Run for a Cause
Run for a Cause
Local Organizations Invite You to Take Your Place at the Startling Line and Encourage You to Get Creative!
Racers take your mark! Multiple events are making their way to Cattaraugus County to challenge your endurance while adding a few fun surprises along the way. So sprint, jog or power walk your way to the starting line and get ready to take on the adventures that await you at the EVGV 5k De Mayo, the Little Valley Ole 5k, and the Happy Half marathon, which also offers a 5k and a Beer Mile.
EVGV 5K DE MAYO
Our mountain terrain sees it all - between the mud, snow and green grass - and each season brings something new to enjoy. Springing into action, let’s get ready to run the EVGV Cinco De Mayo 5k happening at HoliMont on Sunday, May 5th.
Local residents are well aware of the efforts of the EVGV Trail organization, so now is your chance to run some trails to make some trails! HoliMont, America’s largest private ski club, has grown into a four-season destination over the years with the perfect amenities to partner up for a few miles of fun.
Runners will be greeted at registration and whisked up to the top of the mountain. The course will wind along Saddle Pond, through the hiking trials, down Greer Hill and then bring runners to the last sprint toward the finish line by the HoliMont Chalet. Runners make note, while enjoying the scenic paths, you may want to keep an eye out for something else worth seeing… Trailsquatch. Hiding among the racers, the creature peers through the trees waiting for its chance to take the lead. Share your stories and sightings of the legendary Trailsquatch at the after-party back at the HoliMont Chalet with a Cinco De Mayo spread complete with tacos and music!
Participants of the EVGV 5k De Mayo can expect to receive a complimentary scenic ride on the Expo chairlift to the top of HoliMont, a competitor’s race shirt, medal, and of course entry to the post-race taco party. Kristen Sciara, EVGV Trail committee member commented on what she looks most forward to as they wrap up their final preparations. “I love that we are already getting messages from competitors signing up who are different levels of runner. Many are excited to have a race where walking is welcome, so their kids and family members feel comfortable to participate, too! This is the foundational idea of the EVGV Trail. A place where everyone can get outside, enjoy nature and a bit of exercise.”
Registration for the event starts at 10:00am on Sunday, May 5th and is priced at $35 for adults and $25 for students. All proceeds from the event will go directly to the EVGV Trail.
The EVGV Trail has been a long rooted for community project, formed back in 2011 by residents who saw the need for a walkable and safe multi-use trail system to connect locals and visitors alike to the area. And with some major updates in the planning process, they continue to push on, but funding is still crucial to achieve the end goal.
Kate O’Stricker of the committee let us know some of the current progress in the works. “The EVGV Trail committee has completed the detailed design for the Elk Creek portion of the trail with a $50,000 grant from the Ralph Wilson Foundation. This portion of the trail will run between the Nannen Arboretum/Ellicottville Town Center, through the Ellicottville Village Park to Elizabeth Street. The Tim Hortons portion of the trail has been roughed in and the EVGV Trail committee and the Town of Ellicottville are in the process of getting signed easements with the seven landowners who have already approved grading rights for the trail.”
This race isn’t just about the finish line; its about the community. With hopes to add funding to the EVGV Trail, all proceeds will be added to the organization’s efforts in constructing a walkable network that runs throughout the Ellicottville and Great Valley area.
Kristen expressed her excitement of the newly created 5k trail run/walk and gave us some insight on what participants can expect. “This is the first year; our intention is to make this an annual event. May is an excellent time to enjoy springtime in Ellicottville. Our registration is open, and competitors are signing up every day! We have reached out to running and hiking groups in our region, and thanks to a grant we were awarded from the Department of Economic Development, Planning, & Tourism, we have been advertising to our neighbors from Toronto to Pittsburgh! We hope this will bring tourism into the Village of Ellicottville as well! The trail continues on each day and with the help of engaging and exciting events like the 5K De Mayo, we get one step closer to the final goal!”
5K OLE AT EBC LITTLE VALLEY
Now to our neighbors over in Little Valley, get ready for a second Cinco De Mayo event, the Ole 5k. Happening over at EBC Little Valley, the Friends of the Valley have put together a day sure to be filled with lots of fun and fitness!
A community event that welcomes all to the area, the Friends of the Valley encourage race enthusiasts of all ages to lace up and take part in their first annual 5k event.
Kicking off at EBC Little Valley, registration will begin at 11:00am with the race itself starting at 12:15pm. The course will start from EBC Little Valley, utilizing the Pat McGee Trail between 1st and 9th Streets and follow through the village blocks within the area such as Court Street and Rock City Street.
The Friends of the Valley have been eager to create an event that brings family, friends and visitors together for a day to brush off the winter blues and celebrate some much-needed springtime sunshine. Gathering that community spirit, the event aims to promote an active and enjoyable environment connecting runners, walkers and anyone in between to join in the fun - whether it’s on the trail or at the after-party!
Speaking with Cedric Manganiello from the Friends of the Valley organization, he shared with us how the event came to be. “We were inspired to create this event in hopes of establishing a new annual tradition that stands out in the community. By organizing a unique and lively 5k walk/run with a fun theme, we aim to not only raise funds for charity but also generate resources for future events. We believe that bringing the community together for a good cause, while having a great time, will leave a lasting impact and create memorable experiences for all participants.”
Through the efforts of the community, a portion of the event proceeds will go directly to the Saving Grace Outreach of Cattaraugus, NY which offers food programs, shelter services, education, advocacy and more to those experiencing hardship. It proves to be a special event for our community to grow and explore, paired with the opportunity to give back. A big thanks to the hard work of our local organizations and the vision they make possible with this new 5k event.
So, what better way to celebrate what is sure to be a success than with some of our favorite refreshments! EBC little Valley will be hosting the after-party for the event as the fun goes on with drinks and lawn games to continue through the evening. Cedric Manganiello went on to give us a glimpse of what’s to come once you cross that finish line. “After the 5k, EBC has generously donated a free beer for each patron to enjoy as they celebrate their accomplishment. In addition, there will be corn hole set up for some friendly competition, and special food offerings to refuel after the race. While we are still finalizing the post-race activities, we guarantee a fun and lively atmosphere for all participants to unwind and enjoy the festivities.”
A job well done for racers and organizers alike. Time to cheers and get to know your fellow racers. Flash those shiny medals and grab your complimentary event t-shirt and enjoy the evening! All racers also have included in their registration, a chance to win gift certificates to The Bear Brick, Hughes Hotel and more.
HAPPY HALF MARATHON, 5K & BEER MILE
Alright now for those looking to add a little more distance to their racing ability, check out the Happy Half Marathon at Holiday Valley Resort through EnduranceFactor, scheduled for Saturday, May 11th at 9:00am. Within this event, they also offer a 5k, but to really mix things up you have to check out the Beer Mile! We spoke with Doug Bush, event director of the Happy Half on what to expect from an event of this scale.
With about nine months to a year of planning and extensive safety and course regulations in place, the Happy Half and the 5k events are open to all ages with the exception of the Beer Mile which is 21+. Doug touched base on the extra touches that go into their courses. “Our goal of all of our events is to try and make them add elements that are a little bit fun and different.”
And that’s exactly what you can expect running in the Happy Half. Bringing smiles and surprises to running enthusiasts is such a fun way to change up your typical half marathon. This and of course the top amenities Holiday Valley has to offer. Lodging packages and world class accommodations, the property is extensive and more than impressive. The perfect balance between physically active and mentally relaxed while enjoying the scenery.
The course itself will welcome locals and visitors alike as Doug discusses the added tourism the event brings as they go into their 9th year running. “We usually get a total between 750-1,000 runners; that’s what we’re on track with this year.” Runners will begin the race at Holiday Valley Resort, traveling through Great Valley, down Klawitter Road and back. The course offers plenty of water stations to assist racers as well as top notch safety protocols to assure each runner’s well being.
With two other races offered, the 5k and the Beer Mile, runners from any level can compete at their own pace. The 5k course is a great start for those looking to some distance under their belt. For this event the course will run from Holiday Valley to Ellicottville Central School and back. Now for those looking for a different challenge, find your way to the Beer Mile.
Have you ever dreamed of being awarded the fastest beer miler in Western New York? Because this is your chance! Individual and team entries will compete for a timed mile with a beer to be downed at each ¼ mile mark. If entering as a team, each runner will race a half mile and drink two beers between markers. The current record is held at 4 minutes and 34 seconds, so get ready!
Keep in mind if this is your go-to event you must have your valid ID of 21 years or older and have a designated driver. But once you have your planned race in place, get ready to enjoy the day and all of the goods that come along with it! Beer Mile participants will receive a custom shirt and entry to the after-party sponsored by Southern Tier Brewing. As for the Happy Half and 5k racers, they will receive a finishing medal, post-race snack bag, custom shirt, and also entry to the after-party held at Holiday Valley’s Main lodge. And why not keep the evening going all weekend by adding lodging for your stay at Holiday Valley, which offers discounted rates to event-goers? Registration to this event is open but cost varies by date of completion so act fast to secure your stop in one of Ellicottville’s most anticipated running events!
Following these events and surely more to come, there looks to be a busy schedule ahead for any and all racers as we shift into the spring and summer seasons. For more information on the events listed, you can reach out directly to EVGV Trail at www.evgvtrail.org for the 5k De Mayo, the Facebook page of the Friends of Little Valley for the Ole 5k on their page under Little Valley Happenings, and the event page for the Happy Half at www.happyhalfrun.com. So wherever your running shoes take you, enjoy the sunshine and we wish you luck!
