Oak Tree Race Registration Opens for 2024
Registration is now open for the 20th annual Oak Tree Half Marathon & 5K taking place in Geneseo NY on September 1st, 2024.
The area’s largest running race is returning to Geneseo over Labor Day weekend. Registration opened on June 1st for this annual event, in its 20th year, which raises funds to support the local land conservation efforts of the non-profit Genesee Valley Conservancy.
The Oak Tree Half Marathon allows runners to compete along a unique course that features historic downtown Geneseo and the rural countryside of Nations Road that offers scenic vistas of farms and forests for runners. The Oak Tree 5K brings runners past the Conservancy’s Island Preserve, through historic downtown Geneseo, and through several residential streets in the Village. Both courses end at the Geneseo Central School track for a flat and fast finish, where spectators can watch your final kick!
Organized by Genesee Valley Conservancy, the event is the largest fundraising event for the organization. Executive Director Benjamin Gajewski says “Not only does this event raise important funds for local conservation work, the courses show off over 3,000 acres of lands protected by the Conservancy, including the Island Preserve which is used by every student during their time at Geneseo Central School.”
The Oak Tree Races take place on Sunday September 1st starting with the 8am Oak Tree Half Marathon which begins on Route 39 near the Geneseo Central School, travels to main street, before returning north to Nations Road, Roots Tavern Road, and Huston Road, before returning to the school for the finish.
The companion Oak Tree 5K race begins just after, starting at ~8:20 and circles through the Village of Geneseo before finishing at the Geneseo Central School Track.
The Oak Tree Race is supported by Tompkins Community Bank along with several local businesses.
To register, visit www.oaktreerace.org
Village of Geneseo residents are encouraged to avoid driving between 7:45am and 9am on Sunday September 3rd to avoid the road closures that result from the race. Residents along the course will be notified in the week prior to the race. Says Gajewski, “If you’re not going to run, come volunteer or cheer on our runners. Runners appreciate the community involvement and support as they take on the Oak Tree Race!”