SMITHVILLE FLATS – Seventy athletes from as far as Guilderland (near Albany,) Syracuse and Horseheads and as close as the hamlet of Smithville Flats ran the USATF certified 3.1 mile course the morning of Saturday, June 9.

The run kicked off a variety of activities on Smithville Day. This was the third year for the race that runs through the streets of Smithville Flats. Participation increased 45 percent over the 2006 race where 48 runners competed. The course record was broken as perfect conditions inspired the runners to give it their all. Charlene Lyford of Greene was the top female with a time of 20:29. Lyford has been the fastest female runner in this race twice in the three years it has run. The top male finisher was Shaun Horan of Norwich with a time of 16:27, which is a pace of 5:18 min/mile (or just over 11.5 miles per hour) and a new course record.

The race is hosted by the Genegantslet Fire Company and the Town of Smithville. Proceeds contribute to a building fund for a new fire station in Smithville. Complete results and pictures are posted on the race Web site, SmithvilleDay.org/5k.

Tim Hanna of Smithville Flats directed the race with the assistance of over 28 volunteers which included 10 members of the Genegantslet Fire Company Fire Police and other volunteers listed below. Thank you to all the volunteers, sponsors and supporters of the race.