An Improvised Take on Running Races in Ellicottville
Lace Up!
An Improvised Take on Running Races in Ellicottville.
When statewide road races from marathons to 5K runs were cancelled this spring, the inevitable hit home: race season was going to look a lot different this year. Thanks to Doug Bush of Endurancefactor Events, that once bleak outcome now has a bright solution for those who run in Ellicottville.
“We’re trying to find intelligent ways to keep people motivated by giving them goals to work toward,” Bush said. Although there are limits to holding races on state roads, large gatherings, etc., Bush is committed to keep runners moving forward - no pun intended. The best part? His solutions all involve a portion of entry fees and 100% of race proceeds being used as donations to charity.
HAPPY HALF MARATHON & 5K
Although the original event slated to be held in May was cancelled, anyone who originally signed up for the Happy Half Marathon and 5K now has the virtual option to run on their own. Race times can be submitted from tracking devices like Run Keeper, Apple Watch, Garmin, etc., or by using a different app to submit results manually through a screen shot.
Runners still receive their race bib, finisher’s medal, t- shirt, and face cover buff. Since having FUN while running is iconic to this event, costumes are still encouraged; runners can post their photos to the Endurancefactor Facebook page. For additional information and to sign up, visit happyhalfrun.com/virtual/. All race materials will ship the week of August 19th.
NEW! Dirty Dozen Off Road Run at Holiday Valley Resort
When Bush was approached by the leadership team at Holiday Valley to help coordinate a race on resort property, he quickly obliged. On Sunday, August 16th from 8:00-11:00am, get your running fix in at the Dirty Dozen Off-Road Run. The course offers both a 4- and 8-mile off-road option and encompasses 12 miles of resort property. The Dirty Dozen is a fundraiser for the local food pantries.
“Holding the race on resort property gives us the ability to test holding a smaller-scale event in a safe environment that everyone feels comfortable in,” Bush said. Although there will be hills here and there, the course is not hugely technical.
To keep large groups at a minimum, various heats or waves with a maximum of 50 runners will be held every 20 minutes over the course of an hour. Chip timing will keep track of times, and runners can expect the same Endurancefactor race perks, like a signature t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
The main difference will be the absence of a gathering at the end of the race. Runners can get food, but in order to prevent large groups of people, the normal post-race party won’t be held. According to Bush, race planning takes at least nine months to coordinate, and they pulled this off in about four weeks. Due to this short notice and spacing requirements, entries will be limited.
4 for 44, EVL Half Marathon and 5K, and More
As for other popular races this season like the 4 for 44 Team Relay in September and the EVL Half Marathon and 5K in October, Bush says they are playing by ear. “Information from the state varies day-by-day, and we still need to seek approvals from the town, village, and county. I foresee them being held similarly to the Dirty Dozen, with timed, dispersed waves of runners to minimize crowds without an after-party.”
Bush has also been responsible for introducing several long-distance virtual runs and bike rides in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New England this summer. Considering the circumstances, he says participation has been decent, with $5 from each entry fee and 100% of race donations going to the Feeding America charity.
For more information on any of the above events, visit endurancefactor.com/races/, visit the Endurancefactor Facebook page and search the events tab at Facebook.com/Endurancefactor, or email info@endurancefactor.com. If you need a new goal to achieve, it’s time to lace up and start training!