The prime season for participating in road races is upon us.
During the late days of summer and the early days of fall, temperatures drop, humidity all but disappears and local races abound.
Most of our local races at this time of year are timeless classics, but several of the newer events have become very successful in a short amount of time.
In its 23rd year, the Chris and Kevin Truskey Memorial 5K and 10K event attracted nearly 400 runners Aug. 24. Cross country coaches from all over the state bring their teams to this race, which features a true cross country course run mainly on grass and trails, along with several rolling hills.
For local harriers, the venue, Tuscarora State Park, is the site of the annual Schuylkill League Cross Country Meet, which is contested in October. In addition, the Truskey race provides scholarships to local high school students.
This coming Saturday, Sept. 7, the Borough of Orwigsburg will conduct the second annual 5K Race, Walk & Roll for the Orwigsburg Veterans' Memorial, beginning at 9 a.m. The race kicks off Heritage Days in the borough.
The course contains rolling hills, and many prizes from local merchants are offered in a variety of age categories. Proceeds from the event will go toward restoration of the historic Veterans' Memorial Building. Entry blanks are available from Pretzel City Sports.
The Sol Lipton Run Fest will follow the next day, Sunday, Sept. 8, beginning at 8 a.m. The event is tied with Shenandoah's Coal Cracker 10K as the area's oldest footrace.
This year's run festival will mark the 33rd year of the Lipton event. The Sol Lipton races are an arm of the Sol Lipton fundraising foundation that has raised approximately $550,000 since its inception, providing college scholarships to city students graduating from Pottsville and Nativity high schools.
There are a variety of distances and degrees of difficulty offered at the Lipton Run Fest. Beginning at 8 a.m., hearty individuals may tackle the half-marathon course, known for its relentless hills. Many runners view this race as a challenge and a perfect opportunity to test their fitness level for future flat half-marathon courses, or as a difficult training run in preparation for a fall marathon. Prizes offered by local merchants attract skilled racers to the event.
At 8:30 a.m., runners will participate in the 5K event, which is as flat as the half-marathon is hilly. The downtown Pottsville course is recognized by seasoned runners as one of the fastest courses anywhere. The two-loop route is very spectator-friendly, and the race offers cash prizes to elite runners as well as medals in a slew of age divisions.
Finally, for beginning runners and youthful participants, a 1.5-mile Fun Run will be held at 10:30 a.m. on a flat, fast course.
The Sol Lipton races are U.S. Track and Field certified, which means the courses are accurately measured. Entry forms are available at Active.com.
The third annual Salem Shuffle 5K, benefitting the Salem United Methodist Church of Orwigsburg, will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, beginning at 9 a.m. at Albright's Woods. This year's race will even feature a 5K relay option. Entry blanks are available at www.SalemUM.com.
Finally, on Sunday, Oct. 20, the 4th annual Rhoades Race 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk will be held, beginning at 10 a.m. at the Saint Clair Industrial Park.
This race has quickly become a favorite race for many runners due to the fast course and unique pottery awards. Top finishers receive cash prizes. Proceeds from the event benefit the James J. and Mary Edith Rhoades Foundation, which carries on our late state senator's mission to educate, encourage and enrich our local communities through scholarships and donations. For an entry blank, visit www.rhoadesfoundation.com.
Recently, the Truskey, Lipton and Rhoades races have discussed the possibility of initiating a Triple Crown racing series for 2014. Any runner who participates in the 5K events at all three races would be scored, according to their place, in the same manner as in cross country races. The top male and female will receive the Triple Crown trophy.
The abundance of these races in Schuylkill County prove that road racing is more popular than ever, and one doesn't have to travel far to enjoy a high-quality event.
(Muldowney is an avid runner and local educator)