The writing below was part of the permit application sent to the Pine Bush Preserve Commission to create the Dodge the Deer race. It was written on December 14, 2002.

CREATING THE DODGE THE DEER 5K RACE

The most immediate issue that has to be addressed is the course. Chris and I [Josh] looked at several different routes. Many of them unfortunately used trails that are not officially recognized, so we had to throw those out of contention. We also had to take into account that any repeated section of the course might incur runners interfering with one another, whereby an intersection is being used in opposing directions. We also want to make the course interesting and exciting, whereby the runners do get a chance to see others besides those directly in front of them. Below is a rendering of the course we would like to use for the 2003 Dodge the Deer 5k Run.

The race begins and ends at the gazebo at the north end of the Park just east of the lake. The race starts fairly perpendicular to the bathrooms, just south of the gazebo and north of the tackle shop (the red dots). It proceeds to wrap around the lake, heading down the paved path, underneath the Northway, then turning right over the bridge. The runners continue straight on the white trail, about 150m, until they reach the red loop, where they turn left. They continue west on the red loop, and stay on it as it loops around, heading north, and then eastward. At the first merge, which occurs with the white trail, the runners will make a sharp left, and run the span of the trail adjacent to the railroad. That trail then merges back onto the red loop, where the runners will head westward, making a left onto the white connecting trail. This tactic is done specifically to allow the slower and faster runners to see each other, as well as increase the effectiveness of course marshals (volunteers aiding in directing runners.) The race then proceeds south, turning left at the merge with the red trail, and proceeding back to the lake (note the change to blue dots.) Rather than finish, however, to provide for an accurate 5k, (meter wheel assured) the runners will bear right in the gazebo area, running on the grass of the park, then completing the short yellow loop and ultimately finishing just adjacent to the gazebo.

THE “NITTY GRITTY”

Making the race a reality is nearly entirely based upon what happens behind the scenes prior to race day. Organization, efficiency, and timeliness are key. Now that the race can happen, it is up to the Albany Running Exchange to make it happen. The first thing to be done is to create a race application and distribute it at all appropriate venues, be it another local race, a school, or a store window. Just because we plan on holding a race doesn’t mean people will come, it must be promoted. Supplies are also an essential, namely the shirts, race numbers and safety pins, as well as a registration data system and awards. In addition, although entrants will sign a waiver, liability insurance is necessary. We plan on receiving this assurance from the USATF. The Dodge the Deer 5k will require a minimum of thirty volunteers, responsible for the following tasks: registration, parking, course marshals, finish line, results, refreshments, as well as for clean up, and other jobs. Thirty might seem like a small number, but once registration is over, those volunteers can assist with the course, and once all the runners are parked, those volunteers can help in another area. As far as medical assistance, we will employ the Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance service that is resident on the SUNY Albany campus.
Sponsorship is what allows a race such as ours to be successful. Through both direct contributions, as well as donations of items needed for the race, we can operate within a realistic budget. In return, we will advertise the sponsoring businesses and organizations through the display of their name, logos, distribution of materials, etc. We also hope to have many local businesses donate merchandise that can be raffled off, because it is always well received, especially by those not receiving awards.

MAKING IT FUN

A good race is more than just a lot of people running – it is an event. Great races aren’t those that necessarily attract the best runners, they are the races that attract the couch potato because the race seems like fun. Our goals for the Dodge the Deer race are three-way. One goal is to raise money to support the club. This will allow us to compete in other races and travel farther than we otherwise could. In addition, the more money we raise, the more involved in the community we hope to become. With the limited funds we have now, it is hard to gain exposure, which is our second goal in putting on this race. We want the community to know about us, and for them to feel free to join us. The Albany Running Exchange is about more than just running, it’s about being healthy and enjoying the great resources of the Capital Region. Lastly, we want people to learn about Pine Bush. We hope to achieve this by placing Pine Bush information paraphernalia in the race packets for each runner. In addition, and to attract more families, we hope to include a 1 mile fun run, walk. This will not actually take place within the trail system; rather it will consist of running in the vicinity of the lake and possibly one or two loops of the yellow trail just behind the gazebo.