By Kate Bartlett
Saturday May 5th marks the first annual EVGV Trail 5K, the first of hopefully many celebrations off and on the trail. The primary goal of the EVGV trail is to build a system of walking, biking and cross-country trails linking Ellicottville, Great Valley, and beyond. The 5K de Mayo trail run at HoliMont Resort is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities in efforts to bring the community together for a fun day in the great outdoors.
Kristen Sciara, EVGV Trail Marketer, and Scott Johnson, EVGV Board President, intend to make this an annual event. “May is an excellent time to enjoy springtime in Ellicottville,” says Kristen. “While brainstorming fundraising ideas, the committee thought a Trail 5K would be a fun way to bring our community together, have some fun on the trails, and do some fundraising for the EVGV trail. We’re looking forward to a day with friends and family, exploring the beautiful trails at HoliMont, and of course, tacos! Our friends at HoliMont jumped on board to collaborate with the committee and have been incredibly supportive of the project.”
The event takes place on Saturday, May 5th at 10am starting at HoliMont. Participants will take the chairlift to the starting line atop the hill. “HoliMont carved out a fantastic route around ponds, on the hiking and single-track trails, then to Greer, ending the run with a zig zagging run back down to the HoliMont chalet. The views are spectacular! It’s a very unique trail and showcases the beauty of the area.” Every competitor will receive a participant medal, with medals awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placing for men and women. After race party will take place at the HoliMont chalet with tacos (for Cinco de Mayo) and good times for all.
The race is open to all ages and ability level. “Our intent is for this to be a family fun event. The route is suitable for everyone, and we’re offering a student rate to encourage youth participation.” The 5K received a generous marketing grant from Department of Economic Development, Planning, and Tourism which allowed the team to run a strong social media campaign with a wider reach to areas like Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Toronto. “We’re so thankful to all of our supporters, and for the reach this grant allowed. We’re hopeful to attract visitors from farther distances, showcase the beauty of Ellicottville, and ultimately promote tourism to the area.”
The EVGV trail committee was developed in 2011 by several concerned citizens who saw the need to create a safe network of multi-use trails bicycles, pedestrians and people of all ages and abilities can use. The group officially formed a 501(c)3 for non-profit and was able to raise enough funds to form a master plan in 2014. The plan shines light on the need for the trail, connecting residents and visitors to many destinations in the community.
As the EVGV Trail has progressed, the Trail Committee has made connections with larger trail advocates and developers. EVGV Trail members worked with the CCIDA, GOBike of Buffalo, and Alta Planning and Design, and received a generous grant from the Ralph Wilson Foundation to complete the Southern Tier Regional Trail Feasibility Study. The EVGV trail was chosen to be the main connecting trail between the town of Ashford and the town of Great Valley. The Southern Tier Trail was just awarded $7.5 million for a RAISE grant to fund the design and alignment of all 52 miles, which includes the EVGV trail.
The EVGV Trail consists of two main portions: Tim Hortons Trail and Elk Creek Trail. Currently, the Tim Hortons trail has been roughed in and EVGV Trail and the Town of Ellicottville are in the process of getting signed easements with landowners. The Elk Creek Trail design has been completed with a generous grant from the Ralph Wilson Foundation, and will ultimately run between the Nannen Arboretum/Ellicottville Town Center, through Ellicottville Village Park to Elizabeth Street.
When completed, the EVGV Trail will connect many communities, promoting tourism and attracting visitors to the area. “We’ve made great progress, and we have a great plan to guide us to completion,” says Kristen. “This 5K is a great opportunity to celebrate the progress of the Trail thus far, and raise awareness of the next phases, ultimately getting the community more involved.”
Kristen, Scott and the team is looking forward to getting the community involved in the EVGV Trail, kicking off with this 5K event. “We’re so thankful for the community support thus far, and we’re looking forward to the next chapter.” A special thank you to our Start & Finish sponsors Weed Ross, Attea & Attea. Thank you to our Trail sponsors T-Mark, MDA, Ellicottville Pharmacy, Ellicottville Bake Shop, ERA Office, Fitzpatrick & Weller, EVL Spirits, Olean Medical Group, and Madigans.
To register visit https://holimont.com/events/ if you are interested in a 5K Trail sponsorship, contact Kristen Sciara at sciarakristen@gmail.com.