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Sports

Freeze Your Fanny Nets Nearly 1,000 Runners And Walkers

Record number turn out for Saturday's winter race at Stony Creek.

Nearly 1,000 runners and walkers hurtled through Saturday morning during the second annual “Freeze Your Franny” 5K race. The record number of participants braved below freezing temperatures, blowing snow, and sometimes brisk winds during the event. 

This was the second year for the race, sponsored by the Utica Education Association’s Staywell Committee; about 450 registered in 2011. Nancy Smith, Freeze Your Fanny event director and president of the Staywell Committee, believes the numbers were up because there are fewer opportunities to run in the cold and the event is well organized. Proceeds from Freeze Your Franny go to the American Cancer Society. 

The morning race started at the boat dock near Eastwood Beach and the paths were cleared and salted prior to the 5K. Runners lined up first, followed by the walkers. Some participants brought their dogs and others pushed strollers. Some die-hard and obviously cold-tolerant runners wore nothing but a pair of shorts and long-sleeved shirts. Most others dressed for the weather, wearing long spandex pants, hats, gloves, and thermal layers. 

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Prior to the starting gun, five ladies vied to to win a “Freeze Your Franny” look-alike prize. Pam Lumetta of Shelby Township—who wore bright blue contact lenses to match cartoon Franny’s—won the contest. She and two other “Franny’s” earned $20 gift certificates to.

There was also a packed warming tent, and coffee, cocoa, and soup to keep runners warm before and after the race. A DJ keep the mood upbeat—despite the freezing cold—and some even danced prior to hitting the road. 

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This was Oakbrook Elementary teacher Karen Tragle’s first race. She said she was motivated to try the 5K by fellow teacher Nancy Smith, who is an active runner. “I’ve never run before but I’m not afraid to run and then walk, if I have to,” she said. “For me, its just about getting out and getting active in this cold weather. I like to hibernate. But, I’ve got my iPod, I’ve got my running songs and I’m ready to go.” 

Donna Sutherland also ran in the 5K, her first race in the winter. She’s been running for about a year, and she said because she’s nearly 50 years old, she’s willing to try something new. “I don’t know what to expect, but I do know I’ll be cold,” she said. “I’m ready to go for it.” 

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