This year the organization has planned a total of five races as a part of the winter series, including upcoming races Jan. 24, Jan. 31 and Feb. 21. Each event will begin at 10 a.m., with racers taking off and finishing at the Chautauqua Harbor Hotel. Each race will run along the same route, and guests have the option to sign up for all the races or choose a select few instead. The races will also be age graded, which will make the competition a bit more fair for participants. Director of Athletics Lexi Lindamer noted that this grading sees each runner’s name put into a spreadsheet with a special formula. Using this formula, each runner is given a percentage that can offset their ideal time. As a result, the races are much more welcoming for those that may be younger, or those that have just never attempted a long endurance race before.

“It’s just an opportunity for the running community, and our Striders Athletic Club, to still participate in some competitive road race opportunities when there aren’t as many options to do so,” said Lindamer.

Chautauqua Striders is a non-profit organization that has long been dedicated to serving youth all over the county, much of which is made possible by fundraising from events such as this one. The organization’s goal is to help any child in the area reach their full potential, which the group assists through various focused programs. One of the programs that Lindamer noted is the mentorships offered through the organization. This program takes willing volunteers from the community and pairs that individual with a kid that has similar interests, but may be struggling in a particular area. Lindamer stated that the volunteers can either meet with the student during school, such as at lunch or during break, or outside of school, allowing the mentor to take the kid to do various activities within the community. Lindamer also made note of various academic programs that the organization operates. These include tutoring, study rooms at Jamestown High School, SAT prep, and regents prep. Additionally, the organization has a host of athletic events that encourage people to get outside and get activity. Lindamer stated that the biggest athletic event each year is the upcoming St. Pat’s Dash, which will be held on March 14, but various other activities and youth programs encourage physical activity year-round.

“Some people know us as a track club, some people only know us for tutoring. So I just encourage people in the community to look into what else we offer,” said Lindamer. “We do athletics, academics, and mentoring now, and a lot of people aren’t aware that we are a multifaceted organization. So I would just say to look at the other things we offer.”

Pictured are runners who participated in the Chautauqua Striders Winter Series in 2025. Photos via Facebook

Online registration for each race will close at 11:59 a.m. on the day prior, however in person registration can be done the day of the race between 9:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. Coffee and tea will be available for runners after the completion of the race. For more information visit runsignup.com/winter5k1.