Watchin' Runnin': Empire State Games

I finally made it to a New York State Empire State Games event this morning. While participating in the spring track workouts at Nazareth College (sponsored by GRTC) this past May, I became aware of the fact that "the games" (a kind of state wide "Olympics-style" event)would be held in River City this year and I went through a series of stages beginning starting with "I'll compete!" moving to "Maybe I'll volunteer" and finally settling at "I'll go watch." Not one to usually "settle," I wanted to at least make it to one event... the 10k race. This particluar event seemed like a logical choice from the potential viewing options as a) I run 10k races myself and therefore might recognize some of the local representatives and b) watching was FREE (which is not always the case depending on the event/venue)!

The 10k Road Race (official title!) was staged in Mendon Ponds Park, where many road and trail races are run year-long. The course can be somewhat challenging, with quite a few hills. Like much of the country, we have been dealing with a lot of heat and humidity, so adding that to the mix would make this a difficult run to participate in, but an interesting one to observe.

Upon arriving at the site, I was surprised how "low key" the whole thing was given that the ESG are billed as the "State Olympics." Compared to the normal 10k run locally, this one was very Spartan in its staging: no chip timing, no starting "gun" or horn, very few participants (zero in the Wheelchair competition categories), and apparently very little coordination judging from the way that rules were given to the participants prior to the start, some of which it seemed were not previously articlated ("all Masters runners must wear an official shirt!") The finishing chute was also unimpressive in its design and was not even used by some finishers... I guess I had hoped that those who were participating would be treated to a wee bit o' pomp and circumstance.

But distance runners are a hardy lot and none appeared as concerned with the accommodations as I. While waiting for the runners to finish, I had the chance to speak with some of the other folks, all of whom had a more vested interest in the outcome by virtue of the fact that they had sons, daughters, spouses or children running in the race. When asked "who are you here for?" I would share with them that I was just here to watch, because, as a runner myself, I usually don't get to see the best runners finish a race, as I would be able to.

While I did see a few athletes whom I did "know" from various races, I did not know the names of those who "won." If you're interested in their names and times check the ESG Results page.

Breathe in, breathe out... YOU AND I ARE ALIVE!