Today was the The 1st Annual Elephant Run. This 4 mile race was through the streets around Buffalo’s Delaware Park and down where one can find some of the most beautiful mansions. The weather was picture perfect, 60s and sunny. The race was in memory of a young lady who lost her life while awaiting a heart transplant.
My line…
51. Sam Spritzer 0:28:51 0:07:13 7/M50-54 38/M
The course was relatively flat except for the slight uphill at the beginning and just after the “S-curves” of Delaware Ave. Although the straight portions were long, they gave one an opportunity to take in the view of the different architectural features that make up Buffalo. From the modest arts and craft homes of the 20s to the tall simple apartment buildings of the 40s to the stately mansions of Lincoln Parkway. Not to mention the finish line view of Hoyt Lake and the Delaware Park Casino.
From start to finish, this was one well planned event. The post race party was phenomenal. All kinds of foods and a long wall of tables lined with hundreds raffle items. The Lozcano family deserve one big standing ovation for putting on what looks to be a staple of the the Western NY racing scene for the years to come. Marcena was definitely looking down with a big smile!
And lastly, Queen Di, one of Checkers most esteemed photographer (besides Joan, Garry and Bob) took these pictures….
Sam,
On behalf of the amazing friends and family that helped us to organize the First Annual Elephant Run in memory of our daughter, Marcena Lozano, thank you for taking the time to write these kind, supportive words. With Marcena as our role model, we were highly driven to make this a success! It is so rewarding to hear that our efforts were appreciated. Thanks to the support of this wonderful community, we were able to raise $15,000 for the Marcena Lozano Memorial Scholarship Fund, to be awarded to organ transplant recipients in pursuit of their dreams! It is Marcena’s dream come true!
Wishing you peace, good health and years of happy running,
Lori and Kevin Lozano