glen). So why not the longer 10K distance? There will be shorter runs as well, again, a less competitive air to give it wide-range appeal, to attract greater family participation and for those less well trained. In summer, we can expect there to be the likelihood of very nice weather, important as this is an outside event, and I will be planning for a nice post-race meal so the event will be associated with good feelings and memories, making for a warm introduction and repeat, even increasing participation in these sorts of events.

Several people within and outside the club have been generously forthcoming, quickly offering and giving their assistance of different kinds. This has really helped to get the whole thing rolling towards what I envision and hope to have accurately described here. We can all feel blessed to be living within such a fine community of people and runners (not to imply that they are mutually exclusive, though they could be).

-- Jeffrey Juran