The inaugural May Day 10K kicked off at 6 p.m. Sunday, featuring a field of 50 participants between the 10K course and a simultaneous 5K9 event, with the dogs — and one cat — allowed to join in the fun. A portion of the race’s proceeds went to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, which had a tent set up near the start and finish line.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our community,” TLHS Director Victoria Tanner said.

Tanner added that community engagement was especially important for the organization now as it prepares for construction to meet new animal welfare laws that take effect in December.

“The renovations will undoubtedly be stressful for the animals in our care,” she said. “Temporary foster homes will make a world of difference during this transition.”

Jackie Bentley smiles after she and Nigel, left, successfully completed the May Day 10K and 5K9 held along the Adirondack Rail Trail on Sunday in Lake Placid. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

For more information on ways to assist, visit trilakeshumanesociety.com.

The race began at the Bike Lake Placid shop, with out-and-back 10K and 5K routes along the Adirondack Rail Trail. The event was organized by Greg Borzilleri, who also owns and directs the Lake Placid Marathon and Half Marathon, and is Ironman Lake Placid’s race director.

Borzilleri said the idea for the May Day 10K originally came from friends, who told him that the lack of other 10K races during this time of year would make for a good addition. He said after looking into it, he found that there were plenty of other 10K events this time of year, but kept at it, and felt that it was still a good opportunity to debut an event on the Adirondack Rail Trail.

“I wanted to not put a big, impactful event on the rail trail for the first event,” he said. “If we had 500 people sign up, it would have been a mess.”

Borzilleri said the rail trail — even as construction is not fully complete — has been a boon for the outdoors industry throughout the Tri-Lakes.

Rhiannon Adsit closes in on the finish line as her K9 companion smiles for the camera at the May Day 10K and 5K9 held along the Adirondack Rail Trail on Sunday in Lake Placid. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“It’s been incredible,” he said. “And I would imagine it’s only going to go up from there.”

The race did not require any closures. People not affiliated with the race were able to keep walking or biking the trail as they otherwise would, with organizers asking them to stay alert for racers passing by. As for the racers, the event had lead cyclists staying in front of the runners, and staff at the turnaround points to make sure nobody overshot the course.

Daniel Young, who had the day’s fastest 10K time, said he appreciated the constant distance markers throughout the course.

“The course was great,” he said. “It was nice having the kilometer marks everywhere on there. It felt like there was always a goal in front of me.”

Young added that the weather conditions made for a good race, especially given the rail trail’s surface.

Aisha Young waves as she nears the finish line. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

“These were really good race conditions,” he said. “You always wish the course was drier on pavement, but on the cinders like this, it’s actually nice for it to be a bit damp.”

To Borzilleri’s point that early May has lots of other 10K events, at least two participants in the May Day 10K doubled up — and had raced another 10K that morning. Kevin Tuthill said he was looking forward to a restful night’s sleep.

“That’s enough for today,” he said shortly after finishing.

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5K Results

Leila Fay crosses the finish line at the May Day 10K and 5K9 held along the Adirondack Rail Trail on Sunday in Lake Placid. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

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Under 10 years old

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1st — William Henderson

2nd — Phoenix Cook

James Keeley crosses the finish line at the May Day 10K and 5K9 held along the Adirondack Rail Trail on Sunday in Lake Placid. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)

3rd — Maddier Frazer

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11–20 year olds

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Male

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1st — Nicholas O’Brien

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Female

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1st — Zoe Carpenter

2nd — Elizabeth Henderson

3rd — Norah Francis

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21–45 year olds

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Male

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1st Eric Adsit

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Female

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1st — Leda Carpenter

2nd — Tracey Henderson

3rd — Erin Tuthill

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46 plus years old

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Male

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1st — Eric Diehl

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Female

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1st — Nancie Battaglia

2nd — May Chow

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10K results

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Under 21 years old

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Female

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1st — Leila Fey

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21–45 years old

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Male

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1st — Daniel Young

2nd — Tyronne Mullings

3rd — Joseph Henderson

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Female

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1st — Michelle Worthington

2nd — Maria Cury

3rd — Danielle Lange

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46 plus years old

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Male

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1 — Eric Holmes

2 — James Keely

3 — Kevin Tuthill

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Female

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1st — Aisha Young

2nd — Darcey Whitney

3rd — Heidi Holdereid