Mountain Goat Run

“I think it’ll help us, no question,” he says of the
race series. “Both the 3K and the 10-mile races are in the series, so
runners can pick either, or both. Last year we saw a 15 percent
increase in participation, and a lot of that is due to our training
runs but also the excitement of the Mountain Goat being the first race
of the season that is downtown.”

Those training runs take place on six successive
Saturdays, starting March 21, from the Museum of Science and
Technology, 500 S. Franklin St. Doors open at 7:15 a.m. and running
starts at 8 a.m. They use the 10-mile course, and each week is devoted
to different segments and distances; one training run will cover the
entire quad-shredding exercise. “They are designed to give rookies a
little bit of the race at a time, so race day doesn’t seem so
overwhelming,” Griffin notes. While the training runs are free, the
MOST does turn on the lights and keep the water flowing, so donations
are welcome.

The Goat is proud of its hills, and it’s not for the
casual runner. After taking off from Clinton Square, the course
gradually climbs to Strathmore and Onondaga Park before leveling off a
bit through Kirk Park and the side streets parallel to South Salina
Street. Then comes the hill from hell, a gut-busting half-mile climb up
East Colvin Street to Comstock Avenue, then into Thornden Park for the
last big uphill push before making its way back to Clinton Square for
the finish. 

Just like last year, those who finish within a certain
time frame will receive gold, silver and bronze medals. “We are working
hard to attract a more competitive field in terms of front-of-the-pack
runners,” Griffin adds, “and as always working
hard to get people who have never run the race get ready for the Goat.”
Proceeds from the race go to the Mountain Goat Foundation, which
supports local charities that provide volunteers for the race. That
includes the MOST and AIDS Community Resources. “We give 50 cents of
every net dollar to those groups,” says Griffin, of the money left over
after expenses are paid.

The Mountain Goat’s post-race party is
becoming almost as famous as the free Saranac beer blowout that takes
place after the Boilermaker. This year’s version starts at 11:45 a.m.
at Clinton Square and features music from Grupo Pagan. “If we have good
weather,” Griffin says, “it’ll be a great day.”