Posted: April 14, 2020 7:10 pm
Due to the coronavirus crisis, the race committee for the 7th Annual Path of the Flood Historic Races is canceling the 2020 event, which was set for Sat., May 23. The event is produced by and benefits the Johnstown Area Heritage Association (JAHA) and the Cambria County Conservation & Recreation Authority (CCCRA).
“I have spent the past month tracking event trends, consulting with race directors, runners, emergency services personnel and our committee to make the best decision possible regarding this year’s event,” said Mark Voelker, race director. “Ultimately, our highest priority – concern for participant, volunteer and support personnel health and safety – coupled with the input we received, has forced us to make this difficult and heartbreaking decision.”
The Path of the Flood Historic Races were originally conceived by JAHA in 2014 as a one-time event to mark the 125th anniversary of the Johnstown flood of 1889. As its name suggests, the race follows the path of the great flood, beginning near the dam that broke and ending at Peoples Natural Gas Park, which is adjacent to the Stone Bridge. The event proved to be so popular that it became an annual event, and has grown every year. In 2019, about 900 entrants from 22 states ran the races, which today consist of a 5K, 8-miler, and a half-marathon.
Registration for the 2020 event opened right before Thanksgiving 2019. Current registrants may request a refund by sending an email to racedirector.potf@gmail.com by April 30, 2020. After May 1, registration fees will automatically become a tax deductible donation to JAHA and the CCCRA, and paperwork documenting the donation will be mailed.
“I cannot thank our race community enough for their patience and understanding, and look forward to seeing everyone in 2021,” Voelker said.
