Lace Up Your Running Shoes
Lace Up Your Running Shoes
Allegheny River Running Fest this Saturday in Olean; Registration is still open!
OLEAN - This Saturday, September 10th, the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the Allegheny River Running Fest (AARF) in Olean, NY. The event features three races - a 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon distance. All of them will begin and end at War Veteran's Park, 551 East State Street, Olean.
"We are looking forward to bringing this race to our area for the third year in a row and hoping that the newly added 5K distance will bring even more people out to enjoy the event!” said Erica Dreher, GOACC Member Services Manager. “The 5K loop runs through downtown Olean and should allow for a quick paced run. The 10K and Half Marathon distances offer the runner a bit more of a challenge and either option takes you onto the picturesque Allegheny River Trail (hence the name).”
For the first time this year, vendor Lisa Ralston of Me Life Love will be at the park offering some breathing, stretching and yoga sessions starting at 7:00am. These sessions will be open to the public. “You do not have to be a race participant to come down to the park on Saturday and check out the fest," stated Dreher.” Dana Boser, LMT will be in the park also offering mini massage sessions during the event.
Genesis House will be there from 10:00am-1:00pm with a magician and activities for the kids to enjoy. There are also two chances for kids 12 and under to participate in the 100-yard dash fun run at 10:00am and 12:00pm. “The run was a hit with kids who participated last year, so we are hoping even more kids will come down and run this year,” Dreher continued. “Sign-ups are day of at the park under the chamber tent.”
For those who are participating in the run, they can look forward to a pre-run snack station sponsored by Tim Hortons. The post-run refuel will be coming from Pizzaland of Portville. Four Mile Brewing Co. will be sponsoring the beer tent and is open to any ARRF attendee 21 years of age and older.
“Finisher medals depicting Olean’s unofficial city mascot - the squirrel - will be awarded to all participants crossing the finish line," stated Meme Yanetsko, Chief Operating Officer of the Chamber. Trophies will be given to top female and male finishers in each event. Those participants finishing top in their age group will be presented with a special prize also featuring the uniqueness of our community and race. The Last Acorn prize will be given out to the final registrant of the Half Marathon to cross the finish line.
Participants must be at least 13-years-old, and registration will continue until start time on race day. The Half Marathon will begin at 9:00am and is $90, the 10K at 9:15am and $65, and the 5K at 9:30am and $25. A virtual option to participate is also available. Simply run the race where you are and upload your time through September 30th to receive a finishers medal. Virtual registrants will receive a swag bag and race participant shirt but are ineligible to receive top prizes. Register at https://alleghenyriverrunningfest.itsyourrace.com/register/. Register by September 8th using code SQUIRREL10 to receive $10 off! For more information on the event please contact GOACC at 716-372-4433.