By Kyra Mancine
Runners and walkers — get ready! May marks the start of the spring running season. Temperatures are ideal to participate in a race. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and the humidity hasn’t kicked in yet. There are plenty of races out there — from small community races to larger events, beginner to advanced. Whether this is your first 5K or your fiftieth, lace up those shoes and get out there. Not a runner? You can always walk these events, or attend as a spectator to cheer your friends and family on.
Saturday, May 5
Bill Lawler Huntington’s 5k/Walk
This is the 9th annual race to increase awareness, raise money and help find a cure for Huntington’s Disease. The course goes through downtown Rochester and along the river path. The 5k and the 1.5 mile walk start at 9:00 a.m. Amenities include T-shirts to the first 300 registered, as well music, food and beverages and prizes for kids. The race starts from Murphy’s Law Pub on East Avenue. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/BillLawlerHuntingtons5K
Taco de Mile
Like tacos? For this race, you have to eat four tacos during the 1-mile run. There will be vegetarian and vegan tacos available as well. And yes, tacos are gluten free!
6:30 p.m. start, Cobbs Hill, Rochester http://yellowjacketracing.com/races/taco-de-mile
5k for FA (Fanconi Anemia)
This race raises money for the Fanconi Anemia Research fund (FA is an inherited, life-threatening disease that affects bone marrow). This trail run starts at 10 a.m., preceded by a Zumba warmup. The course is on a well-maintained and marked cross country trail that winds into the woods at Parma Town Park in Hilton. The event also includes a kid’s Fun Run at 9:15 a.m. and a 2-mile walk at 10 a.m. Preregistered 5k runners get a tech T-shirt. There will also be raffles and prizes. www.5kforfa.com/
Sunday, May 6
Medved Madness Trail Race & Relay
This is a 15-mile trail course with three distinct loops. Run solo or as part of a three-person relay starting at 8 a.m. Race takes place at Mendon Ponds Park. Post-race runners can enjoy a chicken BBQ. First 300 registered get a tech T-shirt. There’s also a free half-mile kid’s trail race. www.medvedrunwalk.com/medved-madness-trail-race/
Saturday, May 12
ADP Helmet Heroes Run
This race benefits the Hickok Center for Brain Injury. The 10k starts at 9 a.m., the 5k starts at 9:15 a.m. and the 1-mile Fun Run starts at 9:30 a.m. The race takes place at Mendon Ponds Park — starting from Stewart Lodge in Honeoye Falls.
http://helmetheroesrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=6964
Right to Run 19k, 5k
These races in Seneca Falls celebrate the women’s movement. Proceeds benefit the future home of the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Both the 19k and the 5k start at 8:30 a.m. All registrants get a T-shirt and post-race food. http://righttorun19k.org/
Canandaigua Classic Half Marathon & 5k
All registrants receive T-shirts and half marathoners receive finisher medals. Course is along Canandaigua Lake and includes portions with rolling hills. The half marathon starts at 8:00 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8:15 a.m.
https://raceroster.com/events/2018/15483/canandaigua-classic-half-marathon-5k-2018
Sunday, May 13
Pink Ribbon Walk & 5k Run
Held at Genesee Valley Park, this Mother’s Day race is a big fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester. The 9:00 a.m. Pink Ribbon Walk (2.3 or 3.6 miles) is for women, men and children. The Pink Ribbon Run at 9:30 a.m. is for women only.
Saturday, May 19
Strollin for the Colon
This event is sponsored by the Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Rochester Medical Center. It starts from Geneseo Central School, in Geneseo. Proceeds go towards the development of local cancer awareness programs. The 5k run starts at 10 a.m. and the walk starts at 10:05. The first 200 registered receive T-shirts. www.facebook.com/StrollinForTheColonGeneseoNY/
Race Though History
This race begins with a 100-lb. anvil being fired into the air! Starting at 8a.m., run or walk along the nature trails at the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford. Participants get an event themed Nalgene bottle, all day access to the village, photo opportunities with staff in historic costumes and post-race refreshments. https://www.gcv.org/events/5k-fundraiser-race-through-history
Sunday, May 20
Lilac 5k, 10k or 5k + 10k
Run alongside lovely lilacs! This popular, well attended event coincides with the yearly Lilac Festival, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary this year. The 5k starts at 8a.m., the 10k starts at 9:15 a.m. or run both. All races start from Highland Avenue. There’s also a half mile Dunkin Donuts Dash at 11 a.m. Participants pick up and eat (or carry) a dozen munchkins to the finish line. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Rochester/LilacRun
Tuesday, May 22
J.P. Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge
This race has been a tradition for years and draws thousands. Previously held at R.IT., this is the second year at the new downtown location. This is an evening event, with a 7 p.m. start. The 3.5-mile route starts at Plymouth Avenue and ends at Morrie Silver Way, Frontier Field. For this event, you must be a member of a local Rochester company to participate.
www.jpmorganchasecc.com/city/rochester/event-details
Saturday, May 26
Tribute to the Fallen 5k, Waterloo
This race is held in the town considered the birthplace of Memorial Day, and is part of Celebrate Commemorate weekend. It starts and ends at Waterloo High School. An evening race, it starts at 6:30 p.m. Registered participants receive a race T-shirt. http://waterloony.com/memorial-day/celebrate-commemorate/events/5k-walk-run/
Other Upcoming Races:
http://yellowjacketracing.com/races
www.medvedrunwalk.com/events/
www.grtconline.org/calendar/races