Take a hike ... or a run
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The Best of Eggertsville 5K Run's 2006 participants make their way through the route. This year's run is on Tuesday, June 19.

Amherst, it's time to lace up the running shoes and line up at St. Benedict Church for the "Best of Eggertsville 5K Run."

Rain or shine, runners will make their way from the church through the Eggertsville community, back to St. Benedict.

Those looking for a slower paced, shorter race can sign up for the "1-mile Family Walk."

The walk begins at 6:15 p.m., followed by the 5K run at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 19 at the church, 1317 Eggert Road, at Main Street.

Event planners request that no inline skates, skates, bicycles, skateboards or pets be taken on the course.

"We were looking for an idea to reach out to the community and get the parish involved in a larger community-based event," Mary Virginia said about the purpose of the event, now in its third year. "We thought the race would do the trick."

And that has proved to be true, she said. The past two years have attracted 600 to 700 runners and walkers.

Top finishers in the 5K race receive trophies and medals. Categories, one each for a male and female, are as follows: overall finishers; first parishioners; first from St. Benedict (staff or student); and first St. Benedict alumni.

Also first-, second- and thirdplace honors will be given to one male and one female in the following age categories: 14 and younger; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; and 80 and older.

First-, second- and third-place awards are also available in the wheelchair division.

For the first time, the course will be certified by the USA Track and Field association.

Luck has been on the community's side, Virginia said, with great weather the night of the event the past two years.

Following the race and walk, a postrace party will be held at the church with food, beverages and live music by TWIGS. A children's bounce house and magician will entertain the young attendees.

To register, pick up an entry form at the rectory or at www.saintbenedicts.com. For information, call 631-3960 or e-mail mev40@yahoo.com.

The walk is $10 per person or $30 maximum per family and includes a T-shirt and entry to the postrace party.

Preregistration, before June 15, for the 5K run is $18 for adults and $10 for youths 19 and younger. Registrations will be taken the day of the race at $20 for adults and $12 for youths.

This year's race is dedicated to the memory of the former pastor, Rev. Gary Bagley, who passed away in November 2006.