2002 Runner of the Year Series AnnouncedBUFFALO (January 20, 2002) - The schedule for this year's Buffalo News "Runner of the Year" series was revealed today in Michael Beebe's "Running" column. There are 13 races in all starting with the Shamrock Run in March and culminating with the YMCA Turkey Trot in November.The "Runner of the Year" series is a grand prix style competition where runners can accumulate points over the course of the year in these selected races. No special action need be taken to enter. A runner is automatically entered just by running in one of these events. There are separate divisions for men and women with two categories: overall and age group. The "Runner of the Year" title will be awarded to the top overall male and female and to each age group winner. That's 26 categories in all. Scoring is simple. For the overall contest, runners placing in the top ten of any of the races will be awarded points as follows: 10 points for first place, 9 for second place, 8 for third, 7 for fourth, 6 for fifth, 5 for sixth, 4 for seventh, 3 for eighth, 2 for ninth, and 1 point for finishing in tenth place. For the age-group competition points are awarded as follows: 3 points for a first place finish in the age-group, 2 points for second, and 1 point for finishing third in the age-group. The "Runner of the Year" feature adds an exciting dimension to the selected races. Current standings are published in the Buffalo News' "Running" column from time to time and at the conclusion of the series. The "Running" column is authored by Michael Beebe, an award winning journalist, runner, and former member of the GBTC. The "Running" column can be found in the News' Sunday edition Sports section. The "Runner of the Year" awards are usually distributed at a ceremony early in the following year. |
| Race Name | Date | Time | Contact | More Info? | |
| 1. | Shamrock Run 8 Km | March 2 | Noon | 856-8613 | Yes |
| 2. | Grand Island Half Marathon | April 20 | 9 A.M. | 816-RACE | Yes |
| 3. | Buffalo Erie Buick Marathon | May 26 | 8 A.M. | 694-5154 | Yes |
| 4. | Connors Kait Harrity Memorial 4-Mile | June 1 | 11 A.M. | 648-6989 | |
| 5. | Checker's Buffalo Mile | June 8 | 9 A.M. | 692-4115 | Yes |
| 6. | Depew-Lancaster Boys and Girls Club 10 Km | July 4 | 9 A.M. | 683-6755 | |
| 7. | Suburu Buffalo 4-Mile Chase | July 20 | 6 P.M. | 881-1652 | |
| 8. | Buffalo Police Chase 5 Km | August 2 | 7 P.M. | 851-4590 | |
| 12. | Bond Lake A.C. RUT Race, European Style X-Country, 3.5 Miles | August 19 | 6:30 PM. | ||
| 9. | Nickel City Road Runners Aid To Athletes 5 Km | August 30 | 7 P.M. | 694-5154 | Yes |
| 10. | Linda Yalem Memorial 5 Km | September 22 | 10 A.M. | 645-6435 | Yes |
| 11. | The Parkway 10 Km | October 12 | 11 A.M. | 816-RACE | Yes |
| 13. | YMCA Turkey Trot 8 Km | November 28 | 9 A.M. | 875-1283 | Yes |