Preps underway for a snowy Runnin’ Of The Green

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — It will be a snowy run. After a two-year hiatus, more than 1,400 people will put on their favorite pair of running shoes, and take to the streets of Rochester Saturday morning for the Runnin’ Of The Green.

News10NBC visited the Rochester Running Company as they completed some final preps before the race.

The race not only kicks off the local running season but also starts just before the Downtown Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Friday night we met some runners who are eager to complete the 5-mile race.

"It’s very exciting for us to finally, actually have a chance to get together, and actually come back together, and run," said Rochester Running Company owner Jonathan Griffiths.

Another piece of normalcy is returning for the first time since 2019. The Runnin’ Of The Green is back, and the Rochester Running Company is busy with runners coming in to pick up their race packet. Rochester resident Daniel Stark has participated in this race for many years now.

"I think it’s excellent. It’s been long-awaited, and we’ll have maybe a little snowstorm in the morning that will usher in the reemergence. So I guess we wouldn’t have it any other way here in Rochester in terms of weather," Stark said.

The five-mile race starts at Blue Cross Arena, over the Ford Street Bridge, and then to the University of Rochester Campus. It then doubles back to the arena. Griffiths says so far the turnout of scheduled runners is great. It’s far different from last year’s virtual race because of the pandemic.

"Even though we had some chances last year the season was a little messed up, and some events happened, some events didn’t. So this year it’s exciting to kind of have this kick-off of a full running season," Griffiths said.

The race itself is no cakewalk.

Stark added, "It’s competitive, a lot of really good runners come out. Different runners from different teams."

"I’m a little nervous about the snow but you fight through it. You run through it, and it’s going to be fun. Everyone is going to be cheering, and I love when everybody gets together. It’s positive and happy," said Iuliana Parzych, a first-time participant in the Runnin’ Of The Green Race.

If you haven’t registered to participate in the race, don’t worry you still have time. The Rochester Running Company is accepting new registrants right up until race time.