A perfect June morning brought runners, families, and outdoor enthusiasts together in Savannah on Sunday as the Montezuma Festival of Races turned the quiet roads surrounding the Montezuma Wetlands into a celebration of endurance, community, and the natural beauty of the Finger Lakes region.
Under mostly cloudy skies and temperatures hovering around 75 degrees, hundreds of participants lined up at the Montezuma Audubon Center for races ranging from a 5K to a half marathon. The event, which benefits Friends of Montezuma, drew runners from across New York and beyond to a course designed to showcase one of the state’s most unique landscapes.
For many competitors, the race wasn’t just about chasing a personal record. It was an opportunity to run through wetlands, farmland, and country roads rarely seen outside this corner of Wayne County. Along the course, runners passed scenic stretches near Howland Island and the Montezuma Wetlands Complex, an area known for its wildlife and sweeping views.
The half marathon featured a strong local showing. Brandon Bach of Weedsport crossed the finish line first overall in 1:27:25, while Susan Rowe of Chadwicks led all women with a time of 1:38:27. Newark’s Angeline VanHalle claimed the female masters title, and Baldwinsville’s Ashley Dunn topped the men’s masters division.
The 10K field produced another competitive race. Marissa Catalano of Baldwinsville posted the fastest overall time, finishing in 40:23. Auburn’s Christopher Castello was the first male finisher in 41:26, while Syracuse runner Barb Wells and Lima’s Brian Van Etten captured the female and male masters divisions, respectively.
In the 5K, Waterloo’s Timothy Stahlnecker broke the tape in 17:48, while Katie Laris of Clay was the top female finisher in 22:13. The race also highlighted the event’s family-friendly appeal, with teenagers and children competing alongside experienced runners and longtime distance athletes. Fourteen-year-old Mason Clark of Auburn finished second overall in the 5K, while several youth runners earned age-group victories throughout the morning.
For full results and race photos click here.
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