Utica Roadrunners help kick off Wonderland of Lights in a unique run
By: Chelsea Rarrick
Updated: November 22, 2011
The Utica Roadrunners helped kick off the annual Wonderland of Lights Tuesday night.
The runners start off by meeting in The Masonic Care Community gymnasium before the race, and one Utica Roadrunner says this race is unlike any other.
It doesn't have winners or timers. Instead, it's about raising awareness for runner safety and getting the community together.
"About five years ago, somebody in our club said wouldn't it be cool to run through the lights," said Mike Kessler, the Vice President of Activities and Events for Utica Roadrunners.
Since then, the RCIL has welcomed the Utica Roadrunners with open arms to help kick off the Wonderland of Lights.
"It's a really unique run. It's unique opportunity to run through all the lights as they light them up. It's the first time they light it up, it's very festive, it's a nice group of people," said Ryan Orilio, a 5th year runner in the race.
Anyone old and young is invited to participate in the two mile run.
Tiffany Montana, who is no stranger to running, but a first timer in this race couldn't wait to get out and run despite the cold weather.
"It's a great way to start out the season and it's gonna be so much fun going out there and seeing all the lights, and this is a great cause," said Montana.
Along with enjoying the scenery, the runners promote safe gear to wear while out in the cold and dark such as bright lights, colors, and reflectors.
After finishing the Wonderland of Lights race, the runners told Eyewitness News it was nothing like they had seen before on a run.
"It was really cold out, but it was awesome to see all the lights. Everyone's glowing, it was exciting!" said Anne-Marie Ambrose.
And when asked if the runners would return again next year, there was no hesitation.
Wednesday night is the official start of The Wonderland of Lights for people to drive through and enjoy the sites.
The runners start off by meeting in The Masonic Care Community gymnasium before the race, and one Utica Roadrunner says this race is unlike any other.
It doesn't have winners or timers. Instead, it's about raising awareness for runner safety and getting the community together.
"About five years ago, somebody in our club said wouldn't it be cool to run through the lights," said Mike Kessler, the Vice President of Activities and Events for Utica Roadrunners.
Since then, the RCIL has welcomed the Utica Roadrunners with open arms to help kick off the Wonderland of Lights.
"It's a really unique run. It's unique opportunity to run through all the lights as they light them up. It's the first time they light it up, it's very festive, it's a nice group of people," said Ryan Orilio, a 5th year runner in the race.
Anyone old and young is invited to participate in the two mile run.
Tiffany Montana, who is no stranger to running, but a first timer in this race couldn't wait to get out and run despite the cold weather.
"It's a great way to start out the season and it's gonna be so much fun going out there and seeing all the lights, and this is a great cause," said Montana.
Along with enjoying the scenery, the runners promote safe gear to wear while out in the cold and dark such as bright lights, colors, and reflectors.
After finishing the Wonderland of Lights race, the runners told Eyewitness News it was nothing like they had seen before on a run.
"It was really cold out, but it was awesome to see all the lights. Everyone's glowing, it was exciting!" said Anne-Marie Ambrose.
And when asked if the runners would return again next year, there was no hesitation.
Wednesday night is the official start of The Wonderland of Lights for people to drive through and enjoy the sites.
