SOMERS — For those who have never run a 5K, the Somers Summer Series 5K, which begins July 10, is a more informal way to ease into running a more competitive, traditional race.
“Initially I was a volunteer for the Somers Great Escape 5K. I thought that it would be a great idea to have a series of races beforehand in the summer to train runners, some of whom might have never run before, and to build up an interest in the September race,” said Scott Sutter, race director for both the Summer Series and Great Escape.
The Somers Summer Series 5K at Field Road Park — additional runs are July 17, 24, 31 and Aug. 8 — includes two races. For the 5K Relay, each team is comprised of two, each of whom runs a 1.5-mile lap. Team members must exchange their baton within the marked exchange zone. All 5K runners will do two laps of the 1.5-mile loop.
“We really want this to be a family-friendly event. There is a playground and splash pad close-by and for those couples participating in the relay. One partner can be with the kids while the other runs before they are handed off the baton for their part of the run,” Sutter said, who owns the Southern New England Athletic Association, organizers of the Summer Series and Great Escape runs.
The race director noted he “does not profit in any way from the Somers Summer Series.”
“Every penny, 100% of what is collected goes to the Somers Parks and Recreation Department to support the continued improvement of the fitness trail at Field Road Park. The monies are also used for grants from the Parks and Recreation Department for kids who might not be able to afford attending one of their programs,” Sutter said.
Nearly $20,000 has been raised for the Parks and Recreation Department since the series began.
While it never was expensive, just a $5 registration fee, Sutter noted he is trying something different this year and making the series free and asking for generous donations instead when signing up.
“Our goal is to raise $2,500 with additional monies for our donation to the Parks and Recreation Department coming from our sponsorships from RunBuddy and the Strategic Risk Transfers Insurance Company,” he said.
Both races begin at 6:15 p.m. with a customary mass starting line. However, if you want to start early, you can after 5 p.m.
“Participants must complete the 5K course in one hour, which may not be possible for someone new to running a race. I will be there at 5 p.m. for anyone who wants to start early and needs more time to finish or whose schedule conflicts with our start time,” Sutter said.
One participant who plans to be there on time for the July 10 run is Kim Radz of Somers.
“I had been running my entire life until I began having children. After the birth of my third and final child, I decided to get out and start moving again. I attended one of the Summer Series races to help me get back in shape for running, and since then I have been running half-marathons and other 5K races,” Radz said.
Sutter noted the race course make participants “work” because they won’t be running on a flat surface such as a roadway.
The course is a cross country style format where you run on grass, over gentle hills and slopes, and with lots of little turns.
“I call it a ‘smart’ race. You need to pay attention to where and how you are running. It’s a challenge on how to manage yourself and the course,” Sutter said.
Radz agreed that the course “is never easy.”
“I love having other people around me at the race and always have fun. It is a true cross-country course with some woods involved, and you know every time it is going to be a challenge. I’m an amateur runner and others from the local high school are cross country runners who often show up, so they crush it as some others like me are trying to get through it. Some days are better than others, but it is the most challenging workout I have all week,” she said.
Only 67 spots remain for the first week.
Runners of all ages and abilities are welcome. Participants can register in advance at somerssummerseries.com or just before the start of each race.
For more detailed information on how to prepare for the Somers Summer Series 5K, visit somerssummerseries.com, and for the Somers Great Escape 5K visit somersgreatescape.com.
