Pace Setter : August 2022

Geez, I wish I had Known: 2 Upcoming Races For You to Ponder

by Daniel Lennon, Michelle Davis and Chris Bishop

Most of the articles in The Pace Setter talk about races after they are finished rather than before they are run.  This way some really great races are missed that when runners hear about them think, “If only I had known.”  So here are two to think about:  Run4theRiver Half Marathon put on by Nark Running Strength on September 3 and the HMRRRC Labor Day Race.

Dan Lennon said this about last year’s premier Run4theRiver Half Marathon:

The Run4theRiver Race is a wonderful event. The course is runner friendly and SUPER fast. It starts at the Mabee Farm, providing a great spot for warming up and relaxing pre-race. The course is point-to-point with a slight downhill grade making for a fast and comfortable run, even on tired legs. The bike path parking lots were filled with spectators which were great for keeping you inspired along the race. The course travels along the fast bike path with little winding, close to no wind interference, and finished at the Schenectady County Community College. By the finish line, there was a post-race party with free beer, free food, and live music which was great for celebrating. After racing R4TR last year, I knew I had to add this event to my annual race schedule because the course was flat, the weather was great, and the timing is perfect. Lots of marathon runners target Fall races and R4TR makes for the perfect tune-up for a fast time. I’m not tuning up for a Fall marathon this year, but I am looking to race a string of races this fall, and I have a feeling that Run4theRiver will be the perfect start to a fast season!

Michelle Davis added:

The inaugural Run4 the River Half Marathon in 2021 was a very fun race. The start was at Mabee Farms, which is beautiful. It was a cool morning and a little warm at the end. But it was a good course along the bike path. The end was fun as we ran out of the bike path and through the SCCC parking area accompanied by lots of energy at the finish line. There was a party, but it will be so much better this year.  At the end of the race last year there was a food truck, free beer, and music, but this year it will be awesome since the race ends at Frog Alley where the party begins. Monkberry Live is providing music.

HMRRC Labor Day Race September 5

The 33rd Annual HMRRC Labor Day 5k will take place on Monday September 5th, 2022, at 9:00 a.m., on in Central Park located in Schenectady New York. The Labor Day 5k will start and finish in front of the Thomas Isabella Pavilion at 9:00 am sharp. There will be day of race registration beginning at 7:30 am inside the pavilion. Custom designed medals will be awarded to the first three male and female overall finishers and winners of the following age groups Under 19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80-84; 84 and Older. Results will be posted 20-30 minutes after the event and available on the same day at www.hmrrc.com. The first 150 registrants will receive a complimentary custom designed tee shirt. Click here to sign up!

                     Race Director John Parisella starting race

The Labor Day 5k is the first race in the 2022-2023 HMRRC Grand Prix Series, the Labor Day 5k is one of the Club races in which a member may earn points toward winning prize money in the Open and Age Group divisions. There are 12 races designated in the Grand Prix Series, and a member can run in all the Grand Prix races, but only points which are earned in 6 events are used to calculate their Grand Prix Total. Prizes are awarded to the top seven runners in the Men's and Women's Open division and range from $25.00 for seventh place to $300.00 for first place. There are also age group prizes in the following age groups: 29 and under; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70 and over. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at this fine race in one of the most beautiful parks in the Capital Region. Sign up now at

https://membercommunications-hmrrc.wildapricot.org/event-4787156

Historical note: The HMRRC Labor Day Race began on September 2, 1985, with Dale Keenan winning Male in 15:02 and Christine Bergeron winning female in 17:23.

Ed. Note: I will be at both races taking pictures for The Pace Setter!

                  Carole Reardon on bike duty for race

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