Marla Runyan, who is legally blind due to Stargardt disease, won three consecutive national titles at the Freihofer's Run for Women from 2002 to 2004.

For many years the 5K course, certified by USA Track & Field, began and ended near the New York State Museum on Albany's Madison Avenue.

The course twisted along the footpaths through the park before heading north along Lake Avenue around the half-way point.

[7] The course now starts on Washington Avenue, in front of Albany City Hall and in the shadow of the New York State Capitol.

A popular health and fitness expo is held on the Thursday and Friday before the event at the Armory at Russell Sage College.