by Terry Foody
August 2009
Nestled along a beautiful lake in the southwest Corner of New York State resides the The Chautauqua Institution. Initiated over 100 years ago, it has focused on education, religion, the arts and recreation for generations during nine weeks of the summer. The size of a small town, it is a utopia with interesting, uplifting programs, lectures and concerts offered all day long. People get around by bicycle, bus or foot. Gingerbread houses, hotels, condos, and boarding rooms create an immaculate, peaceful setting. This is the second time Rick Detty and I have come here to unwind and be inspired.
A tradition for Chautauqua is to celebrate their heritage one a certain Tuesday they call “Old First Night.” The Saturday before, they hold the “Old First Night Run”.
The 33rd annual Old First Night Run was held on August 1. On a crisp morning, several hundred lined up to participate in the approximately 2.7 mile (maybe longer) contest. Chautauqua hosts the oldest Boys and Girls Club (summer day camp) in the USA, so many of the race participants have come here as youth and now return as middle-aged adults for this run. There are many hearty elderly at Chautauqua who navigate its steep roads and paths to get to the entertainment /lecture venues every day. As a result, along with the high-energy youth, the race contains several seasoned runners who are surprisingly fast. The route roughly follows the perimeter of the Institution, with residents providing moral support by cheering, chalking their granny’s name on the road, or banging on cooking pots. There’s one huge, long hill in the beginning as you climb from the lake level, then the route just ambles along with some dips and sways. The scenery at times is breath – taking with views of sailboats on the lake, and flowers hanging on fences by the road.
Age groups are10 years and I took third in mine. The first place in my age group had 26:00, and she cried when she won. She said, “I’ve done this race for 11 years and never placed. I turn 60 and I get first !” Ah, the joys of aging. The oldest female runner was 81 and she looked pretty fit and hip to me (her grandkids were so proud). Oldest male runner was in his 90’s. I completed in 29:06, knowing that I had done better on a practice run of the route earlier in the week. Must be all that ice cream after each night’s concert slowing me down. Oh, well.
Rick skipped the race due to a nagging injury. A limber old man set up a massage table near the finish line area. Rick laid down and the man pressed deep into his side. Rick stood up, started running and was cured! Hmm…a touch by the old and wise near the waters of the Chautauqua. Good for what ails ya.
A race on summer vacation in Chautauqua – a great occasion in any time.
