ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The Lackawanna Rail Trail parkrun started off 2024 strong with runners heading out to the trail on New Year’s Day. The weekly free timed 5k is open to all fitness levels from walkers to runners for free.  

Race Director Rob Toonkel says holding this weekly event has become more social in bringing people together.  

“The best part of it, it's free. It's meant to build community. It was something that started in the UK, came to the United States. We are the 64th Park Run in the United States and the first in New York State.”  

The 3-mile-long trail, measured by a professional wheel, can be run by anyone who registers. Toonkel says the run takes away the pressure of competing with less emphasis on “winning” and instead just getting active.  

“Basically, you only have to register once It's not your typical race where you have to show up two hours before and pick up a bid and pay $50. You go into [www.parkrun.us] and sign up once and you are registered forever. You get a barcode that you will use. Come out, if you show up at 8:58 a.m. you're welcome to do it,” adding “We do an out and back. We don't cross any roads. It's a safe, almost completely flat trail. Out and back. Get back in your car. Go on home. You've done your workout for a Saturday.” 

Whether you’re running with your dog or your child, Toonkel says the best part of the parkrun is that no one runs alone no matter what your goal is.  

“When you come out to Park Run, you find people exactly like you, who may be running for the first time, who may have a New Year's resolution, either to lose weight or they have a goal, such as running the Wineglass Marathon, and you now have a friend, and they'll be there next Saturday and the next Saturday.”  

The trail begins right by Wegman’s in Elmira where runners meet. Those who register meet every Saturday starting at 8 a.m. Anyone interested to sign up for the Lackawanna Rail Trail parkrun can do so by visiting their website.