5 can't miss Rochester running events for September
Crisp, cool weather is headed our way, which makes for prime racing conditions for September and no shortage of race options.
Run through farmland in Geneseo, jog with your dog in Perinton or tackle the new Rochester Marathon course in northwest Rochester. September brings a wide variety of distance options for area runners — from 3.1 to 26.2 miles.
Unsure when and where to toe the line? Here are my top five running events in the Rochester region this month:
The Oak Tree: Celebrate Labor Day weekend in Geneseo with a half marathon or 5K on Sunday, Sept. 6. The Oak Tree Half Marathon begins at 8 a.m. (with an early start option for slower runners) and sends athletes through the Livingston County village and nearby countryside on a 13.1-mile course that's easy on the knees (60 percent of the route follows dirt roads). The 5K race begins 15 minutes later. There's also a free fun run for children on the track at 9:15 a.m. About 750 runners are expected to take part in the 5K and half, which both start at Geneseo Central School District, 4050 Avon Road, Geneseo and end with a lap around the track at Geneseo's stadium. The race, which launched in 2005, supports conservation work by the Genesee Valley Conservancy. Entry fees cost $58 for the half and $26 for the 5K. (Rates rise to $65 and $30 on race day.) For more details, call (585) 243-2190 or go to www.geneseevalleyconservancy.org/race.
Pound the Ground 5K/10K: These two routes through the rolling hills of Mendon Ponds Park on Saturday, Sept. 12, will raise funds for the Veterans Outreach Center to support veterans and military families in the Rochester region. The Pound the Ground 10K will begin at 9 a.m. and the 5K run/walk will begin 15 minutes later. Both courses start and finish near Stewart Lodge. The event also includes a "Battle of the Branches," a fundraising contest between participants representing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Entry fees are $25 for the 10K and $20 for the 5K until Sept. 9. Race day registration costs $5 more. Fort more details, go to www.veteransoutreachcenter.org/events/pound-ground.
Rochester Marathon: Sunday, Sept. 20, marks the day for Monroe County's premiere running event and only marathon. The MVP Health Care Rochester Marathon, half marathon and relay will offer a brand-new course this year, beginning at Maplewood Park at 7:30 a.m. and ending by Frontier Field on Platt Street.
The new course leads runners north along the river trail by the Genesee, across the O'Rorke bridge, south through Irondequoit and through Seneca Park before heading downtown. Marathoners tackle the loop twice, with an additional loop through Riverside Cemetery. I often tackle long-distance training runs in this part of Rochester and love the variety of the route, particularly the mile-long boardwalk over the Genesee River in Turning Point Park. About 3,500 athletes are expected to take part in the 2015 races. Entry fees cost $100-$110 for the marathon, $80-$85 for the half and $180-$190 for the four-person relay. For more details call (585) 732-1090, or go to www.rochestermarathon.com.
Barktober Fest: Run for your pooch at the annual Barktoberfest on Saturday, Sept. 26. The annual festival features 5-mile and a 1-mile courses that start and end at Lollypop Farm, 99 Victor Road, Perinton. The 5-mile race will begin at 8 a.m. and a 1-mile walk for the animals will begin at 10 a.m. A free pet-friendly fest featuring activities including a doggie day spa and agility demonstrations will run until 1 p.m. at Lollypop Farm and Egypt Park. Entry fees are $30 for adults (for either distance) and $15 for children younger than 17. For more details, call (585) 223-1330 or go to www.lollypop.org.
Iron Angel 5K: For the third straight year, this 5K, which is more like a trail run around Perinton's Center Park, will raise funds in memory of Heather Boyum, a triathlete, mother and wife who was killed in a crash while training in 2012. The event on Sunday, Sept. 27, raises funds for a scholarship in memory of Boyum, a popular Fairport High School science teacher, and the Iron Angel Foundation, which assists community members facing a crisis. I'll be leading warmups at 8:50 a.m. and the 5K race will begin at 9 a.m. at the park, 1100 Ayrault Road, Perinton. A one-mile run/walk will begin five minutes later. Entry is $22 for the 5K. The one-mile fee is $12 for adults, $7 for children 17 and younger and $30 for a family. For more details call (585)364-1580 or go to www.heatherboyum5k.com.
VFREILE@DemocratandChronicle.com