Running notebook: A blog plug

Before reviewing the calendar, let's give a free plug and a link to the blog of local runner Sam Spritzer. Sam is one of the friendliest runners in the area, someone always ready with a smile and a big hello at local races. He writes quite well about his running and his experiences with cochlear implants. It's worth a stop.

One other note: John Maddock of Canisius reports that 2,717 pairs of shoes were donated at the Shoes for the Shelter 5K. That's a record, and brings the total since 2002 to more than 10,000 pairs. Nice job.

All right, the racing season is really upon us these days. There are five races on the calendar this weekend. And it's going to be warm, so weather should be no excuse (unless you are worried about overheating). You can check out all of the details at buffalorunners.com, but here is the list:

* 3 Kings Royal Race in North Collins - Saturday at 10 a.m. -- New this year, I believe.

* Envirun in Niagara Falls -- Saturday at 10:30 a.m. -- I ran this one last year; it's a very nice event on a great course.

* Young Life 5K in Hamburg -- Saturday at 11 a.m. -- You won't go away hungry from this race, and you'll probably win a door prize. Can't ask for much more than that.

* BPAC 6-Hour Distance Classic in Amherst -- Sunday at 8 a.m. -- This probably is the most interesting collection of "characters" in one place all year. You have to be special to run for that long; we've had a couple of interesting articles on this race in the past.

* Stomp Out Stigma Race at Niagara University -- Sunday at 9 a.m. -- This race always tries to add a little value to registrants. Last year was a shirt and a glass; this year it's a shirt and a backsack.

--- Budd Bailey

Comments

[Sam Spritzer]

Budd,...Thanks so much for the shout-out but more importantly, thank you for everything you have done for the running community of Western NY.
Sam