News

To Our Wonderful Runners and Walkers

Happy Sweet 16!  

Many of you know the drill, but it’s always good to have a refresher. We’ve bulleted some important points below. Please at least read them. If you want to hunker down for a while, however, read to the end!

(CAPS are not yelling, we promise):  

  • NO DOGS ALLOWED (except service dogs allowed under the ADA). I lied. We are yelling here. Please, NO DOGS.

READ THIS PART CAREFULLY:

  • PACKET PICK UP – FRIDAY 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and SATURDAY 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ONLY (Friday is going to be a lot less crowded for you!).  Community Center address: 35 Water Street, Seneca Falls. Please do not come early or outside these windows. We will not be ready for you. We won’t be able to accommodate you and you’ll be upset and we will shrug at you and it will be a thing. We don’t want it to be a thing.
  • Yes, you can have other people pick up your bib and shirt! Yes, you can pick up other people’s bibs and shirts! No, you don’t need their confirmation number or any other information. If you are picking up a lot, bring a bag!
  • No, sorry, we can’t mail out shirts at all if you cannot attend… we cannot make any exceptions.  If you cannot make it to the race, yes you can have a friend pick up your shirt/bib.  There are no cancellations or deferrals. Rest assured, your registration fees are being donated to charities.
  • IMPORTANT SHIRT INFORMATION:
  • As of right now there will be some shirts available for same day registrants but we highly suggest you register in person on Friday night (5-8 p.m. only) or early on Saturday afternoon.
  • If you end up not liking to sizing of your shirt, you may go to the SAME DAY REGISTATION table and see if there are any in your desired size to swap. If they don’t have any, you can come back AFTER THE RACE to see if there are any left from no-shows. Shirts must be unworn!! Ew.
  • There are no guarantees for shirts after the race in terms of size or quantity.
  • When? AFTER the race.
  • Our store will be open during registration and after the race!  You will find some of the same items that were available online as well as some new items! Past race shirts and merch will also be for sale at a separate booth. ATM will be onsite if needed (old merch booth is cash only).
  • If you ordered swag from our store online, items have been be mailed to you!! (last I heard the mittens were delayed so you may not have received them yet). You cannot order online then pick up at registration. All swag items are mailed!
  • If you signed up for the VIRTUAL race, your race shirt WILL be mailed to you.
  • No refunds or deferrals regardless of the reason and we cannot change from in person to virtual or vice versa. Your money will go to a good cause!  If you cannot make it to the race, yes you can have a friend pick up your shirt/bib. Again, no refunds or deferrals. Thank you for your understanding.

***HOWEVER, NOTE IF THERE ARE SIGNS FORBIDDING YOU FROM PARKING IN THESE AREAS OR ANY AREA, PLEASE ABIDE BY THE SIGNS***. People have been towed before! Bah humbug! Many side streets have parking. You may have better luck on the south side of the bridge. You’ll be able to walk to the Rec. Bedford/Seneca Falls is small. However, we highly suggest using our shuttles. More on that later.

  • WALKERS/STROLLERS line up in the WAY BACK (WAY BACK!) please.  There will be a flag indicating where you should sign up.  You will be back by the porta-potties. NO RUNNING with strollers.  Do not line up and walk/run more than 3 across, as this makes it tough for others to pass. And if you do see people “breaking these rules” please give them the benefit of the doubt that they simply don’t know the rules and aren’t doing it on purpose to ruin your evening. We have a lot of “new” or “casual” 5k-ers in this race and they may simply not understand race etiquette.
  • NO DOGS ALLOWED (unless service dogs allowed under the ADA of course). Still yelling.
  • There won’t be a “formal” award ceremony this year but if you place, we will be set up in the FRONT room of the Rec (there will be an Awards flag set up by the door). We will give you your award and cheer loudly for you!
  • There will be water and limited snacks afterwards, likely inside or outside the gym. Perhaps some in the heated tent up front. This is all weather-permitting. Please be sure to visit our many restaurants downtown for something more substantial, especially our sponsors THE GOULD HOTEL, THE RED BRICK PUB, PARKER’S ON FALL, TEMPERANCE FLX, Big aLICe in Geneva….
  • Also at the Red Brick Pub… bring your race bib after the race, show it to them and get a FREE BEER (21 and older, please. No fakes)!!
  • If you haven’t already, please “Like” and follow us on Facebook.  That is our choice of social media platforms (we are showing our ages here) and is how you will get the most up to date information.  We will post on Facebook throughout the day.  We likely won’t have time to check messages and/or emails but I bet the answer to your question is somewhere in this novel.

 
Every single person you encounter this weekend who are helping with the race is a volunteer.  From registration to traffic to water station to finish line. Many of them have been with us since the beginning and many forgo doing the race so they can stay behind the scenes to help ensure things run smoothly.  We are so lucky!!!  We all truly have the best intentions and do everything within our power to ensure you all have a great experience with our race. Thank you in advance for your patience and good holiday cheer and spirit!  

Ok, so. The above is barebone information that you need. If you want to be razzle dazzled (some may say bombarded) with more information, more than you could ever want or need, continue reading:

If you’ve been here before…welcome back and yes, this letter sounds very familiar.  If you’re new, WELCOME TO BEDFORD FALLS.  We hope your time here is magical.


RACE SHIRTS –  

If you want to swap sizes or if you missed out on a shirt, you can come back to Registration AFTER THE RACE is completed to see if there are any shirts available (from no-shows) to get/trade. Shirts must be unworn! Ew, David! We will not do any trades, etc. prior to the completion of the race nor can we guarantee quantities or sizes.  If you are unable to attend the race, again, we still cannot mail shirts to you. Have a pal pick them up for you!

REGISTRATION/BIB PICK UP –

Same time, same place! Once again this year’s registration and bib pickup will take place at the Seneca Falls Community Center at 35 Water Street IN THE GYM IN THE BACK.  Keep your eye open for the big Registration flag. Pickup hours are on Friday, December 13th from 5PM – 8PM ONLY and on race day, Saturday, December 14th, from 12PM– 4PM. Please do not arrive earlier than those times as you will not be able to get in any earlier than these stated times.  We will close the doors at 4:00 so don’t come late! Community Center is the building right next to the bridge/start line.  

We IMPLORE/BEG/PLEAD for you to come down Friday night and pick up your race bibs.  There will be a tremendous amount of people on Saturday and the more registrations we can take care of on Friday, the easier Saturday will be for everyone.  If you do come on Saturday, make sure you give yourself enough time to pick up your stuff.  The bib pick up will close promptly at 4:00PM and the race will start promptly at 4:40PM.  Ya’ll, don’t be running in at 4:15 p.m. looking around frantically for your bib. Your head will be spinning and I can guarantee you, ours will be too. It’s a frantic time. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO FIND PARKING AND GET TO REGISTRATION ON TIME.


I hope it doesn’t need to be said, but I’ll say it anyway… we understand it’s a busy time of year for everyone and there are lots of people and some of us can handle crowds better than others, but please do not yell or take your frustrations out on the people running registration or traffic or the water station or finish line.  They are all volunteers.  They do this to support us and their town.  They get nothing out of this except for the good-feeling that comes with knowing they were a part of something that helps those in need.   Many of them are high school students who we hope continue this legacy of giving.  We are very protective of our little elves and we will not tolerate anyone being a scrooge or grinch to any of them.  We have been so very lucky over the years and honestly, we have met some of the best people in the running community. If you truly, honestly feel a driving force to yell at someone, ask for a Race Director. And then while you’re waiting for one of us, take a deep breath and reconsider. 😊

PARKING –

Visit  https://itsawonderfulrun5k.com/directions/ and https://therealbedfordfalls.com/sample-page/ to see a listing for available race day parking and maps that illustrates different parking areas on a map of Seneca Falls.  All parking areas are very close to the Seneca Falls Community Center.  **Please note- some of these lots may close early.  There are also many side streets to park on as well…but be sure to adhere by all No Parking signs.  Mynderse Academy parking (105 Troy Street) is plenty and encouraged.  Which is a segue to below:

SHUTTLES –

There will again be two race shuttles (school buses) this year that will be traveling from Mynderse Academy (our local high school), 105 Troy Street, to The Gould Hotel, which is right near the Community Center.  (There are many lots around Mynderse… in the front, on the side, even behind the building). Once you are dropped off at The Gould Hotel, head down the hill (toward the canal).  You will see “the bridge” and the Community Center is right next to it.  Shuttles will run from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., then again after the race from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  Come early and stay late and enjoy our town!  There are TONS of things going on (more on that later).  


OTHER SHUTTLES –

OUR SHUTTLES ARE THE SCHOOL BUSES.  The It’s a Wonderful Life Weekend Committee is also providing shuttles.  Here is their information: https://therealbedfordfalls.com/festival-maps-guides/. Remember, the race shuttles are school buses.

RESTROOMS – 

There are many bathroom facilities scattered throughout the town. If you use a business restroom, please support their business.  There will be plenty of portable restrooms behind the Community Center.  A sight to be seen. We believe the Canal-side Boater Amenities Facility, located behind downtown Seneca Falls on the south side in the middle of the Seneca Falls canal harbor, will be open and has showers and bathrooms as well. You will have to enter from FALL STREET however. NO restrooms will be available inside of the Community Center.   Again, a treasure trove of portapotties, even more than last year, will be available. NEW THIS YEAR – portapotties at the water station. Why haven’t we thought about that before??

THE RACE –

The race starts on the Bridge Street Bridge.  The first half mile or so will be blocked off to traffic, and the last quarter mile will be blocked off to traffic.  The rest of the race is open to traffic so please be extremely careful and keep to the right side of the street (I know this goes against the rule) at all times when possible. If you do have reflective clothing, please wear it.   THIS IS NOT A CLOSED COURSE!!  What this means is that there will be traffic.  Our volunteers and our amazing local police department will do everything within their power to stop traffic, but you will encounter some vehicles.  Be smart and STAY SAFE!  

If you see orange cones on the road, STAY WITHIN THE CONES.  WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Some roads will still have possible traffic! DO NOT go outside cones to pass anyone or give someone across the street a high-five or take a pic with a reindeer or dancing Santa! Santa wants you to get to the finish line safely! At 5:45 p.m. the police force will leave their posts so if you are still out on the course after that time, you must utilize sidewalks!!!  

We ask that all walkers, children, people with strollers, and slower runners line up in the back (WAY BACK!).  NO DOGS. NO DOGS!! THESE ARE ALL FOR SAFETY MEASURES AND WE ARE SORRY IF THIS DOESN’T MAKE YOU HAPPY BUT WE DO IT FOR THE GOOD OF ALL.  We will continue to address this all day.  

Only experienced runners should be near the start line! If you are walking or run at a “slow” pace, please don’t start the race on the bridge or near the front. Please don’t allow young children to be near the front. THERE WILL BE PACE MARKERS.  Please adhere to them.  There will tons of participants and we want to make sure everybody has a safe, fun run.  This is the main complaint we hear and we have to rely on everyone being cognizant of where they are lined up and be considerate of the rest of the pack.  We understand we have many first-time participants or people who don’t participate in races often so this is why we repeat this so much.  We don’t think you are doing it on purpose, we feel it’s just something people don’t know.  If you don’t know what a pace sign is, chances are you’ll be comfortable in the back. Walkers should not be on any part of the bridge to start the race. We LOVE our walkers, we just want to make sure everyone has a nice race.

So, as a recap…if there are children or STROLLERS with you, or if you want to walk or go relatively “slow”….you must line up at the back of the pack.  Hey, can I bring my dog? No, you can’t bring your dog/cat/ferret/sloth/platypus.

***ALSO, EQUALLY IMPORTANT, do NOT line up 5 or 6 or 7 people side by side.  This causes runners or faster walkers to be blocked.  If you want to walk/run in twos or threes fine.  Anything longer will hinder the enjoyment for others. Please be considerate and aware of your surroundings. *** All these dang rules. I promise it’s to make things more FUN!

Dress accordingly. As a rule we avoid looking at the weather forecast this time of year and refuse to discuss anything weather related, but we took a peek. It will be “decent” as decent as a race in the middle of winter can be. Be prepared for the weather. You’ll be waiting outside.  We will have a heated tent in the front parking lot.  

There is no waiting inside the gym!   Please adhere to this. We aren’t trying to be difficult. We have a lot of people that need to get in and out quickly and need as much room as possible. There will be a heated tent in the front lot to wait in. Or you can hang out downtown until closer to race time. If people are congregating, we will make announcements to please leave the gym. Please don’t pretend you don’t hear us. We are all parents and know how to yell. Again, please don’t plan on waiting in the gym before the race begins. If you have layers and want to leave some items in the gym while you race, that’s fine. Someone will be in the gym at all times. However, we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.

POST RACE ACTIVITIES –
 
We will not have a “formal” Awards Ceremony this year but we will be handing out awards if you place. Based on your age group we may have to wait a little bit of time before we know final standings. Medals can be picked up in the room IN FRONT of the Rec Center. Please look for the Awards flag to signify what room we will be in. We will be setting out limited refreshments inside and/or outside the Registration area, weather permitting.  The race store will also remain open for a short time after the race (and during the race for any spectators!).

Please visit our area businesses to grab some cheer and a bite to eat. There are many restaurants in the area and of course we want them all to have a successful night. However, please be sure you spend some time supporting ones that sponsor us. And of course, don’t forget to grab a beer with that Christmas cheer! Bring your race bib RED BRICK PUB after the race/awards ceremony to get your free beer!    

OTHER STUFF – 
 
If you can, please share the rest of your weekend with us too!  There is SO MUCH going on.  Event information can be found at www.therealbedfordfalls.com.  


Please be sure to support our local merchants, especially our sponsors.  There are many, many businesses in Seneca Falls…please support the ones who support us!!  Here is a list!! https://itsawonderfulrun5k.com/help/  They are also listed on the back of the shirts. Let them know how much you appreciate them and are thankful for their support.  They are instrumental to our race.

SOCIAL MEDIA – 

Please use the hashtag #Wonderfulrun2024 so that we and others can share in your holiday spirit!  Be sure to follow us on Facebook! We love seeing pics of the race so please feel free to post your pics to our page. Or tag us! This is really the only way we are able to see what is going on out there. We heard it’s a fun time and love seeing pics of everyone enjoying themselves!


WHY WE DO THIS –

Well, 16 years ago we did it because one of us had the bright idea of “what do you think about organizing a 5K during the Wonderful Life weekend.” The other three of us thought it was a little (a lot) nutty but said “sure, let’s try it.” We thought MAYBE we would get 200 runners that first year and assumed it would be made up of mostly family and friends who felt bad for us. We got just over 400 and our minds were blown. So, ok… we’ll do it a second year…. and, well, look at where we are now!

And now? We do it because we love our town.  We grew up here, were high school friends, and chose to raise our families here.  Even after going away to college and some even moving away for a bit, we all made our way back to Seneca Falls. It’s like a magnet. We love the movie.  We still cry at the end of the movie, even after all this time.  “The richest man in town!” What a line. We love George Bailey. Not only his character but the type of person he embodies.  We want to be him when we grow up. 

We do it to give back, to be good role models for our kids, and to help people that aren’t as fortunate as us. We do it to help our neighbors and that is why the vast majority of our donations go to local organizations and scholarships to our local high school, Mynderse Academy.  To date, our generous participants who registered online gave an additional $8839 towards our local charities and scholarships!  We were hesitant to put that option on our registration a few years ago because we didn’t want to overstep. But my, how you have all stepped up! Such generous hearts and spirits. SIMPLY INCREDIBLE!!!!!!!!  


EPILOGUE –

And finally, yet most importantly… bring your goodwill, your happiness, your smile, your joy, your heart. Bring your Christmas spirit in whatever way, shape or form it comes…bring your Santa hats, your reindeer antlers, your pj onesies, your angel wings, your matching ugly sweaters or family shirts, your tutus, your lighted costumes, and your best holiday running gear. Bring your friends, your neighbors, your children, your parents, your spouses, your partners.  Or come alone and make new friends.  Bring your George Bailey. Bring your Clarence. Bring your good moods, holiday cheer, and generous hearts.  What a beautiful place it will be!

For one day, one race, you are in Bedford Falls and our hope is that you have the very best time in our beautiful little town. We are so grateful to each and every one of you.

WELCOME TO BEDFORD FALLS!

See you Saturday!

Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, 
 
Jeff, Tina, Kevin, Jolene