The 41st Freihofer’s Run for Women takes place tomorrow in downtown Albany.
Co-event director Patrick Lynskey says about 3,500 runners are expected to participate in the Capital Region's signature race. "...and probably several thousand more spectators. Obviously no parking around Washington Park or on Washington Avenue going into the park there, so some of those side streets like Henry Johnson Boulevard between the park and Washington Avenue, Craig Street and Robin, will be affected. We do have traffic measures in place to get people out if they need to get out. Plenty of parking downtown for spectators and runners. So the Sheridan Hollow Garage, the East garage, will all be available as well as well as some ancillary street parking."
Albany Police spokesman Steve Smith says motorists can avoid ticketing and towing by paying attention to signs: "Expect road closures in the area of Washington Avenue, Washington Park, Robin, Western, the surrounding streets, beginning tomorrow morning. More importantly though are the parking restrictions for the people who live or intend on parking in that area that they be aware of the emergency no parking signs that will be poste don street poles around the race course, especially those who typically park in Washington Park. All park roadways will have parking restrictions on both sides during the race.”
Lynskey adds there are no changes to the course this year and the 9 a.m. start remains the same. "If you're bringing anything with you we would ask that it’s in a clear plastic bag. No coolers or backpacks or big bulky bags allowed. Strollers will be allowed.”
Lynskey says this year there are no clear "front runners" in the race.
Co-director Kristen Hislop says it's not too late to join the run. "There's still an opportunity today, on Friday, to sign up. Last-chance registration at the Armory at Sage College, 130 New Scotland Avenue. The Expo runs from noon today until 7 p.m. tonight. So we encourage people to come down, get signed up for the race, pick up their cookies and their bib and see all the wonderful vendors that we have there that are in the health and fitness field along with some critics and other great giveaways."
Hislop runs down Saturday's schedule: "The 5K will kick off at 9 a.m. and then it's followed at 11 by the Junior 3K and the kids run. So the kids run is a mile and then drops down into distances for all ages of kids. The kids run is free. The Junior 3K actually offers awards and so there is a registration for that. But people can register their kids day of the race in Academy Park."
APD's Smith says keep the slogan "if you see something, say something" in mind: "If you are spectating at the race or participating in the race, if you see any suspicious persons or activity we ask that you call the Albany Police, you can do so by calling 911 or call the dedicated number for the race which is 518-300-0570.”
Nearly $29,000 in prize money is up for grabs Saturday.
Parking Prohibitions:
- Wednesday May 29, 2019 at 7 a.m. through Sunday June 2, 2019 at 6 p.m.
- State Street, south side east of Eagle Street 5 spaces east of Handicap
- Thursday May 30, 2019 at 8 a.m. through Saturday June 1, 2019 at 6 p.m.
- State Street, south side from driveway on east end of the Capital Building east to Eagle Street
- Friday May 31, 2019 at 8 a.m. through Saturday June 1, 2019 at 6 p.m.
- Lancaster Street, north side from Lark Street west 6 spaces
- N. Hawk Street, east side from Washington Avenue to Elk Street
- Friday May 31, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. through Saturday June 1, 2019 at 6 p.m.
- Washington Avenue, both north and south sides from S. Swan Street east to Eagle Street
- Park Street, both east and west sides from Lancaster Street to State Street
- N. Hawk Street, west side from Elk Street to Washington Avenue
- Saturday June 1, 12:01 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Washington Park, both sides of ALL Washington Park roadways
- Saturday June 1, 2019 5 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Washington Avenue, both north and south sides from S. Swan Street west to Lexington Avenue
- Western Avenue, both north and south sides from Washington Avenue west to Robin Street
- Sprague Place, both east and west sides from Western Avenue to State Street
- Henry Johnson Boulevard, east and west sides from Washington Avenue to State Street
- Eagle Street, both east and west sides from State Street to Columbia Street
- State Street, both north and south sides from S. Swan Street to Eagle Street
- S. Swan Street, both east and west sides from Washington Ave north 6 spaces on each side
Road Closures:
- Friday May 31, 2019 at 7 p.m. until Saturday June 1, 2019 at 6 p.m.
- Washington Avenue eastbound and westbound between Eagle Street and S. Swan Street
- Washington Avenue eastbound at Dove Street
- Washington Avenue eastbound at Lark Street
- N. Hawk Street between Elk Street and Washington Avenue
- Saturday June 1, 2019 12:01 a.m. until 2 p.m.
- Washington Park, All roadways, including Henry Johnson Boulevard between State St & Madison Ave
- Saturday June 1, 2019 5 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Washington Avenue, between S. Swan Street and Lexington Avenue
- Western Avenue, between Washington Avenue and N. Lake Avenue
- Robin Street, between Washington Avenue and Western Avenue
- Sprague Place, between Western Avenue and State Street
- Henry Johnson Boulevard, between Central Avenue and Madison Avenue
- Lark Street, between Elk Street and State Street
- Dove Street, between Elk Street and State Street
- S. Swan Street, between State Street and Elk Street
- Eagle Street, between State Street and Pine Street
- Corning Place, between Lodge Street and Eagle Street
- Willett Street, between Madison Avenue and State Street
- Lancaster Street, between Lark Street and Willett Street
- Hudson Avenue, between Lark Street and Willett Street
