A Mischievous Christmas Party with Local Runners
After an inspiring event at the Glens Falls ED Center in which Mayor Bill Collins gave a rousing speech culminating the four years of incredible changes in the city, I headed to Bogey’s Pub in Queensbury for the annual Adirondack Runners Christmas Party. For those that are unaware, the Adirondack Runners is an organization that organizes eight local races among other things. Founded as the Adirondack Track Club and later changing its name to the Adirondack Runners ten years later, they have become an institution and advocate for the running community.
Their annual Christmas parties celebrate the year of races with a uniquely named award ceremony. Known as the Patsy Awards, it highlights humorous moments throughout the year. Organized by Philip Jessen, the ceremony this year had incredible moments, like Don’s riveting oratory storytelling of Jill Pederson’s unfortunate race experience to highlighting the incredible work ethic by Kevin Sullivan and Dan Olden. By the time the last award was announced, everyone was smiling with pride at the camaraderie of this special group of people.
While the event was filled with amusement, it had an air of sadness. As I highlighted in November, Cathy Biss, who was a part of the membership committee for the group, passed away suddenly at the age of 78. As her obituary lovingly mentions, "[she] was always in motion, walking, hiking, biking, and swimming — completing hundreds of races and events." This tragic event certainly illuminates the deeply human condition that tomorrow is promised to no one. We have to always live our lives to the fullest, and for Cathy, that was certainly what she did. I had printed some stickers in memory of her, and I gave them to many members of the Adirondack Runners. It is a wonderful way to keep her memory alive, especially when attached to a shirt during a race.
During the party, there was a table of raffle prizes, ranging from running gear to gift certificates for upcoming races. Each person that attends get an entry ticket, and it elicited lots of excitement as the winners were announced. The mystery gift this year came from Lee Pollock, eventually revealed to be a pack of Hershey’s chocolate bars. Unfortunately, Lee Pollock and his wife, Lynda, could not attend, but I had just been with him this past Sunday when I hosted the December Breakfast Run.
In midst of the camaraderie of the awards and raffles, the waitstaff at Bogey’s Pub served entrees of broiled haddock, eggplant parmigiana, chicken française, and beef stroganoff, each chosen beforehand by the attendees. By the end of the evening, we all were thoroughly full of food, laughs, and joy as we head into Christmas. If you want to join in on the camaraderie for 2026, become a member of the Adirondack Runners. Not only will you enjoy discount on the eight races organized each year, but your race results will be included in their Grand Prix series. Also, Brian Teague, our resident photographer and race historian, will try and snap a lovely picture of you during a race if you are a member. With so many great benefits, perhaps I will see you on the trails next year.
