Celebrating Heritage and Health: The New Carousel 5K Route
Race Through History: The Carousel 5K in Johnson City
Flat and Fast: The Perfect Course for Personal Best's
Confluence Running events has designed an exciting new course for the Carousel 5K in Johnson City, New York. This 5K course is exceptionally flat and fast, featuring minimal turns and less than 100 feet of elevation gain over the entire 3-mile distance. The race begins on Leicester Avenue and loops through the northern part of Johnson City. The route heads west on North Street, then continues onto Weston Brown before turning onto Burns Street and Olive Street. From there, it takes a left onto North Broad Street, followed by a right onto Brockton Street and Brockton Avenue. This two-loop course is designed to avoid traffic, parked cars, and other obstacles, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable run for all participants.
The start and finish line are conveniently located near C. Fred Johnson Park, right next to one of Broome County’s historic carousels. Known as the Carousel Capital of the World, Broome County boasts several of these charming attractions. Between 1919 and 1934, George F. Johnson, a great benefactor and the founder of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Manufacturing Co., donated six beautiful carousels to local parks. Johnson believed that carousels contributed to a happy life and would help youngsters grow into strong and productive citizens. Because of his own poor childhood, he insisted that municipalities never charge money for these magical rides, a tradition that continues to this day with free rides for all. The new Carousel 5K course not only provides an excellent running experience but also offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the area's rich heritage and the enduring legacy of George F. Johnson's generosity.
A Tribute to George F. Johnson's Legacy
Everyone has a memory of their first merry-go-round—the music, sounds, lights, and colors that stick with you for your entire life. These amazing machines, which bring so much amusement and joy, require a lot of maintenance and care to ensure that future generations can enjoy them just as we have. The Greater Binghamton Area is home to six carousels, earning it the title of the Carousel Capital of the World. The Carousel at CFJ Park is the largest and most ornate of them all. The CFJ Carousel 5K and Kids Fun Run is not only a celebration of this beautiful carousel but also of the community and those who keep these childhood dreams alive.
Come one, come all, and join us for this fun, festive 5K supporting the CFJ Carousel and the Johnson City Rotary Carousel Day! A portion of the proceeds goes directly back to the Johnson City Rotary to support their efforts in keeping Johnson City beautiful. Participants will receive a unique, custom t-shirt, a custom finisher medal of the CFJ Carousel, and enjoy a post-race festival with dozens of vendors and entertainment courtesy of the Johnson City Rotary. There will be prize money for the top three overall and masters male and female 5K runners, courtesy of Visions Federal Credit Union, and a chance to win giveaways and prizes with your race bib. Be sure to stick around after the race to enjoy all the food, fun, music, and excitement in the park for the Johnson City Rotary Carousel Day, featuring entertainment, craft vendors, and food for the whole family.
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