This year’s Marilla Trail Race has come and gone, but it has made plenty of lasting memories, according to race organizer Josh Preston.

Preston woke up at 4:30 a.m. on Saturday, starting his day early to ensure the greatest possible outcome for the race.

“First thing I did was check the weather, and once I saw it, I knew,” Preston said. “It was going to be a great event.”

The weather read sunny with a high of 70 degrees on Preston’s phone, and he and the race participants took full advantage of it.

In all, 120 of the racers and hikers arrived early, as they were quick to pre-register. Another 30 arrived the day of, with a couple hundred spectators arriving along with them.

They registered for two separate competitive races, the 14-mile and the 7-mile race, and a noncompetitive three-mile hike.

As the racers found their way into the foliage, Preston noticed something he found incredible.

“It was like they forgot they were racing and just slowed down to enjoy the beauty of it all,” Preston said. “And I’m so glad they did.”

As the participants paced past the final stretch of the trail, they were greeted by the aroma of smoked barbeque chicken made by CJ’s Bar-B-Que food truck which provided over 200 lunches for the occasion.

At the end of each race, the winners were announced.

David Shields of Bradford took first place in the 7-mile race. Joe Sillman of West Seneca, N.Y., took first in the 14-mile race. The winners were given plaques as well as a custom pint glass made by 4 Mile Brewing in Olean.

After the event wrapped up, many stayed to continue enjoying the trail and partake in conversation with the new friends they made running the race.  

While the event has finished, Preston said he is still rounding out the total amount the event received in donations which will go to the Tuna Valley Trail Association.

“I’m sure we’ve exceeded the $9,000 we raised last year,” Preston said. “And the best part is that it all goes right back into these trails that are right here in our backyards.”

Preston said while he expects this year’s trail race to be among the most difficult to top, he is already making plans for the next race.

“The turnout speaks for itself,” Preston said. “Locals want to see more of this, and I’ll do my best to keep it running every year.”

For more information on the Marilla Trail Race, visit irunmarilla.com