This year's edition of the Syracuse Festival of Races was a wet one. There was heavy rain at times. Not ideal weather for spectators. But what about the runners? Our Iris St. Meran spoke to some athletes about racing through the elements.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse's Festival of Races was more like the Festival of Puddles Sunday. The men's 5-k was ushered in with heavy rains.

Gary Tretter said, "The rain makes it a little bit difficult. I can't see through the glasses. There are puddles on the road and shoes pick up a lot of water."

But that didn't stop him and many others from pushing through the soggy course. The Festival of Races hosts runners from all over the country and Canada. The locals are used to how fickle mother nature can be around here.

"You just have to be more careful. I just run like I'm running in the snow and ice," said Allison Krichbaum.

Luckily there was none of that on race day. The race director said on a typical year there are 3 thousand entrants in all the events which include two 5Ks: One for men the other for women, a 3K, and a community walk. But he expects that number to be lower this year. All things considered, the participants are what make this race what it is.

"One of the things that makes the Syracuse Festival of Races unique is we literally have applications in hand from three year olds and a 93 year old," said Race Director Dave Oja.

And I caught up with that 93 year just after he crossed the finish line.

Henry Sypniewski, 93, said, "I don't want to get old. I intend to run when I'm 100 years old. I hope."

That's the kind of passion that runners here of all ages bring with them every step of the way.

This was the 19th Annual Syracuse Festival of Races. Time Warner Cable is the media sponsor.