Running Commentary

New Members

We welcome these new members in March;
Patrick Ambrosio, Delmar
Soujanya Godavarthy, Ballston Lake
Lauren Herbs, Rexford
Sairam Penumarthy, Ballston Lake

Did you know about the Ten Free Program members receive?

Club members are able to participate in ten of our club’s running events with no entry fee. These events include our Winter Series events (with the exception of the Winter Marathon), the Distinguished Service Run, the Anniversary Run, and our Tawasentha cross country series

Important Races in April

In keeping safe within the safe boundaries of the COVID-19 pandemic, the races we have will be virtual. Articles on the front give detail but to review:

Runnin’ of the Green
If you run 4 miles and submit proof through Strava or another app, you can actually earn Grand Prix credit.

Bill Bean’s Virtual 5K and 10K
Again, must submit proof you ran either or both of these distances and the Male and Female Overall Winners in 5K and 10K will each receive a $10 Amazon gift certificate.

Virtual 5K - Annual Freihofer's Run for Women

Freihofer’s® Run For Women Switches To Virtual 5k Run For 2020

1-Frei1FinalSmall.jpgALBANY, N.Y. (April 3, 2020) — With the continued importance of social distancing stemming from the worldwide coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), officials at the Freihofer’s Run for Women (FRW) today announced that the event’s 42nd edition on Saturday, May 30 has been cancelled and a virtual 5K option offered to those interested.

“Since 1979, the Freihofer’s Run for Women has encountered snow, torrential downpours, high winds and oppressive heat, but never a global pandemic like the one posed by the COVID-19 virus,” said FRW Co-Director Kristen Hislop. “With the current distancing guidelines in place from New York state, we felt we had to take this action. Our number one priority is the health and well-being of our participants and their families, volunteers, spectators and sponsors.

“While we are heartbroken to cancel all events related to the event and postponing wasn’t an option for a number of different reasons, we felt we must find a way to keep the Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K going, since it’s a spring tradition dating back more than 40 years,” she continued. “As a result, we will offer a virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women 5K for those who would like to participate. Our virtual 5K is a great way for women to keep their Freihofer’s Run for Women streak alive and accomplish a personal goal, while supporting the race’s local charities — The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region’s COVID-19 Fund, Albany Medical Center Foundation and Girls on the Run.”


The Freihofer’s Run for Women is offering three options to the 1,100 participants who have already registered: 1) Switch to the virtual 5K 2) Donate their race entry fee to FRW’s charity partners (and receive a commemorative 2020 race t-shirt), or 3) Receive a full registration refund. Those requesting a refund need to do so by midnight on Wednesday, April 15. Each of the three options can be completed at this link: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Albany/FreihofersRunforWomen

1-Frei3FinalSmall.jpg“We at the Freihofer’s brand believe that every little bit helps right now,” said Mary Pensiero, associate brand manager, Bimbo Bakeries USA. “For this reason, we plan to waive our no refund policy and offer full refunds to those that want them.”

Those interested in signing up for the virtual 5K can do so can do so by using the same link through Tuesday, May 5 at midnight. Registration is $25 and there will be no further price increases. All virtual 5K participants will receive a 42nd annual virtual Freihofer’s Run for Women t-shirt, a bib and finisher’s certificate that can be printed out at home, a commemorative finishers’ medal and coupons for Freihofer’s products. These items will be mailed to participants by the first week in June.

Virtual 5K participants will be asked to complete a 5K run by themselves following CDC- and New York state-mandated social distancing guidelines between Saturday, May 23 at 6 a.m. through Sunday, May 31 at 11 p.m.

“You can run this 5K anywhere. If you have a 3.1-mile route in your neighborhood, you can run on that course and it will count,” said FRW Co-Director Patrick Lynskey, adding that those registered for the virtual 5K will receive an email with detailed instructions a few days before the start date. “We will also provide links on our website to several local certified 5K routes that can be used to complete the virtual FRW. Once participants complete their 5K, they will be asked to submit their times via the link provided to them along with a photo of their watch/GPS/RaceJoy map. All times must be submitted by Sunday, May 31 at 11 p.m. Results will then be compiled and posted online at freihofersrun.com.

“In this time of necessary social distancing, road races are being cancelled nationwide and we understand how disappointing this can be,” added Lynskey. “However, it’s a small inconvenience compared to the health and economic difficulties people are currently facing. The focus of our virtual 5K isn't about winning. It’s about staying active, celebrating our strength and resilience and supporting local charities that benefit our local community. So, while we can't all gather on Washington Avenue for that spectacular start and finish, we can all run a 5K and for that we’re all extremely grateful!”

All participants in the virtual 5K will be entered to win various giveaways from area merchants. Prizes include free gym memberships, gift certificates, and an array of products or services.

Race organizers also plan to offer the Freihofer’s Junior 3K in a virtual format, provided that more than 50 entrants are registered before Friday, May 1. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirt, finisher’s medal and certificate through the mail by the first week in June.

To view frequently asked questions for the event’s virtual 5K and Junior 3K, please visit: https://freihofersrun.com/virtual-5k.

Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon has been rescheduled to August 29 @ 8:00 am - 2:30 pm


Virus scrapped your marathon? In Japan, there's an app for that:

https://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2020/04/06/virus-scrapped-your-marathon-in-japan-theres-an-app-for-that.html


                        2020 PHOTO CONTEST

                        Click here for photos entered in the
         Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon photo contest


Important Running News from the Web

Runner’s World US - How to Run Safely Amid Coronavirus Concerns
Answers to your most frequently asked questions as the virus continues to spread. Published April 4, 2020

UK articles from Runner's World on COVID-19

Running in the Time of the Coronavirus

Paris Half-Marathon Cancelled Because of the Coronavirus

Five Reasons Why Runners and Technically Insane

 

2020- Past Pace Setter Issues

Click on month for issue

 January           February         March


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