Altamont 5K running same course hoping for sun
By Jordan J. Michael
ALTAMONT The itinerary for the Altamont 5K remains the same, but organizers hope the weather will be different that is, sunny.
“It has rained nine times out of 12,” Phil Carducci, who started the race 13 years ago, said on Tuesday. “We hope for great weather every year, but it seldom comes.”
The 13th installment of the Altamont 5K is set for Aug. 28 at 9 a.m. in Bozenkill Park. The street course remains the same, starting and finishing at Bozenkill Park. Runners will cover 3.1 miles.
Carducci told The Enterprise that he has invited back the top three male and female finishers from last years race C.J. Sousis, 17, of Troy; Greg Ernst, 26, of Mayfield; Daniel Smitas, 33, of Schenectady; Courtney Tedeschi, 15, of Westerlo; Sarah Domermuth, 24, of Berne; and Christine Capuano, 43, of Altamont.
“I want this to be a competitive race,” Carducci said. “I like to see the same people come through.”
There will be four kids’ races to start the day. Those up to age 4 will run 50 feet, those ages 5 to 6 will run 100 yards, those ages 7 to 8 will race a half-mile, and kids ages 9 to 11 will run a full mile. The kids’ entry fee is two dollars and each child gets a medal.
“I stand in one spot and the kids just run right at me,” said Carducci.
The 5K race will once again have live music on the course from local artists. Singer/songwriter Bob Lord will be playing tunes at the finish line. “He’s great,” Carducci said. “He plays a little of everything.”
The event is a benefit for the Altamont Food Pantry and is co-sponsored by Capital District Physicians Health Plan and First Niagara Bank. Pre-registration is $15, and $13 for people over 70 years of age. The fee is $20 on the day of the race and the first 350 to sign up get a T-shirt.
With everything in place, Carducci has nothing to worry about except the weather.
“Some sun would be nice,” he said.