Utica’s Boilermaker isn’t the only renowned road race in the Mohawk Valley.
As shocking as it may sound, another event in the village of Herkimer has received its share of recognition.
The 13th annual D.A.R.E 5K Run is being held Aug. 16 at 9 a.m., and it is already well-known and attended by area running enthusiasts.
Even Earl Reed, Boilermaker founder, called it the biggest little race in CNY, according to Herkimer Police Officer Anthony B. Brindisi.
On average the race has increased in participation by 17 percent each year, said Brindisi. Last year 230 runners hit the streets for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education cause. This installment is aiming to reach the 250 mark.
“It’s all to raise awareness for the fight against drugs,” said Brindisi.
For 15 years the D.A.R.E. program has visited schools to provide students with the tools to say no to drugs.
The Herkimer chapter began with one of its policeman, Tom Long, and it has been relying on community support to keep it running ever since.
Since it does not receive any tax dollars to fund the materials and time commitments of police officers, the program is funded primarily by community donations.
There is also the sponsors and fees for fundraising efforts, such as the 5K, that make the continuing effort possible, said Brindisi. Adding, “A lot of the credit goes to the 30 volunteers in the community that are absolutely devoted to the run.”
The pre-event entry fee is $15. It is $18 the day of the race, being accepted from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. A maximum family charge of $30 applies for family members living in the same household. Those under 18 require a parent’s signature to register.
Registered runners receive a free T-shirt, which is handed out with racing numbers at 7:30 a.m.
An awards ceremony is held after all participants finish. Overall male and female winners are given a cash prize of $250.
There are also awards to the top three males and females in the following age categories: 14 and under, 15 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and 60 and over, with no duplicate awards.
A team competition, involving a minimum of five runners per team, determines team trophies and individual medals by total accumulated times of the first five finishers. Categories are split into junior high, ages 12 to 14, and senior high, ages 15 and up.
The route begins on North Main Street in front of Historic Herkimer County Jail. It proceeds west on Church Street, right onto German Street, and then left onto Lou Ambers Drive, where a steep hill adds to the challenge as runners head towards Herkimer County Community College. Then it’s downhill on Reservoir Road, turning left and off road onto a scenic stretch through Brookwood Park. After looping back onto German Street, the course heads east to the home stretch and finish line in front of the Herkimer County Courthouse.
For information call 866-4330 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and ask for Officer Brindisi.