Running of the Squirrels
Running of the Squirrels
GOACC hosts successful 10K and Half Marathon, plus a Kids Dash!
Pictured: Race participant Barbara Sauer coming through the finish line in Olean.
OLEAN – The 2nd Annual Allegheny River Running Fest was another success in the race books. Coming into year two, the ARRF committee was looking for another repeat of the event 2020 even with COVID last year. “The ARRF ‘21 saw a slight decrease in participants this year with a total of 69 runners – 37 in the 10K and the balance in the half. But what we had this year that the first ARRF didn’t see last year, was other races!” reported Erica Dreher, GOACC Member Services Manager.
The race timing company that GOACC uses, Race Management Systems does work for the majority of the races in Western New York. The ARRF ‘20 saw 127 racers in its inaugural event. “Paul with RMS saw many event cancelations in the fall 2020 with our race being one of the few that actually was held and even though it was its first year, the ARRF did a great job,” added Dreher. “Many of our ‘21 participants were repeat runners from 2020 – so ARRF proved itself in being a competitive, serious event with a great and scenic course.”
Statistics from the 2nd ARRF include: Half Marathon winners - Fastest female went to Stephanie Schmieg, Allegany NY with time 02:04:07 and Evan Miller, fastest male from Herndon, VA with time 01:24:01. Miller was also the participant coming from the farthest – 318 miles. The event also recognizes the last person to complete the half marathon – definitely not a joke, but to honor the determination and grit of the last through the timing system. This person is awarded the last squirrel award. The 2021 award went to Michelle Williams from Tonawanda, NY with an average pace of 13.00/mile. Congrats!
For the 10K race, award winners include – fastest female went to Sydney Towne of Franklinville with time of 00:50:09 and fastest male went to Bob Ring of Olean with time of 00:34:28.
When asked what brought them to the ARRF, Ann More of Buffalo NY said, “Totally agree that our group of gals wanted a run last year and found this squirrel run. We had such a good time in 2020, we brought the group back for the 2nd Annual. Our circuit includes WNY and SWPA and we will be back next year!”
Other statistics for the ARRF: overall participants 69 with two virtual runners in the 10K – one from Niagara-on-the-Lake Ontario and the other from Youngstown NY. The oldest participant competing was 73-years-young Barbara Sauer from Buffalo (competed in 10K); and the youngest was 17-year-old Alli Watkins of Allegany (competed in half). Held on the 20th anniversary of 911, the AFFR features patriotic colors, symbols and a contest for the MOST Patriotic Dress for the 10K and Half Marathon race divisions. Winners were Althea Lorraine Odom (10K) and Jessica Weinman (half), each received a $25 Chamber certificate. ARRF asked these winners what local fire department would they like to choose to have GOACC donate $250 to their general fund in honor of 9/11. They both unanimously decided on the Allegany Volunteer Fire Department.
“The committee decided on a kids dash to be held this year – and although it was a late addition to the event schedule, there were four participants with ages ranging from 5 to 11,” said Meme Yanetsko, GOACC COO. “We had them compete in a 100-yard dash at War Vets separately as we were all proud of them challenging themselves. Times were not recorded although in jest, the 11-year-old did beat his 9-year-old brother by a few seconds.”
Jenn Ferguson of Olean and mother of three of the participants in the kids dash stated, “This kids dash was just great. We appreciate the time it took for the ARRF to add this event – my children see me competing and cheer me on, so it was great for me to turn tables and cheer them on here.”
This year’s ARRF is getting to the ‘FEST’ part of the title with the addition of several retail vendors and a food vendor on site with the beer trailer manned by GOACC. Dana Boser, licensed massage therapist was also on-hand as he was available for both pre and post sessions. Yanetsko added, “Plans have been a part of the ARRF from day one for more post-race activities and vendors and music and more. It’s a work in progress.”
“The committee will wrap up in late October and then get to work on some of the early duties of the 2022 event – securing the date in race calendars, the timing company as well as locations,” added Dreher. Tentative date for the ARRF III is Saturday, September 10, 2022.
Race results are up and loaded on the website itsyourrace.com - search for the Allegheny River Running Fest. Participants are encouraged to view their results and print off their race certification and their running photos as they approached and then crossed the finish line.
Next up for the Chamber are several more events: October 1st-StrOlean; November 4th-Annual Dinner and November 26th-Santa Claus Lane. For more information on the ARRF or other Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce events and activities, please call GOACC at 716-372-4433 or email events@oleanny.com.