• Freihofer's Run for Women 2018 Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Freihofer's Run for Women 2018
Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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1979: For the first two years of its existence, the Freihofer's Run for Woman was referred to as the "Freihofer's Run for Life." Its first edition was held on April 8 where it hosted the country's first Women’s 10K (AAU) National Road Race Championship, a designation retained through 1988. The 1979 race drew 503 registrants, 260 of whom participated in a Leadoff 5K. The winner of the 10K AAU National Championship was Karin Von Berg, Ithaca, N.Y. (34:26) and Nina Kuscik, a pioneer in women's road running, crossed the line first in the masters (40+) division of the 10K in 37:42. The 5K winner was Martha Swatt, Johnstown, N.Y.

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1979: For the first two years of its existence, the Freihofer's Run for Woman was referred to as the "Freihofer's Run for Life." Its first edition was held on April 8 where it hosted the country's first

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Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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In 1981, the event was renamed the Freihofer's Run for Women. In a field of 1,025 participants in unseasonably hot weather, Nancy Conz of Easthampton, Mass. won the 10K (AAU) National Road Race Championship (34:57) and Diana Richburg, an emerging US track star and local high school track standout, took the 5K in 18:50

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In 1981, the event was renamed the Freihofer's Run for Women. In a field of 1,025 participants in unseasonably hot weather, Nancy Conz of Easthampton, Mass. won the 10K (AAU) National Road Race Championship

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Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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1982: As the event's growth and prestige continued to develop, George Regan was hired in 1982 to manage the Freihofer's Run for Women. Regan spent the next 35 years as the event's director, retiring in 2017.

1982: As the event's growth and prestige continued to develop, George Regan was hired in 1982 to manage the Freihofer's Run for Women. Regan spent the next 35 years as the event's director, retiring in 2017.

Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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In 1984, the finish line moved from State Street to Madison Avenue at the New York State Museum to enhance spectator viewing. Against a cluster of nationally ranked athletes, Betty Springs became the USA 10K Road Race Champion in a course record time of 32:50. Denise Herman won the 5K in 18:06.

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In 1984, the finish line moved from State Street to Madison Avenue at the New York State Museum to enhance spectator viewing. Against a cluster of nationally ranked athletes, Betty Springs became the USA 10K

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1985: The Freihofer's Run for Women is moved from its customary date in April to May 16 in order to avoid the unsettled Spring weather of previous years.

Betty Springs, the defending champion, and Francie Larrieu-Smith responded by producing the closest finish in Freihofer’s history. Indeed, as they raced toward the finish line both athletes were so close that they were given the same time, a 10K course record of 32.14, and a tie was declared. The first and second place prize money was combined and divided between Springs and Larrieu-Smith, who each get $4,500.

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1985: The Freihofer's Run for Women is moved from its customary date in April to May 16 in order to avoid the unsettled Spring weather of previous years.

Betty Springs, the defending champion, and Francie

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In 1986, Betty Springs became the first woman to three-peat the Freihofer's Run for Women. For the first year, a wheelchair race was added to the day's program. Victory went to Brenda Zajac of Tampa, Fla. who rolled an impressive 34:20. The wheelchair division continued until 1989.

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In 1986, Betty Springs became the first woman to three-peat the Freihofer's Run for Women. For the first year, a wheelchair race was added to the day's program. Victory went to Brenda Zajac of Tampa, Fla. who

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In 1987, Lynn Jennings from New Market, NH, stormed away from the 10K field and won the race by a mammoth 53 seconds (32:19)

In 1987, Lynn Jennings from New Market, NH, stormed away from the 10K field and won the race by a mammoth 53 seconds (32:19)

Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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1988: A new event on the program at that year’s Freihofer’s Run for Women was the Freihofer’s Run for Kids. Staged within the confines of the Empire State Plaza, it attracted 300 children between the ages of 2 and 12, all of whom ran distances ranging from 50 meters to 1 mile. (Michael P. Farrell / Times Union) less
1988: A new event on the program at that year’s Freihofer’s Run for Women was the Freihofer’s Run for Kids. Staged within the confines of the Empire State Plaza, it attracted 300 children between the ... more
Photo: MICHAEL P. FARRELL
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1989: Freihofer's did not win the "national championship" designation for the 10K event but was named the championship event for the 5K distance, a designation it held through 2004 (except 1992). Judi St Hilaire from Fall River, Mass., won in an American Record time of 15:26. The last 10K race was run in 1991.

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1989: Freihofer's did not win the "national championship" designation for the 10K event but was named the championship event for the 5K distance, a designation it held through 2004 (except 1992). Judi St

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Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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In 1993, Freihofer’s launched the Athlete School Visitation Program, an initiative to provide local youngsters with an opportunity to meet elite athletes and become inspired and motivated from them about their experiences. Through the years, the program brought hundreds of elite female distance runners to Capital Region schools

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In 1993, Freihofer’s launched the Athlete School Visitation Program, an initiative to provide local youngsters with an opportunity to meet elite athletes and become inspired and motivated from them about

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Photo: Courtesy Of Freihofer's Run For Women
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1997: Ruth Wysocki, age 40 (bib #43), sets 5K masters world record (16:06) 
1997: Ruth Wysocki, age 40 (bib #43), sets 5K masters world record (16:06) 
Photo: Luanne M. Ferris, DG
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1998: Olympian Lynn Jennings wins her eighth title, becoming the event’s most decorated athlete. 
1998: Olympian Lynn Jennings wins her eighth title, becoming the event’s most decorated athlete. 
Photo: JONATHAN FICKIES, DG
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1999: Cheri Goddard Kenah, right, a Saratoga H.S. graduate, wins by a lean over Libbie Hickman. With just 20 meters remaining, and with both women running flat out, Hickman appeared to gain a handful of inches, drawing even with Goddard-Kenah’s shoulder. Goddard-Kenah responded with a desperate surge that gave her a marginal advantage once again. Even so, as the two crashed through the finishing tape, it was almost impossible so see daylight between them. Both were awarded the same time of 15:31, although Goddard-Kenah was a clear, if marginal, winner. less
1999: Cheri Goddard Kenah, right, a Saratoga H.S. graduate, wins by a lean over Libbie Hickman. With just 20 meters remaining, and with both women running flat out, Hickman appeared to gain a handful of inches, ... more
Photo: STEVE JACOBS, DG
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2002: The story of Olympian Marla Runyan, left, is well documented – legally blind for 22 years from Stargardt’s Disease, a macular degeneration that does not allow her to see details or recognize people around her. A year earlier, she strayed from the tangents several times, and apologized later for not running the course as straight as she wanted. In 2002, she was on a mission to find the shortest and fastest path to the finish line. She ran the curves and tangents very efficiently, and after she made her final left turn onto Madison Avenue, she had only one direction left – straight ahead. She won her first of three 5K Championship in 15:27. less
2002: The story of Olympian Marla Runyan, left, is well documented – legally blind for 22 years from Stargardt’s Disease, a macular degeneration that does not allow her to see details or recognize people ... more
Photo: STEVE JACOBSS, DG
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2008: Australian Olympian Benita Johnson threepeats - the third woman to do so - on the 30th anniversary of the race (15:46). Tragically, moments after finishing the event and calling her family with news of her victory, Johnson learned that her father had died earlier that day. (Lori Van Buren / Times Union archive) less
2008: Australian Olympian Benita Johnson threepeats - the third woman to do so - on the 30th anniversary of the race (15:46). Tragically, moments after finishing the event and calling her family with news of ... more
Photo: LORI VAN BUREN
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2013: Emily Chebet (Kenya) sets course record (15:12) despite oppressively humid racing conditions.


Local runner, Elizabeth Maloy, a native of Loudonville and a graduate of Holy Names and Georgetown University, joined Rebecca Donaghue from Pennsylvania in becoming the first US runners to place in the top 10 finishers since 2007. Donaghue placed ninth in 15:50, with Maloy 10th with a time of 15:53.(Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)
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2013: Emily Chebet (Kenya) sets course record (15:12) despite oppressively humid racing conditions.


Local runner, Elizabeth Maloy, a native of Loudonville and a graduate of Holy Names and Georgetown
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Photo: Michael P. Farrell
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2013: More than 5,000 racers registered for the race on its 35th anniversary, making it the largest in the event's history. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)
2013: More than 5,000 racers registered for the race on its 35th anniversary, making it the largest in the event's history. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union)
Photo: Michael P. Farrell
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2015: Kenya’s Emily Chebet threepeats (15:38) on a new course along Washington Avenue  (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
2015: Kenya’s Emily Chebet threepeats (15:38) on a new course along Washington Avenue  (Lori Van Buren / Times Union)
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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2016: Kristen Hislop becomes co-director of the Freihofer's Run for Women, the first woman on the event's management team. Hislop, a marketing professional who became a run/triathlon coach, joined the Freihofer's Run for Women team in 2010 as head coach for the Freihofer's Training Challenge. 

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2016: Kristen Hislop becomes co-director of the Freihofer's Run for Women, the first woman on the event's management team. Hislop, a marketing professional who became a run/triathlon coach, joined the

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2017: Sara Hall, left, pulls ahead of Aliphine Tuliamuk to win the Freihofer's Run for Women in 15:49. She is the first American to win the race in 12 years. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
2017: Sara Hall, left, pulls ahead of Aliphine Tuliamuk to win the Freihofer's Run for Women in 15:49. She is the first American to win the race in 12 years. (John Carl D'Annibale / Times Union)
Photo: John Carl D'Annibale
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2018: The event celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
2018: The event celebrates its 40th Anniversary.
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The 2018 Freihofer's Run for Women takes place on Saturday morning in Albany. About 3,000 runners will be on the course.

The 5K race begins at 9 a.m. at the start/finish line on Washington Avenue next to the state Capitol building. Click here for a printable version of the course map.

Here is the full schedule of events.

Thursday, May 31

Freihofer’s Run Health & Fitness Expo — 4-8 p.m. (The Sage College Armory, 130 New Scotland Ave., Albany N.Y.), featuring Last Chance Registration for 5K, Junior 3K and Bib Pick-up.

Past Champions’ Panel Discussion — 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Renaissance Room at The Armory at Sage College, 130 New Scotland Ave, Albany. The panel will feature: Jacqueline Gareau, 1982 winner; Regina Joyce, 1983 winner; Elva Dryer, 1997 winner and 2004 runner up; Carmen Troncoso, Multiple masters race winner and top 10 finisher and age group winner; Joan Benoit Samuelson, 1984 Olympic Marathon gold medalist and FRW masters race winner; Dave Oja, moderator and longtime FRW race announcer.

Friday, June 1

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Freihofer’s Run Health & Fitness Expo — 12-7 p.m. (The Sage College Armory, 130 New Scotland Ave., Albany N.Y.), featuring Last Chance Registration for 5K, Junior 3K and Bib Pickup

Media Hour — 2-3 p.m. (Ballroom, Renaissance Albany Hotel)

Saturday, June 2

Bib Pick Up for 5K & Jr. 3K & Kids Mile — 6:30-8:30 a.m. (5K) and until 10:45 a.m. (Junior 3K and Kids’ Run)

5K Opening Ceremonies — 8:55 a.m. (Start Line, Washington Avenue)

5K Start — 9 a.m. (Start Line, Washington Avenue)

5K Results — 9:30 a.m. (Press Tent, East Capitol Park)

5K Awards Ceremony — 10 a.m. (Awards Stage, East Capitol Park)

5th annual Freihofer's Junior 3K and Kids’ Mile Start; Followed by 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m Kids' Run distances) — 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. (Start Line, Washington Avenue)

Post-Race Volunteer Party — 1-3:30 p.m. (Renaissance Albany Hotel)

Parking

Sheridan Hollow (98 Sheridan Ave)

Lower Sheridan (80 Sheridan Ave.)

Elk Street Surface Lot (corner of S. Swan Street & Elk Street, and off Spruce Street, east of Lark Street)

Empire State Plaza (P-3 and V-Lots)

Madison Ave. Lot (Located on Madison Avenue above the Cultural Education Center)

East Garage (Corner of Eagle Street and Madison Avenue)

Grand Street Surface Lot (45 Grand Street/near Hamilton Street)

Cathedral Lot (between Cathedral and Cultural Education Center)

Times Union Center (Main entrance on Beaver Street, adjacent to the Times Union Center)

Additional parking links:

http://www.ogs.ny.gov/BU/BA/Parking/Visitor/
http://www.downtownalbany.org/parking/parking-garages
http://www.downtownalbany.org/parking/24-hour-parking-garages