MEXICO, NY – Runners were greeted with perfect autumn conditions to take on the challenge of the Cider Run over the streets of Mexico on Sunday, September 19.
The much loved event returned to the village after a COVID-19 related hiatus, now under the sponsorship of the Greater Mexico Chamber of Commerce.
An enthusiastic crowd gathered early in the morning, stretching and hydrating while greeting old and new acquaintances and discussing the course. The track at Mexico High School provided the venue for the runners to start and finish the race without disturbing the traffic flow of the village.
Greater Mexico Chamber of Commerce President and Race Director of the 2021 Cider Run Amanda Magro was thrilled with the turnout for the 31st running of the race.
“We have had 82 runners register online, and a large group of sponsors and volunteers helping us make this happen,” Magro said.
Racers were still registering the morning of the event.
“I can’t wait to see how many have signed up today,” Magro said.
After the previous sponsor decided not to continue their involvement with the long standing event, The Greater Mexico Chamber of commerce had to act decisively and quickly.
“When the Chamber found out that the Mexico Public Library would no longer sponsor the race, I thought that we could not let this 30-year tradition just go away,” Magro said.
The decision to take over the lead sponsorship was made at a meeting of the Chamber on August 2.
“I am extremely thrilled with the amount of work that we have done,” Magro said.
The library kept excellent records from past years, and that foresight gave the Chamber members an enormous boost toward the planning of a successful event. Like just about everything else, race events such as the Cider Run have been affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“Last year was the 30th anniversary of the race, and unfortunately, it had to be run virtually,” Magro said.
The turnout for the virtual event was low, an unfortunate result of athletes disinterested in competing alone.
“This is not 100% normal, but we thought, let’s do this as best as we can, and try to get back to normal as much as possible,” Magro said.
The feeling of camaraderie among runners was palpable at the start and finish area, and Magro, who has also run in this race many times, was feeling it as well. Magro said she is grateful and proud that the community came out and supported the event.
“I was a little cold while running, and I was just trying to follow the course correctly because I am not from Mexico,” said race winner Kenny Deloff.
The 23 year old Fulton resident was also feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment, chatting casually with other avid runners after the race.
“This is my first race since the start of the pandemic,” Deloff said, “ The events are a little smaller, but oh yeah, I definitely want to come back and do it again.”
Full results available at www.Auyertiming.com
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