While this year’s traditional Frigid 5K proved to be not so frigid with temperatures reaching near 60 degrees, the lack of cold did not discourage the more than 500 participants that showed up to race during the Hunter Ice Festival.
The race was hosted by local bicycle shop Inertia Cycleworks, 211 E. Main St. Inertia Cycleworks’ Chris Pawielski has organized the race for the past couple of years with his wife Keri. The couple both enjoy outdoor activities and have been participating in 5Ks for more than 20 years, Pawielski said.
Pawielski said they seek to tie the race in with the Hunter Ice Festival because it goes along with the spirit of the festival, which is to get people outdoors to have fun during the winter.
“It just brought people to town that were not going to be here and then they ended up staying and walking around town,” Pawielski said in a phone interview Friday. “It makes it more broad experience. It has been kind of a hit.”
Saturday as the runners took off from the boat dock in Riverfront Park and ran up Bond Street, wrapping back around to finish near Front Street Pizza Pub spectators stood along the course to cheer on their friend and family.
Niles’ Joseph Gregory was nearing the finish line when he saw his sons Tyler, 5, and Austin, 8, standing near the route with signs that read “Go Dad!” and “You can do it!”
“I am glad they came along,” Gregory said at the finish line. “It was motivational.”
Gregory had never participated in the Frigid 5K before, but with the coaxing of his friend Travis Bolyard, of Niles, decided he would join.
“I knew he was a sucker,” Bolyard joked.
Gregory said he enjoyed the run, even though muddy conditions made the route difficult at times. After the race, he said that the family would be enjoying the Hunter Ice Festival downtown.
Other runners also were cheered on by their fans Saturday.
As Katie Hackett, of Sodus, crossed the finish line, cheers erupted from a band of friends.
“This is my favorite winter race to run,” Hackett said as she caught her breath. “It is an excuse to get out in the winter.”
Hackett is part of a St. Joseph running group. The group of friends typically attend the race every year.
After the race, runners enjoyed another tradition that has long been part of the Frigid 5K— chili made by Fairland Christian church. The church made dozens of crockpots full to feed the runners at Front Street Pizza Pub.
Pawielski said the tradition started years ago with a Frigid 5K runner who was a member of Fairland Christian, 1811 River Bluff St. The church wanted to show their support and since then, the chili tradition has continued.
“Racers come in and rave about the chili,” Pawielski said.
It is traditions like these that Pawielski said show the community effort in bringing the race together. He commended the work of the city and Niles Main Street Downtown Development Authority for their aid in the race.
Additionally, Pawielski expressed gratitude for the number of people that showed up. The proceeds go to support the local bike shop, which does not receive a lot of business during the winter months.
The race costs participants between $25 and $30, depending on when they register.
The race ends each year with an awards ceremony. The top male and female racers receive a medal, as well as the fastest racers for each age group.
Pawielski said the fastest runners typically finish the race in under 20 minutes.
For those who have not participated, Pawielski said it is a great way to get off the couch during the winter.
“It is nice this time of year. Everyone has their resolutions,” Pawielski said. “It is a good time of year to get off on the right foot.”