Severe Weather Standard Operating Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What's new?

Team Up in the 5K and Win $150 for Dinner
A first for Sean’s Run – Form a 5K Team in one of four (4) categories to win $150 towards dinner at a fine restaurant in the Chatham area

To compete for awards, 5K teams must comprise of at least 5 members to be scored.  There is no limit to the size of a team.   $150 in gift certificates will be given to the first place team in each of the four categories.  Plus, there is a special award to be presented to the largest team across all Team categories.

Family Team – 5 or more “related” people such as blood relatives, in-laws, 3rd cousin, step-sister, great uncle, etc…   Winning team awarded dinner at Chatham Grill.

Runners Team – 5 or more runners who join together for the purpose of competing in this contest.  Winning team awarded dinner at Blue Berry Hill Cafe

Corporate Team – 5 or more employees from the same company including family members of the employees.  Winning team awarded dinner at Fish and Game Restaurant

Firefighter Team – 5 of more members of a volunteer fire company or department Winning team awarded dinner at East Chatham Food Company

If it Rains, is Sean’s Run still on?
For the most part, Sean’s Run is a rain or shine event. April showers, or downpours, will not deter us and will not dampen the spirit of this event! However- An electrical/severe storm approaching or within the immediate area prior to start time of any activity of Sean’s Run Weekend will be considered potentially life threatening to participants, spectators and volunteers and may result in cancellation or delay of an activity (Bike Ride, Run or Walk, Battle of Belts).  The Organizing Committee, in consultation with the weather service, local law enforcement and emergency responders will decide to either delay or cancel the activity.  (see attached Standard Operating Procedure when Lightning is present)  We have had just one weather-related cancellation to-date; in 2017 we had to cancel the 5K because of lightning. If severe weather affects Sean’s Run Weekend, we will promptly announce it on this web site and our Facebook page.

What is the Event Cancellation Policy?
We have no rain or back-up date for any of the activities comprising Sean’s Run Weekend.  The Sean’s Run Weekend Organizing Committee, as well as officials from Chatham Central School District, the Village of Chatham, Columbia County or New York State have the authority and the right to modify, shorten, or cancel any of the activities of Sean’s Run Weekend in the case of inclement weather or any unforeseen circumstance that make the activity unsafe for participants, spectators and/or volunteers.

Do you offer a Refund?
Sean’s Run does not offer registration refunds or transfers under any circumstance and we do not credit registration fees to a future event if you are unable to participate or if we must cancel.  All registration fees are invested in the grants we award to schools and youth groups for programs that combat underage drinking, impaired driving and to encourage teenagers to always use their seatbelt.  Registration fees also help underwrite the cost of scholarships awarded to deserving college-bound seniors from across the region.  Even if you can not participate after registering – your intention and goodwill in support of our mission is appreciated.

Where can I park?
Note: On Sunday, there will be no parking at Chatham High School except for cars with disabled tags.  On Sunday parking is available at the Chatham Fairgrounds. Enter the fairgrounds at Route 66 near Price Chopper. Allow enough time before your event(s) for the approximately 15-minute walk to Chatham High School. 

On Saturday, Bike Riders will park at the Chatham Fairgrounds, Zumbathon participants can park at Chatham Elementary School.  Parking is also available all day on Saturday at Chatham High School.

What are the registration fees?

Can I register on Saturday?
YES. If you want to participate in any of the Saturday activities, register on-line until 1 hour before the start of your activity, or just show up early to complete the registration forms and pay the entry fee.

Bike Rides last chance registration at the Chatham Fairgrounds is 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM for the 50-Mile Ride and 9 AM – 9:45 AM for the 20-Mile ride and 9:30 AM -10:30 AM for the 10-MileRide.

Zumbathon® last chance registration is at 9:30 AM at the MED Elementary School Gym.

If you want to participate in the 5K or Meghan’s Mile on Sunday, you can register on-line any time right up until an hour before the run.  Or you can register in person on Saturday – 11 AM to1 PM at Chatham High School. But remember, entry fees go up after April 1st.

Can I register my family on-line?
YES, each family member can be registered as part of a family on-line. We have a special rate for two parents and all their children under age 18.

Can I register for the 5K or Meghan’s Mile on Sunday morning?
YES! You can register from anywhere using our on-line registration option which is open until 1 hour before the start of your event. If you prefer to register the old-fashioned way, arrive before 10:30 am, fill out a Registration form, and pay by cash or check. Remember – t-shirts are limited.

I want to participate BOTH days, is there an entry fee for each day?
Yes.  There is a registration fee for the Bike Rides and a fee for the Zumbathon® on Saturday and a registration fee for the 5K and a fee Meghan’s Mile on Sunday.  Participate BOTH days and you will enjoy double the fun and double amenities including different shirts for the different activities.

Are there different shirts for each activity?
Yes.  We have designed different shirts for the Bike Rides, the Zumbathon® and the 5K/Meghan’s Mile events.  Three different shirts.

What if I can’t make it to Sean’s Run Weekend, but I already paid?
Your registration fee is non-refundable. But remember, it will go to a good cause! If you e-mail us before the event and we will strive to set aside your t-shirt so you can pick it up at another time.

What time is packet pick up for the 5K and Meghan’s Mile on Saturday?
From 11 AM to1 PM at Chatham High School.

Why should I pick up my 5K or Meghan’s Mile packet on Saturday?
You will be doing yourself a favor by avoiding the lines on Sunday and because we have a special incentive gift to give to the first 350 who show up on Saturday to pick up their packets.

What time should I arrive on Sunday before the 5K or Meghan’s Mile?
If you already picked up your Bib # on Saturday - We suggest that you are at Chatham High School no later than 11:00 AM. Note that there is no parking at Chatham High School on Sunday except for vehicles with Disabled Parking tags.  Please park at Chatham Fairgrounds, enter from Rte. 66 near Price Chopper, and allow at least 15 minutes for the walk to Chatham High.

Meghan's Mile goes off at 11:30 AM, the 5K run / walk at 12:00 Noon.

If you still need to register on Sunday – We suggest you arrive no later than 10:30 AM.

Can I skip standing in line to get my T-shirt before the races on Sunday?
No. Since you MUST get your Bib number with timing chip before going to the starting line, take a few moments more to pick up your shirt also before the run / walk.

If I sign up but can’t make it to the 5K or Mile, can I give my Bib number to another runner?
No. Please don’t. Here’s the problem: If for example some 17-year old high school boy is given his 40-something mom’s bib and chip, the results will be incorrect, then will take a long time to untangle why the times are so odd. So, please, don’t give your number to someone else. Ask them to register like you did!

I like to walk, but I am not a runner– can I participate in the 5K or Mile?
Absolutely, nearly a quarter of all our entrants are walkers – all ages, all sizes! It’s all about the fun, and feeling the spirit! Feel free to walk in Meghan's Mile (11:30 AM) or the 5K (12 Noon). Will we see you there?

I can’t run, walk, bicycle or Zumba - but can I be a volunteer?
Yes, and we accept all offers to assist! You can help in several areas, check out our Volunteers page.

What happens on Saturday?
On Saturday we host Jaime's Race for People with Special Needs, the Sean’s Run Zumbathon® and Sean’s Ride.  Plus, we have Packet Pick Up and last chance walk-in registration for the 5K and Meghan’s Mile.

What happens on Sunday morning before the 5K?
Be sure to be at Chatham High School no later than 11:00 AM.  Allow sufficient time to park, and walk 15 minutes from your car at Chatham Fairgrounds to the high school. Except for vehicles with Disabled Parking tags, there is no parking at Chatham High School on Sunday. Park at Chatham Fairgrounds and allow at least 15 minutes for the walk to Chatham High.

Go to the high school gym. There you will get your bib with your personal chip timing device, then take your bib to the T-shirt distribution table in the gym where you will be given a T-shirt – but remember t-shirts are limited.

Also, you can check out our Prevention Educational Expo in the high school gymnasium featuring a variety of exhibitors offering suggestions and materials aimed at reducing risky behaviors of teenagers. Before Meghan's Mile you can watch the World Championship Battle of the Belts.

Will 5K and Meghan’s Mile results be available?
Our website will have the results posted at our website by 5 PM on race day.

Are there Awards for the 5K and Meghan’s Mile?
Yes. We will be presenting custom awards to the top male and female as well as top three males and females in each age-group for both Meghan’s Mile and the 5K. All awards will be printed at 1:00 PM.

What are the 5K and Mile courses like?
It’s a fun course! We’ve seen some 80-plus year olds in the mile and in the 5K! Plus, we had some disabled entrants, stroke victims, and participants in wheel chairs. And the course is not all downhill!

Both Meghan's Mile and the 5K start and finish at Chatham High School. Both courses are certified by USATF as being accurately measured. The courses traverse charming streets in the Village of Chatham.

Check out the course map.

What are the bike rides like?
Each ride offers a fun ride through scenic Columbia County. See the descriptions of each route here.

Can I ride a bike or roller blade in the 5K or Mile race?
NO! Definitely not! Bicyclists are invited to the Saturday Bike rides. Baby strollers are allowed in the 5K and Meghan's Mile, but must line up in back at the start.

How does this event raise funds?
We couldn’t do it without our Presenting Sponsor and all our other sponsors and our contributors. 

We are fortunate to receive generous sponsorship from many (see our Sponsors page) and we receive donations from participants who add contributions to their entry fees.

The money we raise is used to for two purposes:

1. To fund programs in schools to combat underage drinking, impaired driving and lax use of seatbelts by teens, and
   
2. To award scholarships to deserving college-bond high school seniors.

I want to add a contribution to my entry fee – But where does the money go?
Your contribution will be put to good work. We give cash grants to youth groups, schools located in our region to combat the problems of underage drinking, impaired driving and teens’ lax use of seat belts. Sean’s Run is much more than a once-yearly reminder about the dangers of underage drinking and impaired driving. We also award scholarships to deserving college-bound seniors. Thanks for considering the extra contribution.

I want to support your cause – how can I contribute?
You can use the on-line registration page to donate using a credit card, or you can send a check payable to “Sean’s Run” to AREEP, PO Box 38195, Albany, NY 12203.  Because of the generosity of participants, contributors and sponsors, we have raised over $260,045 to fund scholarships and grants. Thank you for adding a contribution to your entry fee, or send us a contribution or consider becoming an event sponsor. Every contributor will be recognized. Check out the Sponsorship and Contributions page at this website.

Is underage drinking and lax use of seatbelts by teens a big problem?
Car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens. More than half of all their crashes involve underage drinking and 2/3 of teens killed in car wrecks were not using seat belts. Yes, this is a BIG problem.

What is the Zumbathon® on Saturday?
It is a 2-hour dance fitness party open to everyone 13 and over on Saturday, at the Chatham Elementary School gymnasium. You don’t need any Zumba experience – you can learn the moves on site. You will have a tremendous workout under the direction of Zumba® instructors. Show up by 9:30 AM at the gym for last chance registration and get warmed up. Your registration fee includes a Sean’s Run Zumbathon® Shirt and a nice spread of refreshments after.

What about the Bike Rides on Saturday?
Open to anyone who enjoys riding a bike and is 13 years or over (sorry, no one under 18 in our 50-mile bike ride).  We host three non-competitive rides starting from the Chatham Fair Grounds and ending up at Chatham HS. Refreshments served on the course and at the finish. The ride back to fairgrounds from school is less than ½ mile. Ride choices include a 50-Mile Ride that goes off at 8:30 AM. Arrive 7:30 – 8:15 AM for last chance registration and packet pick up. This is a moderately challenging course for experienced riders, of any speed. Also, we host an easier 20-mile Ride that goes off at 10 AM. Arrive at 9:00 – 9:45 for last chance registration and packet pick up.  Our 10-mile bike ride starts at 10:30 AM and registration and packet pick-up for this ride is from 9:30 AM -10:30 AM. The registration fee includes a Sean’s Ride t-shirt.

What is Jaime's Race for People with Special Needs?
Sean’s Run is unique because we offer people with developmental disabilities the opportunity to enjoy the fun and excitement of a road race. Our fun and safe group run for people with developmental disabilities goes off at 12 noon on Saturday. These athletes inspire all of us. Each participant enjoys all the same amenities as participants in all the 5K and Mile the following day. There is no fee to enter. We are assisted by the Albany Miracle League. This event is in memory of Jaime Adams (Rensselaer, NY) who was the first entrant in our inaugural special needs race.

What is the World Championship Battle of the Belts?
It is a fun seatbelt buckling contest for middle school and high school youth that is scheduled at 11:00 AM, Sunday, before Meghan’s Mile and the 5K. It is designed to increase use of seatbelts by young people because we know that car crashes are the number one cause of death for teens and that nearly 2/3 of those who perish were not using seatbelts.

What is the Prevention Education Expo?
Held in the gymnasium prior to the 5k and Meghan's Mile on Sunday, it includes exhibits and booths set up by numerous organizations that provide information and services to educate and protect our young people from the dangers of alcohol, other drugs and tobacco. These organizations promote positive youth development and decision making.

What is the Firefighter 5K Challenge?
It is a race-within-a-race.  Fire companies and departments send teams to compete in friendly competition in running the 5K with other firefighter teams.  The firefighters in the 5K are easily recognizable because they must wear their turn-out pants while running.  The first fire company or department to get 5 members across the finish line first are declared Champions.  Firefighters can register as a team at the on-line registration page and they get all the amenities, and shirts, as any other 5K registrants.  Sign up early – t-shirts are limited.

Where do your entrants come from?
Chatham is easy to get to, less than an hour from Kingston / Poughkeepsie, just 40 minutes south of Albany and 25 minutes west of Pittsfield.

Though some come from further away, most participants are from a 10-county region: from Dutchess County in the south, to Washington and Warren County in the north, to Fulton and Schoharie County in the west and Berkshire County (MA) in the east.

How do you recognize Victims and Survivors of Drunk Driving?
Sean’s Run Weekend was born out of the tragic death of a promising 17-year old high school runner. Unfortunately, there are many other individuals and families who have suffered losses because of drunk driving. We pay special tribute to all survivors/victims of drunk driving crashes and we remember all those who have lost their lives to this preventable tragedy.

People who have survived a crash, or have lost children, grandchildren, spouses, siblings or parents to alcohol-involved wrecks are our special guests. They are offered complimentary entry and are warmly welcomed to join the hundreds of walkers and runners who participate in Sean’s Run.

What is the Safety Tree?
Sean’s Run is the organizational impetus that commenced the Columbia-Greene Counties Safety Tree, located at Columbia Memorial Hospital, which serves as a living, permanent memorial to those who lost their lives due to drunk/impaired drivers. Sean’s Run has become much more that a well-organized 5K.

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