Karen Credno of Baldwinsville was the first person to register for the first ever Baldwinsville Optimist Club’s Double Bypass run held Sept. 12 along the village bypass.
She was followed by runners from 7- to 67-years-old coming from as far away as Red Creek, Truxton, Deruyter and Brewerton, though many were from Baldwinsville. According to John Damiano, organizer of the event, runners really enjoyed the route.
“We received high marks from everyone, particularly the members of the professional runners’ organizations,” he said. “The gradually inclined road, pleasant setting and unusual double-back course were worthy of their praises.”
John Ferrini of Baldwinsville posted the fastest men’s time at 19:32 and Christine Vecchio of Baldwinsville was the fastest woman finisher at 22:42.
While this year was not profitable due to up-front expenses, many expenditures were related to one-time fixtures and supplies that will be used in future Double Bypass events. Overall, the Optimists Club received $2,000 in registration fees and cash donations with expenses totaling $3,700.
Despite the inability to fund local scholarships this year with proceeds as originally intended, being an optimist, Damiano is naturally upbeat.
“I foresee a bright future for the Double Bypass,” he said. “It is my ambition to make it an annual community event as well as a classy race that participants and sponsors will desire to support.”
The Optimists would like to thank the following businesses: M & T Bank, Hudson & Mowins, Dr. Ahmed Nazam, The Water Guys and Baker Real Estate provided monetary donations; Wegmans, Tops, Beak & Skiff Orchards, McClusky Orchards, National Confectioners Corp. and a large local company who prefers to remain anonymous donated snacks and beverages; the Edge Water Grill, Sammy Malones’ Pub, Riverside Gym, Aspen Health Club and Fleet Feet of East Syracuse were instrumental in providing visibility to attract runners and walkers; and among the dozens of venues where the race was promoted, two standouts were the websites for (and members of) Fitness For You and the Lake Effect Run Club (not associated with the Baldwinsville pub by the same name).
“There could have been no event at all were it not for the contributions made by Anheuser-Busch and Gypsum Express in giving us free use of their properties for parking, registration and hospitality needs,” John said. “Members of the Belgium-Cold Springs Fire Department volunteered their time as watchful eyes assuring safety of everyone involved in the event.”
