19th running of Mott Marathon is around the corner

The Annual Mott Marathon Challenge comes "full circle" on Sunday, June 8 at the Central Valley Academy track—again partnering with the American Cancer Society and the Relay for Life as it did at its first running 18 years ago. The Challenge will also raise money for the Christopher Newtown Fund.

From its origin as a good-natured challenge between teacher and student, the Mott Marathon is now part of a two-day, district- and community-wide event that celebrates the students and the sport of running while raising awareness for mental and holistic wellness. This year's theme is "My Best Me" and celebrates the life of Christopher Newtown who passed away in 2021.

Events begin at noon on Saturday, June 7 with a three-mile "Anna's Walk" around the CVA track. This year there will be games, food trucks, and a craft fair. The walk honors Anna LaBella who lost her courageous battle against cancer in 2022 at the young age of 12. Walkers will take pledges; donations will help support patients and families at Albany Medical Center's pediatric oncology unit. Participants who complete the walk and the marathon will become an official Mott Marathon Sunshine Warrior.s 

Sunday's activities begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Jarvis Mile, a one-mile run for eighth graders. The marathon kicks off at 10 a.m.

More than a run

The Mott Marathon is a rite of passage for each year's senior class. Both student-athletes and non-athletes step on the track, determined to complete all 105 laps. Completing the full 26.2 miles is a test of their willingness to endure exhaustion, pain, and mental fatigue to achieve a goal. Every runner steps off the track knowing they have stretched themselves to the breaking point. For many, it is a realization that they are capable of more than they imagined.

The days are about more than the runners. Family and friends pitch pop-up tents and folding chairs on the infield. They count laps, pass out drinks and snacks, and shout out encouragement to the runners. Doozer Smith mans the press box, playing music and entertaining with his off-the-cuff commentary. Local groups offer water and food to runners and spectators. Area agencies showcase their health and family services. Even school staff joins in to make certain people are safe, the power and PA system work, and the restrooms are open. The Mott Marathon has truly evolved into a school and community event.

Humble beginnings

The marathon began before the merger in 2006. Ilion English teacher Jim Mott mentioned to his class that his 3:40:37 in that April's Boston Marathon was slower than expected. Instead of earning his students' sympathy, he faced a barrage of good-natured teasing, especially from senior Eric Lachacz. Lachacz declared he could beat Mott's marathon time even without training. Mott responded by saying that Lachacz couldn't run that fast on the best day on the flattest surface, a track. The banter continued until the student boldly accepted a challenge to run 105 laps. To make it more than just fun, Mott encouraged him to use the opportunity to raise money for the charity Relay for Life. The day of the event, fellow students purchased water balloons to hurl at their friend as he ran. Even dodging water balloons and without training, he managed to finish in 5:45.

And the Mott Marathon continues. For 18 years, the marathon has weathered the storm—the merger, a year on the Herkimer CSD track during a CVA construction project, a remote version during the pandemic, and even Mott's retirement from teaching in 2023 (he returned as Athletic Director in 2024).

More information

The day also invites school staff, community members, and Mohawk, Ilion, and Central Valley alumni to run as individuals or in teams. Relay teams of two to eight runners are allowed. Laps may be split up as teams see fit. Only two members from each team may run at a time.