IF YOU GO:What: 15th Annual Syracuse Festival of RacesWhere: Manley Field HouseWhen: Sunday; 5K run begins at 9 a.m., 3K run at 10:45 a.m., walk at 10:50 a.m.How much: 5K entry fee $17, $20 day of race; 3K and walk entry fees $5 for 17 years and younger; $10 for 18 and older, $15 day of race

Runners from Canada, Alaska and even Russia are flocking to Syracuse this Sunday for the 15th annual Syracuse Festival of Races.

The event includes a 5K run for participants 18 and over, a 3K run and a Community Fun(d) Walk, both of which are open to men and women of all ages.

The race begins and ends at Manley Field House

‘This race has been really well-received over the years,’ said Dave Oja, race director. ‘And this year we have a high amount of Syracuse undergrads, which is exciting to see.’

Members of the Sports Management club, Sigma Beta Rho and the Acacia Fraternity are helping to run the event.

Oja created the Fun(d) Walk, for those who were too intimidated by a longer run but still wanted to join in the races.

The race participants range in age from five to 81. Margaret Betz of Conklin, N.Y., 71, is returning to the festival to try and run the fastest 5K for a woman over 70.

A large number of runners and walkers hail from SU, whether they are staff, faculty or students.

‘With all of the undergrads participating, I think they’re turning a corner when it comes to involvement in recreational running,’ Oja said. ‘It gives them the opportunity for students and faculty to enjoy a morning together and benefit both community and individual health.’

The race’s reputation and tradition have attracted people from all over the country, though the majority of the participants are from the Central New York area, as well as the Northeast. The festival remains a favorite for local Syracuse residents

‘This race brings together residents of Syracuse and SU students in a way that’s both fun and healthy,’ Oja said. ‘This is something I’ve put a lot of work into in order to make it a huge town event, and I think it’s on the verge of doing that.’

The Festival of Races began in 1993 as a replacement for the Syracuse Freihofer’s Run for Women. The Freihofer Run took place both in Syracuse and in Albany, but after Freihofer, a wholesale bakery, was sold, the company decided to cut the Syracuse run and only hold the race in Albany.

‘I wanted the race to continue here in Syracuse,’ Oja said. ‘After I got the finances for it, I knew I wanted to balance the genders so that men would be included also.’

People wishing to participate in the run can register at Dick’s Sporting Goods in the Shoppingtown Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Registration will also take place the morning of the race at Manley Field House, starting at 7:30 a.m.

Published on September 26, 2007 at 12:00 pm