By Tom Tarapacki
Get ready for the race that bills itself as “The Social Running Event of the Summer.” The Elmwood Village will be home to the 29th running of the Buffalo Subaru 4-Mile Chase, one of Buffalo’s great summertime celebrations, on July 17th.
Here are some of the particulars: The 4-mile race starts and ends on Bidwell near Elmwood on Friday, July 17 at 7 p.m. sharp. Early entry costs $17.75, and it’s $20 on the day of the race. However, if you’re a first-time Subaru runner the early entry fee is only $10. It’s just $5 for anyone 14 and under, and anyone 70 and over is free. Shirts are given to the first 800 entrants, and you’re advised to register early as they always run out on race day. Proceeds will benefit the Police Athletic League of Buffalo.
There’s a great Pre-Race Party as well as a Post Race Party. It all starts at 11:00 A.M., when the Registration and Expo kicks off at Elmwood and Bidwell. There’s also a 5:00 P.M. Happy Hour with live music.
If you watch the race, you’ll see some very fast runners. One of the big attractions of the Subaru is the participation of elite runners from around the world who are drawn by $10,000 in prize money as well as course record bonuses. The male course record is held by Joseph Itati of Kenya (17:53), and the female record belongs to Anne Hare of New Zealand (20:18). Despite the presence of elite runners, the Subaru is geared for runners of all ages and abilities, and a large number of age group awards are presented.
The Race Director is Elmwood Village resident Jim Nowicki, a long-time employee of the Buffalo Parks Department. Jim was recently named one of the area’s Outstanding Citizens for 2009 by The Buffalo News, in large part for his years of work on the Subaru Chase. He was also presented the Rainbow Award last October by the Niagara Falls International Marathon for his contributions to running.
Nowicki and his crew put on a first-class race that is enjoyed by runners and non-runners alike. Whether you want to run, watch the runners, or just hang out, it’s an event you don’t want to miss.
For more information go to www.buffalosubaruchase.com, and you can register online.