Babylon Gets Dirty for a Cross Country Race Tradition

Hapi Auer, owner of Glen's Dinette, conceived the Dirty Sock Race six years ago as a perfect marriage between his twin passions: running, and Babylon Village.

Auer, a devoted distance runner and member of half a dozen recreational running clubs, was approached back then by a local food pantry looking for a volunteer cook. He wanted to help but couldn't commit the time given the popular family business. So he decided to run instead.

The Dirty Sock Run, as the race was nicknamed because of the muddy, dusty trail conditions, is a charity run. Proceeds are donated to 18 churches in the Town of Babylon for food pantries and soup kitchens.

The race co-sponsor, the Babylon Rotary Club, distributes the thousands of dollars raised each year. One notable achievement was the donation of a brand new freezer to the First Presbyterian Church of Babylon.

The August 21 event, officially called the Babylon Village Classic, straddles the line between a "fun run" and a more serious run. The 10k, or 6.2 mile, route has been designated an official Long Island Track and Field event, the first cross country run of the series.

Auer is proud of the run's growth.

"We have 500 runners now and people coming from all over, New York City, Connecticut, New Jersey. A lot of kids are home from school, so the high school and college cross country runners enjoy it as a nearby training run."

The event also offers gives out-of-towners a peek at the beauty of the village.

"Getting people into the trails brings awareness to this hidden jewel we have," said Auer.

"The trails are really, really nice trails, and more people should know about them. The village has added more maintenance to the area since the run has gotten popular, which is good for everyone. Years ago if it rained you couldn't run through Southards Pond for days. Now the village maintains it beautifully."

The race starts at 8 a.m. at the Babylon Memorial Grade School. Early registration (before August 17) through Active.com costs $20 and day of registration is $25. Awards are given for age group finishers, overall winners, and the fastest Town of Babylon runner.

If you're planning on running to win, however, better shape up: last year's winner, Billy Holl of Bayport, ran a 5:25 pace per mile.

Race is rain or shine. Parking is on Locust Avenue. More information is available at the event's website.