-By Barbara Arnstein-
The 5th Annual Amish Country Running Festival will take place in Randolph, NY on September 24th. This event features five different distances that can be run or walked, since there are no cut-off times. Runners can choose a Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K or one mile. The longer distances take participants through the beautiful, scenic hills of the Old Order Amish Community on quiet, country roads. It will be a unique opportunity to enjoy the wonderful scenery there while getting a good
work-out climbing those hills.
Runners will be greeted on the morning of the races with free coffee and treats to power them up, which will be provided by Jockey Street Coffee Roasters and the East Randolph United Methodist Church. The fully stocked aid stations at every mile will ensure that the runners have the nutrition and energy to continue running. At the finish line they will be greeted by volunteers with Finisher Medals, and an awards ceremony for each distance.
Made-to-order food for each participant will be provided by the 3C’s Food Truck. Spectators will be able to buy food from this truck. After the races, runners can relax and share their race stories in the Southern Tier Brewing Company Beer Garden. Massage therapist, Dana Boser of Olean will be on-site to provide some much-needed muscle care after the hills are conquered.
This festival was created in 2018 by the husband-and-wife team, Mark & Tonia Wilson of Wilson Endurance Sports. “This event has run continuously, even during 2020” said Tonia Wilson, “and we have no plans for stopping anytime soon. Runners this year from eight different states will be participating this year, as well as several from Canada and one from the Netherlands.”
Many national and local sponsors are contributing to this event to provide a memorable experience for the competitors, including those listed above, as well as the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County, Southern Tier Professional Pest Control, Register Graphics, Land Pro, R&M Restaurant, The Pineapple Place, Dowiasz Auto Service Tire & Detail Center, Hammer Nutrition and more.
This will be a fun way to spend a beautiful autumn morning in Western NY. You can join in as a participant, volunteer, or spectator. More information can be found on the website at www.CoachMarkWilson.com