Saratoga Springs kicks off new year with First Day 5K

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY (NEWS10) — Some people spent New Year's Day recovering from New Year's Eve. Other people went to work. Some people in Saratoga, however, chose to lace up their running shoes and come out into the cold to start the new year off and running!

Following a soulful rendition of the Star Spangled Banner on saxophone, and the proverbial commencing horn, Saratoga’s Broadway was turned into a race track for the First Day 5K. It wasn't for thoroughbreds but for runners like Juliana Gabriel and her mom Kathy Zemianek from Vermont. 

“It's just a norm for us we like to…we're a turkey trot family, we run every big holiday. We run on non-holidays," Gabriel said.

Their familiarity with the sport is a matter of family legacy.

“My dad was a big runner...He was a three-season coach...He has passed away so it's definitely a connection to him” added Zemianek.

It’s not just about shoes on the pavement, it’s also about cash in the registers. Just ask the President of the local chamber of commerce, Todd Shimkus, who himself was a runner today.

“Hopefully after this run, they'll stay downtown and maybe go out for coffee or breakfast and brunch or lunch and have a good time and spend some money,” said Shimkus.

Every race has a champion and Austin Turner was it. The Menands native said he felt he’d win despite burning the midnight oil until 2 AM! For Turner, running is a metaphor for the New Year.

“We have some crazy runners in the capital region and I'll probably never achieve that level but just coming out and pushing yourself to your goals," said the racing champion. "Running keeps you honest in that way” Turner added.