Lake Effect: Soo and Paul

Contribution: Soo Owens _{Edited/posted by Harold P.}

Event Name: Lake Effect Half and Quarter Marathon

Date: Saturday, Feb 17, 2024

Location: Minoa, New York, USA

Synopsis – what was memorable at this event:
My husband Paul and I decided to spend Family Day weekend away, and what better way to spend it than on a race to explore local sights? The Lake Effect race (Half marathon for me; Quarter for my less-committed-and-returning-from-injury husband) promised to be a wintry fun run, beckoning us with a s’mores & hot chocolate station, plus cookies and donuts (yes this is a motivator). The little town of Minoa was pleasant and very friendly & tolerant of the hundreds of runners taking the streets. It snowed heavily multiple times during the race – lining up to its moniker of Lake Effect (snow).

What was provided at the aid stations?:
Water and Gatorade. Simple and enough for the course.

How was the weather? :
Wow when it decides to snow, it REALLY snows. Temp of -5C and some wind with variable snow showers.

My Race Experience:
Running the race was not only an opportunity to explore a new region, but also get back to pushing effort in a race environment (got a bit lazy over the winter). Two loops is psychologically hard, especially when you see the Quarter marathon participants peel off for the finish. My second loop was tough for me, as I was cold, feet quite wet, and when the snowstorm started with the snow blowing in my face, I admit a few f-bombs were dropped. However, the spirit of fellow runners, the community, and the fact that it was a well-organized race made it a very positive experience! Coming into the hard-standing race HQ, they had warming stations, a fire pit for roasting marshmallows, and volunteers giving out the cookies, subs from Wegmans, donuts, and chips. Awards for overall and AG were announced. I was still out running when Paul won his AG and collected his coaster, but he cheered me on when I received my 3rd in AG award. A fun race with a big heart (and a Big selfie-worthy inflatable Yeti)!

Would you do this event again?
We enjoyed our race experience – we stayed overnight in East Syracuse and spent post race trying to warm back up. We eventually did and then explored Syracuse. However, I don’t think it would be a repeat race, unless we could convince some friends to take the weekend trip with us in future years *wink wink*.

Would you recommend this event?
It’s a fun race for the hardy winter runner. Expect to be snowed on and great means of building resilience and hardiness (ie build character!). I recommend it for fellow crazy running enthusiasts that bask in outdoor running training. And if you are in it for the post race food, there’s lots.

Closing thoughts. Any hints for others planning to do this race? Where to stay? Things to bring? What to wear?
We stayed in East Syracuse (Cresthill Suites – it’s 13 minutes away by car). We weren’t sure what to bring so we brought it all – spiked running shoes, yak-tracks, Gore-Tex trail shoes , and all the possible layers. I forgot Gore-Tex socks which would have been helpful. It gets cold after an hour of running!

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Other Stats

Overall Venue Rating: 3 – Good

Overall Course Rating: 3 – Good

Overall Aid Station Rating: 2 – Okay