ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) - Ithacans looking to beat the cold took to Cass Park Sunday morning for the 4th and final race of Finger Lakes Runners Club’s Winter Chill 5K Series.  

Nearly one hundred runners with the Finger Lakes Runners Club were ready and set to go in the sub-zero temperatures. Each year, the nonprofit organization holds a series of 5K races throughout January, hosting one each Sunday of the month.   

Today’s race was the finale in this year’s series. President of FLRC Adam Engst says he's thrilled to see community members battling through the elements.  

“It's enjoyable to see what mother nature throws at us and put on something that people can have fun at,” Engst said. “Nobody's worried about their times all that much it's just an excuse to get out of the house.”  

The COVID-19 pandemic forced Finger Lakes Runners Club to cancel last year’s series. Although cold and icy conditions discouraged some runners from coming out this year, Race Director Sarah Drumheller says running with a race partner made the event more fun for runners.  

“It's nice to have some accountability to know that your friends are going to be here and make it easy to show up,” Drumheller said. “There will at least be someone else here in the same boat as you, freezing their butts off, trying to run a race.”  

Runners can gear up next for FLRC's Super Frosty Loomis 5K and 10K races on February 12th. More events from Finger Lakes Runners Club can be viewed on their website and Facebook page.