Race Directors Forum

The first run of the RecWay 10K was August of last year. My recollection was of about five hundred runners turning out for this inaugural event… but I'm sure that figure isn't wholly accurate. I do remember clearly though that, except for those who had a little trouble finding a good place to park from which they could quickly find their way to the sign-in area, race participants thought the whole affair was very nice: the course, the other runners who were there, the snack afterwards, even the weather. So what's in store this year?

To review, the Recway race was created to be run on what is already a popular course for many Ithaca, mostly recreational, runners. The South Hill Recreational Trail is very runner friendly: smooth, mostly rather level (it is, after all, a retired railroad bed), and devoid of traffic. It shares in common with running this important characteristic: it is highly accessible. This year, one big change, besides the better information on the entry form regarding parking, is the schedule change. Instead of occurring in early August, the race is set for late May - the morning of the 26th. Spring is a time of re-birth, of emergence, and I see this time of the year very fitting to hold a race that I envision as one of early immersion into the friendly world of racing society. For others, having it then should interfere less with the busy race schedule of late summer / early fall. And let's face it, late May is more likely to have beautiful, hopefully not too warm, weather. Even if it does rain, it feels and smells great just to be outside doing something in earnest! It is also the weekend of Cornell graduation, so maybe we will have runners trying to distract themselves from this stressful event. Supposedly, the bridge at the bottom of University Ave. will be passable that weekend too - mentioned only with respect to local events.

The Recway Ten K was conceived as a race that would be inviting to non-racers, or rather, first time racers, while still being perfectly fine for those who are more experienced and even competitive. That still remains the central core, as is the desire to maintain something of a festive atmosphere. I am depending upon the time & place to lend an air of joyousness, with the assistance of good eats afterward. In the spirit of making it inviting, I am holding entry fees down. I am considering this - maybe someone would like to comment: if this year we get something approaching a thousand participants - I am holding my breath - a shirt in 2002 will be in order. With beautiful colors that smell like the woods when you scratch it…. And pockets!

-- Jeffrey Juran