Tsha’Honnonyendakwha News
By Shirley Hill
The ‘Run’ occurred the morning of Friday, November 25th. While some people set out early to go shopping on “Black Friday”, others were fast asleep, but would soon awake in anticipation of the upcoming ‘Run’.
First and foremost, a very special thank you to the people that assisted in the preparation of this inaugural event: Al George, Sonny Shenandoah, Alex Tarbell, Anna Stout, Samantha Stout, and Ron Shenandoah along with a crew of Nation Fire Dept. volunteers. These people were called upon in preparation of this event, and they cordially assisted in a very big way.
The morning of November 25th was beautiful. Waking up and thinking of the big run was exciting for some, yet maybe feeling a little apprehensive or nervous for others. Or…how about waking up and not knowing you were going to run at all, that your parents decided to enter you, and then do well at it. Now that is something special.
There was a morning chill in the air, but no snow or precipitation, so right away, that’s a big plus. The grounds still had its morning mist at 8:00am, and it would soon be covered with little foot prints from youth pounding across the field. The sun would soon shine brightly up over the hill. Their eyes squinted as they headed east at the sound of the horn.
Numbers were small for the youths 1-mile Fun Run, six total, but it was the 5K that had the numbers, as it was doubled what was expected. Actually, no one could have predicted the number of runners that would appear, but 39 strong laced up their sneakers, donned their winter caps and long sleeve shirts that morning. While situated at the starting line, they all patiently waited for the final runner to come in from the Fun Run, then listened to a poem “The Juniper (tree)”. It was meant to give them a little time to reflect and give inspiration before their 3.1 mile trek.
Runners came from the Syracuse, Dewitt and Fayetteville area. Two runners from Virginia were in town visiting over the holiday and decided to run along with their Syracuse relatives. All were satisfied with their times. As this was the first trail run, no one knew exactly how they’d fair against the clock, and the trail. Hooray for them!
A Trail Run is actually quite the same as cross country running, a unique sport and one that will probably become a life-altering activity should you choose it. There are no bench-warmers in cross country, as everyone gets to lace up and compete. Many sports offer physical activity, but few offer the chance of adopting a lifetime hobby that builds strength, confidence and long-term, healthy habits. While it’s fun to compete against friends and other runners, you’ll always be able to run against your most fierce competitor… yourself.
With hosting this event, we hope to spark the interest of running to others. If you missed this inaugural run, continue to train and keep your eyes and ears open for the next one!
Making a big contribution to the event was Felder Stadium-Syracuse. This stadium has yet to be built, but this is how great the people associated with Felder Syracuse are a fine, generous and caring group of people.
As we say in Onondaga Hadinoñwe’s da-hoñwähdat. Which translates to- “They like to run”.
Nyaweñha!
RESULTS:
5K Female 1st place- Cara Hill 19:32
2nd place- Fay Slattery (of Virginia) 20:47
5K Male 1st place finisher- Bob Hanlon 18:44
2nd place finisher- Rich Field 18:53
1-mile Female 1st place- Ellrose Hanlon 9:46
2nd place- Mary Reith 10:24
1-mile Male 1st place- Mark Hanlon 9:14
2nd place- Daylon Duby 14:07