With the New Year comes new goals. Whether you kept your New Year's resolutions from last year – or not – there’s always time to start over.

At a traditional New Year's Day race, some highly motivated folks got a head start on their resolutions for 2024. On a winter morning when some were just getting up, others were warming up for a big race.

“It’s a cold morning,” said Vickey Beaver, incoming president of the Greater Rochester Track Club. “And let's face it, a lot of us stayed up until after midnight last night.”

It’s good to have goals.

“To run!” said Martha Doody, one of several hundred people to gather at Mendon Ponds Park Monday morning. “It’s New Year’s Day. It’s a great day to be here.”

Resolution was the word of the day, on the first day of 2024.

“My resolutions are to get back to a little faster speed after my second hip replacement,” said Doug Jones, outgoing president of GRTC.

“To arrive at the end of 2024 without being injured,” laughed Beaver.

“Gonna have a good time, and make some New Year's resolutions along the way,” added runner David Coyne, who’s run in 46 Boston Marathons, but is also still recovering from hip replacement.

Greater Rochester Track Club has been running the Resolution race for decades. It’s part of the group’s aptly-titled Freezeroo series of winter races.

“If you are going to commit to something called Freezeroo, then you're up early on many days throughout the winter,” said Beaver.

The first resolution of the year — finish the 7.5-mile course, which winds its way through Mendon Ponds Park.

“I guess, traditionally, it was resolution to get get in shape,” said Jones. “And get out there and start the running year and style.”

One of the traditional top resolutions, made easier with a little encouragement. Runners who finished the race stuck around to encourage and congratulate those who crossed the finish line.

“Good time to start over, set goals,” said participant Dave Bradshaw. “And you’ve got 365 days to achieve those goals you set for yourself.”

If January 1 is the starting line — nothing beats a strong finish.

“It’s a great feeling,” said Jones. “Sometimes, you just wish it could keep going.”