Arboretum Inaugural 5K Forest Run an Unqualified Success

ESPERANCE, NY (09/06/2007)(readMedia)-- On a day that was surely a meteorologist’s dream, close to 200 people gathered at the Capital Region’s Arboretum for First Annual Landis Arboretum Forest Run: a Cross Country 5K Classic. The Saturday, September 1 race was sponsored by Kintz Plastics of Howes Cave and NBT Bank of Duanesburg, NY.

Members of the Albany Running Exchange arrived early and stayed late to provide the expertise and guidance needed to ensure success for the Arboretum’s initial foray into the running game. For a completed list of participants and running times log on to http://www.albanyrunningexchange.org/results/searchResults.php?Race=../results/csv/2007/0901landis.csv

According to local realtor Jonathan DiCesare (Cobleskill), an Arboretum Trustee and 5K Chair, “Josh Merlis of the Albany Running Exchange said we had excellent attendance – with a rock solid and impressive 128 finishers for a first-time race. We could not have carried off this event with the help of the Exchange and the dozens of volunteers and supporters who worked so feverishly.”

He acknowledged the support of Tammy Rumph, director of marketing for the Schoharie County ARC and Board member of the FAM Run as well as the many volunteers who supported the event.

He adds with more than a little pride that his oldest son, Jonathan and his mother, Alice, took top place in two bookend age groups.

Capital Region runners of all ages and levels of proficiency were invited to run and compete while enjoying spectacular views of the Schoharie countryside at the beautiful Landis Arboretum. Prizes were awarded in each age group (14 and under, 15-19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+) in this timed event.

“We’re very excited about the race itself – and about the fact that it is another first for the Arboretum,” says Mr. DiCesare. “Whether a runner is gearing up for the season ahead or winding down from a prior race or cross-country event, the Landis course will be as perfect as the natural beauty that surrounds it.” Mr. DiCesare invited all runners to use the Arboretum’s newly groomed 5K trails throughout the year. “We are open daily from dawn to dusk,” he told the crowd, “and 365 days a year.”

Mr. DiCesare, an agent for Realty USA, proposed the race in concert with another Landis Trustee, Scott Trees, late last Fall. At that time, he turned to Fred Breglia, Heads of Operations at Landis, for detailed knowledge of the Arboretum grounds, and to Race Coordinator Matt Nark of nearby Mechanicville, a seasoned and accomplished runner for the parameters needed to set a course that would be both challenging and inviting.

The result, says Mr. DiCesare, was threefold: a course that is challenging to runners at all skill levels, an inviting walk for those less interested in running or competition, and appropriate use of the Arboretum’s spectacular 548 acres that straddle both Schoharie and Montgomery Counties.

The 5K course traversed many notable sites at Landis – including its Pioneer and Woodland Trails, the 500-year old iconographic Great Oak, symbol of the Arboretum, the Fred Lape Memorial stone, and the beautiful Van Loveland Gardens.

Multifaceted Jewel

The Capital Region’s Arboretum, Landis is a multifaceted natural jewel. It now encompasses 548 acres of trees, shrubs, old growth forest and, of course, breath-taking vistas and memorable gardens. Long a destination of choice among Capital District gardeners, environmentalists, nature lovers, hikers, bikers, and birders, the Landis Arboretum may be one of the best-kept secrets of the northern Catskills.

The Landis Arboretum includes a nationally recognized collection of oaks and is registered with the North American Plant Collections Consortium (NAPCC). The Arboretum also is included in the New York State Route 20 Bluebird Trail, bringing even more birdwatchers to the site. The Arboretum’s vast dark sky and wide horizons attract area astronomers to its meeting house and parking field for sky-watching events

The Arboretum is central to the New York State Wine and Spa Trails and in close proximity to historic Sharon Springs. And, it is a natural stop for those traveling to the high-volume tourist attractions between the Albany, Cooperstown, and Finger Lakes Regions.

Run, Walk, Cheer for It

The Landis Arboretum is located 1.5 miles off scenic-designated Route 20 in Esperance, NY, a beautiful and easy drive from throughout the Capital Region.

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