Pace Setter : May 2024

The Firefighters Run 4 Your Life Race Celebrates its 15th Year

By JD Falotico

Photo courtesy of Peter R Barber Photography and the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation

Most of the reports and write ups I give as a race director are full of numbers, statistics, and demographics. There seems to be a focus on the quantifiable when it comes to assessing the effectiveness and value of an event. Some of this does make sense; so, when I say that the Run 4 Your Life (R4YL) is a fundraiser for the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation and this year it raised $98,000 - that is an impressive number. I can equally say that there were 735 participants, that seven states were represented, or that in the fifteenth year of the race I introduced a new logo and a Hero Wall.

I think, however, that I want to focus on the un-quantifiable aspects of the race, because therein lies the true uniqueness of this event. This event is not the only early spring race, not the only USATF ADK Grand Prix 5k, nor the only event in the area to offer podium prizes. While these are all accomplishments, I am tremendously proud of, they do not define this event. The quality of this event that I find most unique is the community it creates.

Photo courtesy of Peter R Barber Photography and the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation

In 2010 a local runner and Schenectady Firefighter, Brian Demarest, created this event in partnership with Paul Harding of the now Harding and Mazzotti law firm to raise funds for the American Heart Association. In 2010 cardiac-related illness was the leading cause of death in firefighters in America. Fifteen years later; cancer has usurped that dubious title, Brian has retired, and the reins of the race turned over, and a new organization; the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation, has been formed. What remains is the goal of raising funds and awareness to care for those brave men and women who face both seen and hidden dangers while they work tirelessly to serve their community.

Community, there it is again. That word that makes the R4YL so special. But just how does a 5k road race in March do this? It starts in August around a small table with me and some dear friends as we outline our goals and strategies. By October that table has grown to include a dozen people each bringing special qualities to make the event a true success with a dozen more people offering their time by January. By March the race community has quintupled to nearly 100 volunteers: taking time from family and other commitments and giving freely and completely to the cause. On race day that community swells to over 1500 people all in one place and for one cause - that of preventing and fighting firefighter cancers.

Photo courtesy of Peter R Barber Photography and the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation

Numbers alone, however, do not define a community. In the same way that the fireplaces in the Pavilion warm the runners on race day, the network of love and concern for others warms the hearts of members of our R4YL community. Entire families wear shirts, hats, and signs honoring those who have fallen to cancer. Survivors brave the cold and distance to show that nothing is impossible to overcome. Caregivers show strength and resilience on their feet as they do in their hearts when they give care. Local dignitaries are reminded that they serve at the discretion of the people and must protect those who protect them in return. Area businesses provide everything necessary to weave this group into a unifying community event.

While this may seem lofty and idealistic, let me give an example of what it is  I am trying to illustrate. In the controlled chaos that makes up my morning on race day, sometime between sunup and the starting gun, I found myself a witness to a truly moving moment. A young runner, maybe 20 or 25, paused at a placard which stated that “firefighter cancer is 30% more fatal”. During her warmups, stretches, and pre-race ritual, she actually took out her earbuds and paused for a moment of private reflection. I cannot speak for her, but the tears in my eyes were not just caused by the biting spring wind.

Photo courtesy of Peter R Barber Photography and the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation

To give names to some of the many wonderful members of our community, I want to thank Aimee Keough, Tom Schettine, Matt March, James Raucci, Kevin Talbot, Nate Kuhl, Paul Harding, CJ DeLuca, and Eddie Varno Jr. Those are but a handful of the many wonderful members of the R4YL community that make it so special. From the smiles of runners who just completed a 5K PR, to the cheers of cups of coffee and bowls of chowder; from the laughter of the Kids Fun Run to the solemnity of the Hero Wall, community is what makes this event so special and so unique. Forged and carried on by dedicated men and women, this community raises funds, awareness, and bonds. To learn more about this effort visit the Schenectady Firefighters Cancer Foundation on Facebook or visit: https://neverfightalone.org/