The beauty of Rochester's parks and neighborhoods offer scenic backdrop for fun and fitness during the 2010 season of the Flower City Looking Good program. Join your friends and family at one or more of these great events and experience the natural wonders the Flower City.
Flower City Challenge: April 24 and 25:
This exciting new race series is presented by Fleet Feet Sports and sponsored by the City of Rochester. To learn more visit the Rochester Flower City Challenge main page on this site.
- River Challenge, Run, Bike and Paddle, Duathlon or Triathlon: Events for all fitness levels. Races start at the Genesee Genesee Waterways Center (map) on Saturday, April 24 at 7:30 a.m.
- Flower City Half Marathon and Mayor’s Family 5K.: Two road races for short- and long-distance runners. Both races start at the Blue Cross Arena (map) Sunday, April 25. The half marathon starts at 7:30 a.m., the 5K starts 20 minutes later.
Durand Eastman Beach Beach Cheap Aquathlon Series: June 24, July 22 and Aug. 26
Join us for great fun by land or sea. Participate in one, or all, of three Aquathons races that take place on the fourth Thursdays of the summer months at Durand Eastman Park and Beach. Each event will be a swim-run or run-swim-sun. This includes a 5K run or two 2.5K runs (3.1 miles total) and a 1K swim. Half of the run course will be on the beach and the other half on bike path. Runners will then transition from water or land and head for the finish line! Races start at 6:30 p.m. On-site registration begins at 5:30 p.m or preregister online at www.yellowjacketracing.com.
Pumpkins in the Park 5K Race: Oct. 30
Get ready for the fall and winter with the entire family with one of final road races of the season. This year's race includes a 50-yard runs for ages 5 and under; a 100-yard run for ages 6 through 8; a half-mile run for ages 9 and 10 and a 1-mile run for older youth. On-line preregistration at www.yellowjacketracing.com (Select: Run for City youth sports) at Cobbs Hill Park. The 5K begins at 9 a.m.; youth runs at 10 a.m. Meet at Lake Riley Lodge at the corner of Norris Drive and Culver Road (map).
Cache In, Trash Out Earth Day Celebration: April 18
Part of Canal Sweep, a state-wide effort to beautify the Erie Canalway Trail and surrounding areas. Clear winter debris from along the Genesee Riverway Trail while using a global positioning system to navigate. Meet in the FOODLINK parking lot behind their warehouse at 936 Exchange St. at the corner of Flint. This fun scavenger hunt includes walks, games and demonstrations aimed at educating families about the environment. Find clues hands-on by lifting rocks, logs and leaves. Teams of youth and adults from recreation centers, neighborhoods and organizations will be responsible for removing a trash bag of debris. Supplies will be provided or bring your own gloves and rakes. A healthy lunch will be provided by FreshWise Catering at the conclusion of the event. Families, all ages welcome. Call 428-6770 to preregister by April 3.9:30–11:30 am, Sat
Arbor Day Tree Planting Ceremony: April 24:
Rochester pays homage to the special significance of trees and their role in healthy communities on this special day by planting a new tree. Named a “Tree City USA” by the National Arbor Day Foundation for for 28 consecutive years, the City of Rochester maintains and manages an urban forest of almost 70,000 city-owned trees. Details of this year's ceremony are not yet available. To learn more, call 428-6770.
Flower City Kids Picnic and Planting Day: June 4
More than 1,000 Rochester-area school children will gather for a picnic at Ontario Beach Park and plant flowers that they nurtured from seeds in their classrooms. Volunteers call 428-6770 to sign up.