Cazenovia Independence Virtual Run/Walk

The July 4th Footraces are a major holiday tradition in Cazenovia. Going back 48 years, they are the oldest road race in the Central New York area. Despite the weight of tradition, the usual format of a competitive race with hundreds of people at a starting line is not feasible in 2020. The sponsors, the Syracuse Chargers, have cancelled the official race, along with many others this season, out of concern for runner safety amidst the pandemic. 

To keep the history of the event alive and provide a safe alternative, Cazenovia High School's Cross Country and Volleyball teams will offer a virtual race this year.  The traditional Cazenovia 1 mile, 5K and 10 mile courses will be marked and available for use from July 1-7.  However, participants who may not be able to run on the usual course due to travel restrictions or safety precautions are welcome to complete their run on any course of their chosen distance and submit their time.  Spreading the competitors out over many hours and many days will allow for social distancing.  The run hosts will maintain an unofficial results page for the events based on the self-reported times.
 
Participants will be invited to make a donation to support the Laker athletic teams organizing the event as well as the Caz FD and CAVAC (both of whom had their annual fund-raisers cancelled this spring/summer)

Cazenovia and its partners at the Syracuse Chargers plan to be back in full swing in 2021 for the 49th edition of the races. Cazenovia hopes that this year's virtual option will keep the tradition alive and give loyal participants a chance to get in their annual run around July 4th.