Sean’s Run 5K, May 3, Chatham – New Features

Sean’s Run, in Chatham, is an event familiar to runners across the Capital District that has been growing steadily for nearly two decades.  The 5K averages 1,300 registrations yearly and for 2020, organizers are adding new features sure to entice even more runners to the starting line.

By adding cash prizes, team competitions and free registrations to a long list of outstanding perennial amenities, Sean’s Run becomes top contender for “Must-Do 5K” on the first weekend in May. 

Sean’s Run, with a reputation for consistent and exceptional event management, is in memory of former HMRRC member and high school running standout Sean French who was killed as a passenger in an underage drunk driving car crash when he was a junior at Chatham High School in 2002.

Jon Rocco, a long-time HMRRC member and frequent Sean’s Run participant gives a thumbs-up when asked about his impression of the event, saying, “Sean’s Run is a 5K race and more in a small town but with a big-time festive feel and immense community support.”

“We are adding cash prizes, teams competitions and a free registration option to encourage more of our fellow runners to make the short drive to Chatham and experience first-hand our amenities, and the fun of our well-managed event,”  states Mark French, a past Race Director of the HMRRC Workforce Team Challenge who serves on the Sean’s Run Board of Directors.

Chatham is a quintessential rural upstate New York village and welcomes with open arms the runners from around the region who arrive in the community each year for Sean’s Run.  Located in the heart of Columbia County, a 35-minute drive south of Albany, the village includes distinctive specialty shops, an array of casual and fine dining, a vibrant art scene and an award-winning brewery.  The USATF-certified 5K course includes the village’s historic Main Street and passes by the famous Crandell Theater marque, the landmark clock tower, the old Union train station, the Chatham Brewery, the public library and village hall.

36 cash prizes up for grabs
Runners will compete for a series of cash awards going to Age-Group and Overall winners of the 5K race. Plus, runners will be rewarded with cash bonuses for setting a new male or female course record or setting a male or female age group record.  Records can be found at SeansRun.com

Sean’s Run 5K Prize Money:

  • Overall Winner Male and Female - $250 each
  • Bonus for Overall Winner – Set course record, male or female - $250 each, or age-group record - $75 each
  • 2nd Place Overall Male and Female - $150 each, Bonus: Set age-group record - $75 each
  • 3rd Place Overall Male and Female - $100 each, Bonus: Set age-group record - $75 each
  • 5K Age Group Winners, Male and Female - $75 each. Bonus: set age group record, male or female - $75 each
    • (20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80 plus)

Team Up in the 5K and Win $150 for Dinner
Runners are invited to create informal teams in any of four (4) categories to compete for gift certificates for dinner at a fine restaurant in Chatham.

To compete for awards, 5K teams must comprise of at least 5 members to be scored.  There is no limit to the size of a team.  Plus, there is a special award to be presented to the largest team across all Team categories.

Family Team – 5 or more “related” people such as blood relatives, in-laws, 3rd cousin, stepsister, great uncle, etc…   

Runners Team – 5 or more runners who join together for the purpose of competing in this contest. 

Corporate Team – 5 or more employees from the same company including family members of the employees. 

Firefighter Team – 5 of more members of a volunteer fire company or department.

Run for Free
Refer 5 friends to register and you will have your entire entry fee refunded!

AREEP Handles Registration and Timing

The Albany-area’s highly regarded event management and timing company has been a partner of Sean’s Run for nearly a decade.  AREEP provides Sean’s Run participants with an easy-to-use online registration system as well as accurate and immediate race results on event day.  Register at: SeansRun.com

Other Amenities

Outstanding long sleeve shirts for 5K participants, a spread of nutritional after-run refreshments, and music at the start, on the course and at the finish line create a fun atmosphere.

A Weekend of Activity

In addition to the 5K and a youth mile race on Sunday, Sean’s Run Weekend on Saturday, May 2nd, when bicyclists from across the upper Hudson Valley participate in Sean’s Ride.  This is the region’s premier early-spring supported ride offering 50-mile, 20-mile and 10-mile routes. All are well-marked on paved country roads with beautiful Columbia County scenery.   On Saturday the Sean’s Run committee also hosts a special run/walk for people with special needs and a 2-hour Zumba dance party.


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