The race is an annual 5K run/walk fundraiser for the Fredonia Opera House. It will be held this year on Sunday, Sept. 19, at 9 a.m.

Due to continued COVID -19 concerns, the run this year is a hybrid run, meaning that participants can walk or run the certified 1891 Run route in person on Sept. 19, or run any 5k route on their own and virtually, Sept. 6-18.

The run/walk starts and ends at Barker Common in downtown Fredonia with runners departing at 9 a.m., followed almost immediately by walkers. The course begins on Day Street between Lambert and Church streets adjacent to the Village Hall parking lot, and ends on Church Street directly in front of Village Hall. It includes portions of Temple Street, Central Avenue and Brigham Road, as well as a portion of Ring Road on the State University of New York at Fredonia campus.

“There is a short, small incline at the start of the course,” said Rick Davis Opera House executive director, “otherwise, this is a flat, fast course. It is USATF-certified (#NY17080JG).”

Runners leave the 1891 Run starting line on Lambert Street in April 2019. This year’s run has been moved to Sept. 19 and will be a hybrid run to accommodate those wishing to participate but still concerned over COVID-19. Information on the run and registration can be found at www.fredopera.org. Submitted photo

Runners follow a lead car provided by the Village of Fredonia Police Department. Walkers are expected to complete the entire route on the sidewalk.

Medals are presented to the top three male and female finishers in each age bracket and top three male and female finishers overall. T-shirts are guaranteed to all those who register before Sept. 6. Raffles and prizes also are a part of the event.

Participants who prefer to run the race virtually can register, then download RaceJoy, a free phone app for iPhones & Android devices, and then run the 1891 Run route or any 5K route using the app. Those who cannot run with a cellphone or are not interested in using the RaceJoy app, can complete a 5k run/walk using their own timing device and report their time via text message or their online registration profile. (Those using their own timing device are ineligible for medals.)

Runners must pre-register; there is no race day registration. The cost is $25 for adults, $15 for students (age 21 and under). For more information or to register online, visit www.fredopera.org.

Premium Sponsors of the 1891 Run are Lake Shore Savings, Tim Hortons and Walmart. Other sponsors include: ArtDen Designs, Basil Chevrolet Buick Cadillac, Courier Capital, LLC, Dunkirk-Fredonia Rotary Club, HBKS Wealth Advisors, Larson-Timko Funeral Home, Law Offices of Sheila Starkey Hahn, PC, Bahgat & Laurito-Bahgat, CPAs, Central Station Restaurant, Melissa Sorci Taft, Interior Designer at The Barn 3521, Foley, Foley & Passafaro Law Offices, Fredonia Beaver Club, Fredonia Heating & Plumbing, Kirk’s Jewelers, Lawley Tradition Insurance, North Chautauqua Dental and TOPS Friendly Market.

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.”

It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.