Memorial 5K steps off in Bergen August 11

Memorial 5K steps off in Bergen August 11

The 2007 Jenny Kuzma Memorial 5K is set for Saturday, August 11 at 8:30 a.m. at the Village Park (Hickory Park) on Route 19 in Bergen. The race benefits a student scholarship for an 8th grader at Byron-Bergen Central School and this year proceeds will also benefit Camp Good Days and Special Times and Roswell Park's Pediatric Unit. This is the 17th running of the race.

Race Director Eric Boyce said the USA Track and Field certified course makes its way from the park south and then through the village of Bergen before finishing near the Parkview Drive entrance to the park. "It used to not be as village oriented," Boyce said. "It went around the outskirts of the village."

The race is held in memory of Jenny Kuzma, who was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia at the age of four. She died in 1990 at the age of 13 after an experimental bone marrow transplant failed. The race was organized shortly after her death. Boyce said the event started because her family had friends involved in cross country running and track. Kuzma's parents, Joe and Rita, attend the 5K each year.

The number of participants has grown over the years. Last year, there were 150 runners, Boyce said, this year he hopes to have between 150 and 200. "It is the most competitive race in Genesee County," he said. The overall pace is a 4 minute 50 second mile with the winner projected to take the race in under 15 minutes.

Boyce, himself a competitive runner, is directing the race for the second year. "I know what it takes to field a competitive and successful race," he said.

There will be awards and cash prizes to overall winners and masters, Boyce said. Gift certificates will go to the top college and high school runners. Age divisions include 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60+. The top three runners in each age division will win medals. A prize of $200 will be awarded to the first place overall male and female runners. Boyce said there is a bonus if the overall winner breaks the course record. The record time for male runners is 15:06 and for females its 19:18. The top high school male and female finishers will receive a pair of Saucony athletic shoes, Boyce said.

Registration forms are available on-line at www.jennykuzma5k.batemantech.com. Pre-registration on forms postmarked by August 9 is $13; after that, or on the day of the race, registration is $17, Boyce said.

For information call 548-2501 or 414-2199.