Event offers first annual B’ville Oktoberfest 5K Road Race

Oktoberfest returns to Baldwinsville several weeks earlier this year.

Typically scheduled during October, this year’s event will be held Friday Sept. 17 and Saturday Sept. 18 in the parking lot of the former Harrington Firehouse in the village of Baldwinsville.

“Our hope is that the earlier date will increase our chances for nicer weather, allowing our patrons to enjoy all of the fun activities, great food and fabulous music in comfort,” said Megan O’Donnell, a member of the Baldwinsville Oktoberfest Committee.

Part of the Greater Baldwinsville Community Benefit Fund, the Baldwinsville Oktoberfest Committee has been hard at work planning this year’s event, which includes a scenic road race through the village.

Featuring views of Lock 24 on the Erie Canal and beautiful Paper Mill Island, the race will begin and end at the corner of Crego Road and Tappan Street in Baldwinsville. Runners will be treated to arguably one of the most scenic courses in Central New York. The race is also unique in that it is an evening run beginning at 5 p.m. so runners can enjoy what is likely to be a comfortable fall run followed by food and beverages at the Oktoberfest.

The course is certified by the USA Track and Field Association and professional chip timing will be provided by Auyer Timing. Walkers and runners are welcome.

The cost of the race is $15 through Sept. 4; $20 from Sept. 5 through 17; and $25 for race day registration. All race proceeds go to the “Greater Baldwinsville Community Benefit Fund,” which supports other local events, local government, scholarships and charities in the Greater Baldwinsville area.

Race registration forms are available online at baldwinsvilleoktoberfest.com, fleetfeetsyracuse.com and at The Bikery, Fresh Mex, Mohegan Manor, Lock 24 Restaurant and other local businesses. On-line registration is also available at EZRacereg.com.

All registered runners get an Oktoberfest glass mug and paid entry into the Oktoberfest event. Packet pickup and walk-up race registration will be in front of Tops (former P&C) at River Mall on Downer Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday Sept. 17 and from noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday Sept. 18. Free Shuttle service will be available for runners (and spectators) from the finish to and from the Oktoberfest event.

For more information, e-mail Carlo Cuccaro at [email protected].

The Oktoberfest Committee is currently seeking volunteers to help out at the event. Volunteers are needed at the entrance gate, at the token booth, at the bar and for the road race. Contact O’Donnell at 635-2050 if you are interested in being part of the event.

In addition to volunteers, the committee is also looking for organizations interested in participating as vendors in the event to raise money for their own organization.

“Participating in the event as a vendor is a fun way to earn money and expose the community to your organization,” said Rhonda Raper.

Vendors can serve food and/or non-alcoholic beverages or provide other activities for patrons. For more information, see the vendor application on the web site or call Raper at 638-3200.