On an already-crowded road race calendar, Fleet Feet Syracuse found
an open Saturday for the newest 5-kilometer in town, playfully called
Runapalooza. And it appears the community has rushed in to fill the
void: As of press time, more than 900 runners had registered for the
two-loop, 3.1-mile course along the roadway surrounding Onondaga
Community College. While the Saturday, June 30, race starts at 9:30
a.m., that’s just the beginning of the festivities
“We had a vision for a festival of running and music,” said race director and accomplished runner and triathlete MaryBeth Romagnoli, who also works at Fleet Feet, 5800 Bridge St., East Syracuse. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel around the country to compete in different races and have seen what’s out there. We can do this. Ed {Griffin, Fleet Feet co-owner} coined the Runapalooza phrase, a takeoff on the music festival Lollapalooza."
So race organizers have solicited and secured a number of bands, which will line the race course for the runners’ entertainment and motivation. Among the acts are Andrew Gracean Band, Silent Fury and The Causeway Giants.
Fleet Feet hopes that alumni from the several running groups it has facilitated participate as well. Runapalooza serves as the goal race for the latest beginners’ group, known as No Boundaries. And furthering the running-group initiative, anyone who has participated in a past Fleet Feet group is invited to hang out before and after the race in what is being called the Reunion Tent.
“It’s a way to say thank you to all of our participants, past and present,” explained Romagnoli. “It’s also important for the new people to see the alumni. They are thrilled to be in this race, but they’re nervous, too. When they can interact with runners who have been in our programs, it’s a benefit to both; veterans can provide words of wisdom and encouragement to the new people.”
Another cooperative effort welcomes corporate teams. Those companies with the largest number of runners will be entered to win prizes.
While bands will be performing along the race course, all runners are encouraged to stick around after the race for when the real party begins. Miller 64 will be serving its low-carbohydrate, low-calorie beer, and music from Enter the Haggis will entertain the crowd. A health and wellness tent, with samples, massage therapists, inspirational speakers and the like, will be open for business as well. In case of rain, all post-race activities will occur inside the new SRC Arena at OCC, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike.
Runapalooza also includes a one-mile kids’ fun run at 9:10 a.m.; entry fee includes a T-shirt. Further, Runapalooza has been designed as a green race. Runners are invited to bring old running shoes to be recycled; Fleet Feet is paying for online entries, to avoid paper registration forms; and water cups and bottles will be disposed of in cooperation with Waste Management.
“This is the first race Fleet Feet Sports has officially put on,”
Romagnoli added. “We want to make it an exciting and lively event that
combines wellness with entertainment. It’ll be a great way for people to
have fun and be fit.”
Online registration is being accepted through Wednesday, June 27, and costs $30. On race day, between 7:30 and 9 a.m., registration will be $35. The fee for the kids’ run is $9 through June 27, and $10 on race day. For more information, and to preregister, visit fleetfeetsyracuse.com/runapalooza.
