The Sneaker Store's Home Page

2002 Falling Leaves Road Race (Utica, NY)

“First place in the camera carrying division of the 2002 Falling Leaves 14k Road Race goes to Richard Karaz” I’m not exactly sure if that is true, I’m fairly sure though, that I was the only camera equipped runner in the race. What prompted me to do this, one might ask. I’m not really sure, only that I thought it would be fun to get an impression of a race straight from the course as opposed to the photographer snapping away on the side lines.

So, here are my thoughts, pictures and experiences during the 2002 Falling Leaves 14k. Usually a runner will decide to participate in an event enough in advance to adequately prepare for the intensity and distance yet, some of us are ready to go anytime. I don’t put a whole lot of pressure on myself for a good result, and lately, racing for the fun of it is my M.O. That being said, I decided to do the race on Saturday which was the deadline for registering. I’ve never had the pleasure of being a race director, but I have volunteered enough to know how difficult a small event can be to organize, let alone a big event like the Falling Leaves. At race registration, everything seemed to be smooth but, I’m sure a ton of work goes into coordinating all the volunteers, and we race participants seem to take it all for granted. Oh well, I don’t think that race organizers ever get enough thanks from the participants.

For those who participated, you’ll recall Saturday was cool and rainy. Downtown Utica on a rainy Saturday at 4:00 seemed so abandoned compared to the swarm of runners who were due to arrive 15 hours later.

Sure enough, the next day, the complexion of downtown Utica had transformed. I like the feeling of lining up on a street which is normally reserved for cars and trucks, the pavement under my feet actually felt a little different. True, Genesee St. is not the Champs-Elysees, but just as the riders of le Tour de France put their wheels upon the famous avenue, it really is a special feeling to be allowed to do a sporting event where it is obvious that you are not normally allowed.

Anyway, the gun goes off for the 14k and my first impression that I felt was thought provoking was Oneida Street and Oneida Square. It’s no secret, this is a tough neighborhood, but it seemed harmless that Sunday morning, the street which has stunning architecture was void of inhabitants.

As the race course turned off Oneida Street onto the Memorial Parkway, I stopped and turned around near the Zoo entrance to perhaps capture something on one of the area’s most heavily run routes. Can you see the newly resurfaced sidewalk? It’s awesome, and the city keeps it clear even in the winter. Merci beau coup, Mayor Julian.

Speaking of newly paved, the fruit of the “Save our Switchbacks” effort was next on the list. Wow, what a nice little treasure. I reckon the Utica Roadrunners are responsible for bringing local government’s attention to the once deteriorated South Woods switchbacks. It’s a challenging and scenic little climb

that reminds me of the route to the top of Mt. Royal or Cote de Neige as the locals say, in downtown Montreal. Thanks URR, lobby hard and lobby often!

For those who haven’t done the Falling Leaves 14k, when you arrive at the top of Steele Hill, the rest of the race descends. “What are you doing?” asked Kevin Copeland who was marshalling the corner, and the by time I explained and was back on course, I was caught by John Friedel and a fit young woman. John is the one who gave me the fictitious first place award in the camera division and the woman who was running along side of him said, “Oh I know you. I bought my shoes from you 2 years ago.” Being the smarty pants that I am, I said, “Oh hey, I remember,” but I was kidding. How on earth could I remember such a thing? Then she said, “You do?” and I look over at her, and can you believe it, I did remember! My recall of names and faces used to be uncanny, now as I get older, it is not as impressive as it once was, but apparently I’ve still got it.

So at this point, my race began. I suggested to Michelle(no, I didn’t remember her name, she had to tell me) that we mow down the woman ahead of us. She was reluctant to go any harder than the pace we were at. We had a bit over a mile to go as we were back on Oneida Street, but we weren’t gaining her! Well within a mile to go, I tried one last time to convince Michelle that the small rise in the road just as we got back onto Genesee Street was an ideal place to attack. Attack she did!

I stayed back a few steps then I became distracted with a Golden Retriever who was watching with his human friends. I watched from even further back and I was pretty sure but not exactly sure that Michelle succeeded in overtaking her competitor.

As I was exiting the finishing area, I glanced at Michelle with a “did you get her?” look and she acknowledged with a nod. It was good enough for 3rd place in the women’s. She was so grateful for my race aggression as she knew she wouldn’t have pushed that hard to catch her prey.

When I say racing for fun is my M.O., believe me, I’m still racing and always having fun.