The race is named for the famous Richmond Aqueduct built in 1849 that carried the Erie Canal waters over the Seneca River. It was the second largest aqueduct on the Enlarged Erie with 31 arches, 894 feet long. When New York State changed the route of the canal to the Barge Canal System in 1917, it was dismantled. Seven beautifully preserved arches remain on Montezuma’s east side of the river, and three on the west side in the Town of Tyre as a testament to this engineering marvel.
The course for the race begins at 9:30 AM near the firehouse on High Street, and continue from High Street to Chapman Road before entering the Park. Trails consist of natural covered nature trails under development including cleared earthy path surfaces within wooded areas and along the Seneca River. It also includes areas of varying drumlin elevations along the trail paths.
In addition to the 5K Run/Walk there will be a Free Kids Fun Race starting at 10:30 AM directed by Angie Hargreaves, Port Byron Central School athletic coach and teacher. Youth five to eleven years will enjoy running a one-mile race along the towpath and everyone will receive a participant ribbon.
MC for the event will be Brian Rubenau, with local bands, Lock 52 and Flock of Free Range Children. Following the race the Montezuma Winery will have a wine tasting booth and there will be a Chicken BBQ sponsored by the VFW; the Montezuma Fireman’s Auxiliary will have breakfast pizza, beverages and a cake sale. Funtastic Inflatables will provide a bouncing inflatable fun house and there will be face painting for the kids.
The 5K Committee has been planning the event for almost a year and has asked local businesses to join in sponsoring the event. The local business community has responded with their generous help to make this event possible, and they are listed on the Aqueduct 5K website. For online registration visit: www.montezumarun.com
Hope to see you at the 5K on the Erie Canal October 12th!
