5K Race Costumer Judges Kathy Queen, left, and Betty Marshall
Turnout for the Let it Snow 5K Run/Walk in Old Forge on Sunday, December 2, far exceeded the numbers anticipated by Beth Tickner, organizer of the first-time event.
A total of 194 people—many who showed up in holiday garb— registered for the race, a number nearly four times higher than what Tickner expected.
“We got a lot of positive feedback from registrants. People have been emailing me saying what a fun time they had and how they loved seeing the costumes. They really appreciated all of the volunteers and how supportive and friendly everyone was from the community,” Tickner said.
Laurie Zellweger and Kristin Down
Prior to the race start at Point Park, Nichole Sears’ a capella group, 5 Second Rule, entertained the runners and led the crowd in singing the Star Spangled Banner. The winners of the race and their times were:
Women under age 20: 1st – Gabryelle Thompson of Fort Drum, 19:04; 2nd – Justyna Wilkinson of Deerfield, 20:07; and 3rd – Abbey Stowell of Cold Spring, 21:39.
Women ages 20 to 39: 1st – Rebecca Lazarek of Baldwinsville, 22:08; 2nd – Kim Didrich of Rensselaer, 22:15; and 3rd – Jennifer Woods of Fulton, 24:27.
Women ages 40 to 59: 1st – Christine Loveric of Remsen, 22:19; 2nd – Laurie Scheuing of Saratoga Springs, 24:18; and 3rd – Ann Greene of Old Forge, 24:46.
Men under age 20: 1st – Charlie Uzdavinis of Old Forge, 22:58; 2nd – Ethan Humphrey of Stratford, 25:18; and 3rd – Daniel McKeown of Rome, 25:19.
Men ages 20 to 39: 1st – Michael Brych of New York Mills, 17:20; 2nd – Nathaniel Gould of New Hartford,19:29; and 3rd – Bryan Easton of Oswego, 20:29.
Men ages 40 to 59: 1st – Jack Bernard of Boonville, 16:48 (best overall race time); 2nd – John Stowell of Cold Spring, 19:21; and 3rd – Brian Dillenbeck of Alplaus, 19:45.
Men ages 60 and over: 1st – Ray Smith of Old Forge, 21:55; 2nd – Willy Price of Morrisonville, 22:03; and 3rd – William Baumann of Old Forge, 28:10.
A costume contest was held in conjunction with the race, and due to the large number of runners, three groups of winners were chosen.
First place went to Heather Levi’s group of Santa, the Elf, and the Reindeer. Taking second place was the running team of Lori Zellweger and Kirstin Down who were dressed as Christmas cheetahs; and third place honors went to Lisa Lewis as the Grinch and her side-kick Brittany Lynn Sheldrick who was dressed as Cindy-Lou Who.
Tickner thanked everyone who helped make the event a success, and all those who donated items for the post race refreshments.
“It was really an incredible show of support,” she said.
