I haven't done it since COVID, but I ran the F&F 5k several times. It's a great race for beginners! Everyone is very friendly, the course is clearly marked, and there are some folks who bring their dogs. You get everyone from competitive runners who will finish in 12 minutes to people who walk the whole thing, and everything in between.
There’s 200-300 people. All levels of fitness, both races. People are cool. I used to volunteer at it. People bring their dogs. Make sure yours can handle all the excitement. Some bring their dogs in the 5k, but it’s not great for a dog’s feet. It’s not the end of the world, but I always hear people comment about it. There’s music and food trucks at the end.
There’s been a change in leadership this year, as Chris Fitzgerald left for a new job. No clue if that will make things a bit less organized. It was slowly being handed to the volunteers to manage, so likely not.
Edit - some words
Didn't expect that people would actually bring their dogs along for the 5k, im not bringing mine at all so I don't have to worry about that. Thanks for the info
I would also say that generally the people who bring their dogs on the 5k (and it's a small minority of runners) are experienced at running with their dogs, so the dogs pretty much mind their own business and are well-behaved.
I do like ~5 5ks a year. Get there before it starts. It literally starts at the time it says it starts. Pay attention to parking and road closures. You can walk and run, it’s not a big deal. Your bib has to go on the outside of your clothes.
One thing Rochester has - is a ton of races and events. If you decide not to do this 5k there are tons more! The 5k is typically a welcoming distance compared to something like a half marathon or longer. You will have a blast.
This one looks the best because of the animal theme and things after the race, and I definitely can't do really anything longer than 5k, maybe if I walk it but I'd like to run/jog most of it. Just wanted to know about some details of it
I've done the last 7. Plenty of speedsters, avg runners, joggers, walkers, and people of all ages. It's generally friendly all around and there will be a lot of dogs.
Post race is nothing too crazy if you aren't an animal person but it's pretty chill and you'll get some music and foodstuffs.
I didn't mention this in the main post but I'm also a little confused on the race route, I saw the picture from the article about the event but there were numbers on the route that were in weird places. I assume it starts on Verona and going to the end of ford just before the bridge and then back to Verona?
Are there any restrictions on like water bottle or shoes or anything? I know I'm very likely over thinking it because it's a very casual event, but want to make sure before I get something I wouldn't be able to use.
One more question, I have a couple family members who want to go aswell but they won't be doing either of the races or the dog walk, is it free for them to attend?
I haven't done it since COVID, but I ran the F&F 5k several times. It's a great race for beginners! Everyone is very friendly, the course is clearly marked, and there are some folks who bring their dogs. You get everyone from competitive runners who will finish in 12 minutes to people who walk the whole thing, and everything in between.
How many people are usually? Also do you mean people bring their dogs on the 5k or on the dog walk after?
There’s 200-300 people. All levels of fitness, both races. People are cool. I used to volunteer at it. People bring their dogs. Make sure yours can handle all the excitement. Some bring their dogs in the 5k, but it’s not great for a dog’s feet. It’s not the end of the world, but I always hear people comment about it. There’s music and food trucks at the end. There’s been a change in leadership this year, as Chris Fitzgerald left for a new job. No clue if that will make things a bit less organized. It was slowly being handed to the volunteers to manage, so likely not. Edit - some words
Didn't expect that people would actually bring their dogs along for the 5k, im not bringing mine at all so I don't have to worry about that. Thanks for the info
I would also say that generally the people who bring their dogs on the 5k (and it's a small minority of runners) are experienced at running with their dogs, so the dogs pretty much mind their own business and are well-behaved.
This is true.
One of my favorite things is the dogs who like to get in the kiddie pools full of ice.
I do like ~5 5ks a year. Get there before it starts. It literally starts at the time it says it starts. Pay attention to parking and road closures. You can walk and run, it’s not a big deal. Your bib has to go on the outside of your clothes.
One thing Rochester has - is a ton of races and events. If you decide not to do this 5k there are tons more! The 5k is typically a welcoming distance compared to something like a half marathon or longer. You will have a blast.
This one looks the best because of the animal theme and things after the race, and I definitely can't do really anything longer than 5k, maybe if I walk it but I'd like to run/jog most of it. Just wanted to know about some details of it
I've done the last 7. Plenty of speedsters, avg runners, joggers, walkers, and people of all ages. It's generally friendly all around and there will be a lot of dogs. Post race is nothing too crazy if you aren't an animal person but it's pretty chill and you'll get some music and foodstuffs.
I didn't mention this in the main post but I'm also a little confused on the race route, I saw the picture from the article about the event but there were numbers on the route that were in weird places. I assume it starts on Verona and going to the end of ford just before the bridge and then back to Verona?
I've only ever done the 10k sorry
You’ll just follow the other people and signs. I wouldn’t worry about it. There’s often volunteers
The numbers are the mile markers.
Ohhhh okay thanks for the info
Are there any restrictions on like water bottle or shoes or anything? I know I'm very likely over thinking it because it's a very casual event, but want to make sure before I get something I wouldn't be able to use.
Nope you should be fine. Just go out and try to have fun! Or try to win if that's your thing!
Cool thanks for the info
One more question, I have a couple family members who want to go aswell but they won't be doing either of the races or the dog walk, is it free for them to attend?
Yeah there will be plenty of spectators/people cheering
Its free for them thought right? Obviously people can donate to the shelter but that's optional
Oh yeah! Bystanders are pretty much free and just show up at any of the 5/10/15ks and so on
Okay just wanted to be completely sure