Racing into 2022
YMCA’s ‘Twilight Race’ draws hundreds to run through Lakemont Holiday Lights
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For 4-year-old Trenton Franks, it was all about the lights.
"I love the lights," he said after finishing the 2-mile run through Lakemont Park's Holiday Lights on the Lake with his grandmother, Susan Franks. The Blair Regional YMCA Twilight Race was the Altoona pair's first race together, with Trenton's brother and grandfather also participating.
"It was awesome," Susan said. "He loved running through all the lights and the light tunnels."
The Franks were among more than 750 participants in the YMCA's New Year's Eve aerobic tradition. The race offers three events, a 5K, a 2-mile run and a 2-mile walk.
For some, it is the culmination of a year's worth of work.
The YMCA hosts seven races throughout the year, aiming to inspire community health and involvement, while using entry fees to support local kids and programs, according to its website. Anyone who signs up and participates in all seven events receives a prize, like the sweatshirts officials gave at Friday's race.
For others, it is an opportunity to stroll or dash through the popular holiday lightshow before ringing in the new year.
Race team member and YMCA Community Engagement Director Phyllis Baker said families and kids participate in the run along with those who are in it for the competition.
"This is like a reunion of sorts, it's a way to end one year and start the next year in a good way. It's just such a good feeling of the community coming in and supporting the Y through the Twilight Race," Baker said. "You have whole families together, and walking and running under the lights is just a special affair."
The event features a foot-tour through Lakemont Park's drive-thru light show, and is for people of all ages and abilities, with participants ranging in age from toddlers to senior citizens. Baker cited the temperatures in the mid-50s in encouraging extra people to sign up on race day. She noted the forecast was favorable, but that the weather does not stop participants.
"We've held this in the ice, rain, snow and cold," she said.
Cloudy skies slowly began to clear by the time racers lined up for the 5K Run at 4 p.m. Supporters lined the street near Lakemont Park's main entrance waiting for their loved ones to race by. Seventy-nine-year-old Bob Snyder of Altoona rang a bell, cheered and encouraged runners in the 5K and 2-mile run before going on to participate in the 2-mile walk at dusk. Snyder donned a special holiday outfit, dressed as an elf sitting on Santa Claus' shoulders, drawing smiles and laughs from passers-by.
"Nothing but smiles, that's what it's all about," he said, adding that he's dressed up for the Turkey Trot and other events.
Snyder and other supporters cheered for not only their loved ones, but all of the runners and walkers.
Norah Harpster, 9, and Chris Lake cheered for friends and family members in the 2-mile race after finishing their own 5K.
"We run as a family every year," Lake said.
Volunteers by the Lakeside Cafe rang cow bells and directed participants through the course as racers powered up the beginning of an incline toward the finish line.
Some participants pushed strollers with small children seated inside, who were snacking, in awe of the lights and enjoying the free ride.
Other young children took the more physical route by running in the race themselves.
David Fish, who will be four this month, kicked it into "turbo" near the cafe with parents Kory and Mandy, all of Phillipsburg, running beside him. The Twilight Race was David's first 2-miler, but he and his family have participated in other 5K races this year.
When asked about his favorite part of running, David said he likes playing "Monster Trucks," which Mandy explained is a game they all play to help make the race more fun. David also said he likes the snacks he gets to eat after the race.
Local businesses donated a variety of post-race replenishment including cheese sticks, peanuts, granola bars, water and more.
The 2-mile walk had the largest participation, with 265 people crossing the finish line, according to the race's overall finish list.
While the holiday lights were lit for all of the races, twilight fell just in time for the walk, allowing the participants to enjoy a fully illuminated course.
"We're very thankful that Lights on the Lake and Lakemont Park permits us to use their venue to hold this race," Baker said earlier in the day. The race has been a tradition for about 20 years, she said.
As 2021 and the final race of the night drew to a close, participants reflected on what they hope for in 2022.
Snyder is looking for some peace and love as he enters his 80th year, while Susan Franks is looking for peace, happiness and health for her and her family. The Fish family hopes the new year holds more races, running and getting out with more people.