KINGSTON, N.Y. (March 14, 2013) — This morning at Dietz Stadium, Ulster County Executive Mike Hein recognized the four new members to be inducted into the Kiwanis Kingston Classic Hall of Fame. This year’s induction ceremony, which will take place at the April 13th Kiwanis Kingston Classic Pasta Party, will honor four individuals and organizations for their contributions to the annual event. Inductees include Dave Chandler of Woodstock for running; Doug Tumen of Woodstock for organizing; Rich Gromek of Hurley for volunteering; and the Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley for its sponsorship contributions.
“Running or walking in the Kiwanis Kingston Classic with hundreds of people from our community and around the country is a healthy way to welcome the summer months,” said County Executive Hein. “I congratulate the 2013 inductees into the Kiwanis Kingston Classic Hall of Fame for their efforts to help make Ulster County the healthiest county in New York State.”
Hein also unveiled a new plaque at Dietz Stadium, which currently holds the names of last year’s, this year’s inductees and will for future inductees. The April 13-14 Kiwanis Kingston Classic Weekend, he said, serves as an important kickoff to the County’s tourism season. The races include the official Kiwanis Kingston Classic 10K and a 2.1 mile run/walk.
The event, which began in 1982, draws participants – including elite international runners – from across the area, as well as Vermont, Maine, Maryland, Connecticut, New Jersey and even Colorado.
The weekend starts with the Kids’ Classic, sponsored by the YMCA of Kingston, on Saturday, April 13. The event will include entertainment, activities and awards for participants. On Saturday night, Classic runners are invited to carb-load with their fellow participants at a dinner, where there will be pasta, music, sports expos and other activities.
The Kiwanis Kingston Classic main event begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday at Historic North Front Street, finishing up at Dietz Stadium. The route is certified by USA Track & Field. Preregistration is $20 before April 1 and $25 afterward, and can be completed online at http://www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com.
This year, organizers are focusing on promoting the 2.1-mile walk/run, which is in its fourth year. “The Kiwanis Kingston Classic is a true community event that includes more than just the 10K race,” said Greg Riley. “We encourage everyone to come out and take part, and consider participating in the walk/run. Since its inception, the 2.1-mile event has become an increasingly popular part of our weekend.”
This is also the Kiwanis Kingston Classic’s third year with fan zones, which include groups from various organizations who cheer on runners throughout the 10K race. At the end of the race, runners vote for the fan zone with the most spirit. The winning nonprofit organization receives $500, with second and third place finishers receiving $250 and $125, respectively. For-profit organizations are also invited to participate, with their winnings going to a charity of their choice.
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees will join last year’s inaugural inductees: Tom Benton, Woodstock, Running; Tim Kelly, Essex Junction, Vt., Running; Dick Vincent, Palenville, Organizer; Bob Tutt, Hurley, Volunteer; Daily Freeman, Kingston, Sponsor; and Bob Bright, Middletown, posthumously.
Photo: From L to R: Ulster County Executive, Mike Hein; Kiwanis Kingston Classic Race Director, Greg Riley; Executive Director of the Kingston Boys and Girls Club, Joe Fay and Ulster County Commissioner of Health and Mental Health, Dr. Carol Smith.
RUNNING RACES IN ULSTER COUNTY
Competitive Fun
Timed but not officially sanctioned or certified USATF events
March 17
Shamrock Scramble
Wallkill Firehouse, Central Avenue, Wallkill NY
Registration 8-9 a.m.; For race info: http://home.roadrunner.com/~scramble/
A free continental breakfast is available for registered runners and walkers following the race. Event sponsored by Walkill Federal Valley Savings & Loan Association.
April 7
HITS 5K For the United Way
HITS Showgrounds, 454 Washington Ave. Ext., Saugerties, NY
5K run, 2-mile walk, and 1-mile Kid’s Fun Run throughout HITS Showgrounds and Cantine Field. 1 p.m. run/walk; 12:30 p.m. Kids Fun Run. Awards and prize drawings. For registration: www.uwuc.org
April 21
Ray’s Run 4-Mile Run/2-Mile Walk/Kids’ Fun Run
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
11:30 a.m. registration; 12:30 p.m. run/walk, 1:15 p.m. kids’ fun run; For Race Info: 845-339-5474 or ysill1@aol.com
Proceeds benefit Raymond Caddy, Jr. KHS Scholarship Fund. This is a perfect tune-up race for the Kingston Classic.
April 28
Spring Sprint 5K Trail Run
Shaupeneak Ridge, Poppletown Rd. Esopus, NY
10 a.m. start. A challenging and technical race on the rugged trails of spectacular Shaupeneak Ridge preserve. While competing for fun prizes on one of the toughest 5k courses in the Mid-Hudson Valley, entrants will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Hudson River and Louisa Pond. For registration: www.scenichudson.org
June 16
New Paltz Challenge; Father’s Day Half Marathon & Family 5K
Water Street Market, New Paltz, NY
6-7:00 a.m. registration; 7:30 a.m. Half Marathon; 8:00 a.m. Family 5K. Clock-timed with water stations, mile markers, post-race refreshments and age group awards. For information: http://www.newpaltzchamber.org/news_events/new_paltz_challenge.aspx
October 8
Hudson Valley Rail Trail 5K Race/Walk
75 Haviland Road in Highland, NY
The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association will host a 5K Race and Walk celebrating National Trail Running Day. For more information or an application, please contact Vince at VVeltre@townoflloyd.com. The Race will begin at 75 Haviland Road in Highland, New York, proceed westward to the mid-way point, and return to 75 Haviland Road. For race info: http://hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net/events/
November 28
10th Annual New Paltz Turkey Trot: 5K Race, Walk and Fun Run
Race starts and ends at Water Street Market, Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561. For more information: www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com
USATF Certified or Sanctioned
April 15
Kiwanis Kingston Classic & Kids Classic
USATF Certified # NY08066JG
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
www.kingstonkiwanisclassic.com
April 13: YMCA Kids’ Classic. Racing categories for children ages pre-school through middle school with entertainment, activities and awards.
Saturday night: Runners registered the Classic are invited to carb-load with competitors.
April 14: 10k Kingston Classic and the 2.1-mile Fun Run. A 10k team challenge; Fun zone competition.
June (Date TBA)
Summer Solstice Run – 15K Trail Race
Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz,, NY
Starts at Lake Minnewaska and runs along incredible cliffs, circles pristine glacial lakes and through blooming mountain laurel. This is one of the most beautiful runs, anywhere. For information: http://www.shawangunkrunners.org/
New Paltz Summer Cross Country Series – July
Children’s ½ and 1 Mile Races and Adult 3 to 4.7-mile races over spectacular scenic courses and carriage trails. For more information: http://www.shawangunkrunners.org/Club_Races.html
August 11
100 Km Catskill Mountain Rd Relay
USATF Certified Course #NY02057AM
Sponsored by the Orange Runners Club and the Sullivan Striders this is the only single-loop certified 100km in the U.S. Includes team competition, endurance challenge and scenic tour. Listed in Competitor Magazine as one of the best team running races in the world. To register: http://www.sullivanstriders.org/cmrr.htm
Extreme Races
April 27
Spring Dual Against CF
Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY
9 a.m. Run 2 miles; Road Bike, 2 Miles; Run, 2 Miles. Perfect race for anyone starting to get into triathlon. The course is fast, flat and fun. Relay and kids fun race too. The kids’ race is free and distances will be determined based on the age groups present. The relay teams will start the same time as the individual racers. To register: http://www.active.com/duathlon/new-paltz-ny/spring-dual-against-cf-2013
May 5
Trooper Duathlon
9:00 a.m. The major annual fundraiser for the Kelly Children’s Education Fund and the Ken Poormon and John J. McKenna Memorial Funds. Mike Kelly and Ken Poormon were killed in the line of duty in Ulster County, NY on May 31, 2000. Trooper and USMC Captain John McKenna was killed in combat in Iraq on August 16, 2006. To register: http://www.nytc.org/dbacceptance.cfm?ID=18
May 19
American Zofingen Duathlon and Iron ITT
Spring Farm, Mohonk Preserve, 27 Upper Knolls Road, High Falls, NY
Three races on one day. Long Course Duathlon (7:30 a.m.): Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 84 Miles; Trail Run: 15 Miles
Middle Distance Duathlon (8 a.m.): Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles; Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles; Trail Run: 5 Miles.
Short Course Duathlon (8:30): Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles; Trail Run: 5 Miles. – Iron I.T.T. Road Bike: 112 Miles. Register: http://www.cm2promotions.com/american-zofingen#!__american-zofingen
