SafeNet Boo Run Run – October 2011

With the bevy of local races (we are a lucky bunch of runners, aren’t we?), I wondered which ones were on the can’t-miss list for local runners.

I have a handful of races that I never miss. Topping my list are: The Turkey Trot (my first race, 15+ years ago); the New Year’s Day race (great way to start the year); the Race for Recovery 15K (love that distance); and The Boo Run Run (Halloween race with trails, sand and CHOCOLATE at the end!).

Here are the races others put at the top of their racing to-do list:

“I like the Snowflake 5K in December. It’s perfect running weather and the crowd size is great.”  — Julia Rousso

“Definitely the Turkey Trot. The huge crowd, the different race options, and the after race party all make it really fun! Plus it helps you feel SLIGHTLY less guilty about pigging out later in the day!”  — Tom Madura

“The Turkey Trot. Great race and it offers both  5k and 10k options!” — Rebecca Wiler

“I love them all- its hard to pick. But I just have to go with Her Times 5K. I love that my girls get to see all those beautiful, strong women in one place.” — Rhonda Berlin

“The Erie Marathon at Presque Isle, the whole vibe at that race is incredible.  Well organized and very inspiring watching people cross the finish line.  The look of accomplishment on their faces is priceless.” — Dennis Albrewczynski

“I have three:

1. The Erie Half Marathon. Great race, great picnic. One of two times a year I eat a hot dog.
2. The Art & Sole 5k. I own priceless art thanks to this race.
3. The Turkey Trot. Bigger is better. No substitute for that vibe on Thanksgiving morning.”

— Frank Combopiano

“Turkey Trot is great but the SafeNet Boo Run Run, which is part trail run, part beach run and part road race — with costumes — is my favorite local race.” — Jon C.

“My favorite race is the ERC New Years Day 5 Mile Race. It’s an inspiration to me to start a new year off with something I love (running) and to experience it with so many like minded people.  I also enjoy the thrill of the extreme weather conditions. It could be anywhere between a balmy 70 degrees or an arctic 20 below. I also enjoy the fact that non runners think we’re nuts!”  — Mike Lawrence

“Why the Erie Times-News Discover Presque Isle Duathlon, of course!”   — Tom Toale (Duathlon race director)

“Nathaniel James Lemock Memorial Race. Best cookout of the season, plus it was my first medal.” — Tom Bourne

“To tell you the truth, any race I can meet up with friends is great to me.”  — Rob Kolodziejczak

“Locally, the Her Times 5K; out of town, the Adirondack half marathon.” — Ginny Sackett

“Hamot 10K. It was my first race in 1987. I have ran it more times than any other race.” — Amy Morrow

Next Question

Fill in the blank:  You know you’re a runner when ___________________________

(Post a comment or email me!)