By Huewayne Watson
Put on your lucky socks,
throw on your favorite running shoes, and get ready for the 4th Annual Dash
for the Dome-5K Race and Walk, hosted by The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical
Gardens. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 14, at
10:00AM, and runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate.
The Race and Walk takes
advantage of the historic South Park, part of Fredrick Law Olmsted’s nationally
recognized park systems and home to The Botanical Gardens. The certified 5K course
will take walkers on a 1.5 mile
loop around the park, while runners will loop around twice for an approximate
total of 3.1 miles. Professional timing at the race will be conducted by Score
This.
For anyone dreading the
idea of being stuck outside in February’s freezing temperatures, the Race and
Walk provides an opportunity for participants to enjoy a unique post-race party
inside the Gardens, where the temperature is always 72 degrees.
“We wanted to do
something different at the Gardens to promote healthy lifestyles.
Inside the Gardens is always a tropical paradise! Lush greens,
bright colors and most importantly-humidity! The Gardens will brighten up
anyone who has the winter blues,” says Director of Marketing Erin Grajek. The
party will include refreshments and an award ceremony to congratulate the
winners. Awards will be given to
the first and second place in each age division (13 and under, 14-18, 19-24,
25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-45, 46-49, 50-54, 55-60, 61-64, 65-69 & 70 and
over), first place walker, youngest participant, first place overall Male &
Female and first place Masters (40+) Male & Female.
Runners and walkers must
check in between 8:30-9:45AM for the 10:00AM start time. Entry Fees for the 5k
Race: On or before February 2 – $20; After February 2 – $24; Garden members,
students and employees of Wegmans -$18 (must be pre-registered); Entry fees for
the Walk: On or before February 2 – $14; After February 2 – $18; Garden
members, students and employees of Wegmans -$12 (must be pre-registered); The
first 200 participants will receive a commemorative Dash for the Dome shirt. Go
to www.buffalogardens.com to register, or call 716.827.1584 ext.
305 for details.
All proceeds benefit The
Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens Society, Inc., a not-for-profit
organization dedicated to creating, sustaining and interpreting a museum of
living plants in a “round-the-world” environment. Set within the legacy of Buffalo’s Historic Conservatory,
the Botanical Gardens’ purpose is to promote an enduring harmony between people
and the natural world.
This event is made
possible by the efforts of Wegmans and Flying Bison Brewing.