Event highlights Healthy Ulster campaign, opens Ulster County to spring season 
Kingston, N.Y. (March 18, 2011) – The Kiwanis Kingston Classic, back after a one-year hiatus and now less than a month away, has attracted Ulster County’s top official.
Ulster County Executive Mike Hein, in a news conference on Friday, March 18, said he and his family will run in the race as part of the county’s Healthy Ulster initiative.
“Twenty-five percent of the adults in Ulster County are obese. Nearly a quarter of our school-aged children are identified as overweight or obese,” he said. “It has been my goal since taking office to make Ulster County the healthiest county in New York State.”
The Kingston Classic began in 1982. In its heyday during the early 1990s the race attracted more than 1,000 entrants and finishers, including elite international runners.
The race, scheduled for the weekend of April 16-17, returns this year with new organizers and a new name. The Kiwanis Club of Kingston, a service organization with 87 members, stepped in with the intention of making it more of a community event rather than just another weekend road race. Proceeds will benefit Kiwanis-funded charities, event organizer Greg Riley said.
Competitive races of all types attract numerous people to the county each year. From April 1 through December there are 34 running races that range from competitive fun like the annual Shamrock Run to extreme Ironman competitions like the Survival of the Shawangunks.
“The Kiwanis Kingston Classic will showcase the beauty of the city of Kingston and the surrounding area,” Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder said. “Each year when the weather warms, people locally, regionally and throughout the state and Northeast enjoy Ulster County as a premier location for fun and recreation.”
Of the more than $420 million spent by tourists in Ulster each year, $10 million is spent on recreation. Ulster offers a myriad of recreational assets such as hiking, biking, golfing, kayaking, fishing, swimming and more.
“The Kiwanis Kingston Classic kicks off the season where we throw our doors open wide and welcome people to play in our backyard for the summer,” Remsnyder said.
The Kiwanis Club is making the race into more of a weekend event with the first Kids’ Classic starting things off on Saturday, April 16. Sponsored by the YMCA of Kingston, there will be racing categories for children ages pre-school through middle school. Entertainment, activities and awards will be part of the day’s highlights.
Saturday night, runners registered for Sunday’s Classic are invited to carb-load by dining with their competitors. They will join fellow runners for camaraderie, pasta, music, sports expos and more.
On Sunday, April 17, the Kiwanis Kingston Classic starts at 1 p.m. at Historic North Front Street. The event ends in Dietz Stadium. The route is the same at the 2009 event, which is certified by the USA Track & Field. Race-day registration is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is $25. Pre-registration can be done online at www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com and is $20.
RUNNING RACES IN ULSTER COUNTY
Competitive Fun
Timed but not officially sanctioned or certified USATF events
April 3
Ray ‘s Run 4-Mile Run/2-Mile Walk
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
11 AM registration; 12:30 PM run/walk ; For Race Info: ssrun54@aol.com 845-339-5474 ysill1@aol.com
Proceeds benefit Raymond Caddy, Jr. KHS Scholarship Fund. Awards, great refreshments, t-shirts, free raffle prizes and a great atmosphere. This is a perfect tune-up race for the Kingston Classic.
April 10
HITS 5K For the United Way
HITS Showgrounds, 454Washington Ave. Ext., Saugerties, NY
5K run, 2 mile walk, and 1 mile Kid’s Fun Run throughout HITS Showgrounds and Cantine Field. 8:30 registration; 10 AM run/walk; 9:45 Kids Fun Run. Awards and prize drawings. For registration: www.uwuc.org
May 1
3rd Annual Spring Sprint 5K Trail Run
Shaupeneak Ridge Preserve, Old Post Rd. Esopus, NY
10:30 AM 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. Following the Race, runners will enjoy a chili lunch provided by Soul Dog of Poughkeepsie. For registration: www.scenichudson.org
May 5
Huguenot Street Nursery School Community Run 5K
Broadhead Street, New Paltz, NY
4:30 PM start. Loop course down Huguenot Street to Main and onto the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Prizes, free children’s run, entertainment and children’s activities. For registration: www.huguenotcoop.org/community_run.asp
May 15
Ellenville’s 28th Anniversary Run Like the Wind, Liberty Square, Ellenville, NY
9:30 am. 5K, 10K, 5K Fitness Walk, kids races. Race benefits area food banks – bring three or more non-perishable food items and be entered into raffle. Water stops and chip timing. for registration: www.ellenvillerunlikethewind.com
May 30
The Woodstock Races: 5K & 15K
Zena School, Zena & Sawkill Rds., Woodstock, NY
9:00 am 15K, 9:45 am 5K. An Onteora Runners Club Grand Prix event, the race boasts scenic and challenging courses, post-race refreshments, age-group awards. For information or to register: Sue Hoger at (845) 679-7438 or shoger@rcal.org
June 5
Race 4 Grace 5K Run & Walk Fundraiser
Twin Lakes Resort, 198 Heritage Dr, Hurley, NY
1:00 PM 5k trail run or walk with a Kids Fun Race at the end of the day. All proceeds go directly to the family of five year-old, Grace Thiele, who is fighting leukemia. Chip timing available. To register: www.race4grace.eventbrite.com
June 18
Treetops to Rooftops 5K
Walkway Over The Hudson, Highland, NY
8:00 AM Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club race over goes across the Walkway Over the Hudson s a steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie, New York on the east bank and Highland, New York on the west bank.
To register: www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCRacing/upcomingFlyers.aspx
June 19
New Paltz Challenge; Father’s Day Half Marathon & Family 5K
Water Street Market, New Paltz, NY
7:30 AM registration; 8:45 AM Half Marathon; 9 AM, 5K. Clock-timed with water stations, mile markers, post-race refreshments and age-group awards. For information: www.newpaltzchamber.org
July 13
9th Annual Gardiner 5K Classic Run/Walk
George Majestic Park, Murphy’s Lane, Gardiner, NY
6:30 PM Scenic course with rolling hills. Proceeds benefit the Gardiner Fire Department and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Age group awards and free BBQ following the race. www.townofgardiner.org
August 20
Hudson Valley Rail Trail 5K Race/Walk
75 Haviland Road in Highland, NY
9am. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association hosts a 5K Race and Walk beginning at 75 Haviland Road in Highland, New York, proceeding westward to the mid-way point of the Rail Trail, and returning to 75 Haviland Road. For information: www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net
October 2
Towpath 6K Walk/Run For Literacy
Accord Community Center, Accord, NY
7:30 AM Registration; 9 AM Walkers; 9:15 AM Runners. 3.7 mile (6K) fundraiser for Little Ones Learning Center, in Accord NY along Tow Path Road, a scenic, wooded lane with views of the Catskills, and up the hill from the actual towpath used for ferrying boats along the former D&H Canal. for information: www.littleoneslearningcenter.org/calendar
November 24
8th Annual New Paltz Turkey Trot: 5K Race, Walk and Fun Run
8 AM Registration and packet pick-up; 9 AM FREE Mashed Potato Kids ½ mile Fun Run (10 and under); 9:30 AM Turkey Trot 5K race, fun run, & walk; 10:30 AM (approx.) Awards Ceremony. Race starts and ends at Water Street Market, Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561. www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com
USATF Certified or Sanctioned
April 16 & 17
Kiwanis Kingston Classic & Kids Classic
USATF Certified # NY08066JG
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
www.kingstonkiwanisclassic.com
April 16th: 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 17: 10K Kingston Classic and the 2.1mile Fun-Run. A 10k team challenge; Fun zone competition.
June 22
Summer Solstice Run-15K Trail Race
Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz,, NY
6:30 PM Fund Raiser for the Lou Gross Memorial Fund sponsored by the Shawangunk Runners. 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. Awards in all standard 10-year age groups. This race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Results will be posted at our e-group, www. groups.yahoo.com/group/runthegunks. For information:
http://www.shawangunkrunners.org/
New Paltz Summer Cross Country Series
Children’s ½ and 1 Mile Races and Adult 3 to 4.7 mile races over spectacular scenic courses and carriage trails
Registration 6 PM, 7 PM start for Kids; Adults immediately after.
July 5
Mohonk Preserve “Undercliff/Overcliff”
4.7 miles; start at metal bridge, Rte 44/55.
July 12
Mohonk Preserve “Lou’s Run”
4 plus miles on single track and carriage paths, fast finish; start at Spring Farm trail head, Mountain Rest Road.
July 19
Minnewaska State Park “Patterson’s Pellet”
3 miles; start at lake, out and back on Millbrook Trail.
July 26
Minnewaska State Park “Blueberry Run”
4 plus miles; start at lake, around lake and over old golf course. Blueberries Galore!!
August 2
Awards and Fun Relay
New Paltz Rail Trail. Park at Reformed Church, Huguenot Street, registration is at church.
For information on the series: http://www.shawangunkrunners.org/
August 14
Twentieth Annual (Since 1992)100 Km Catskill Mtn 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 US! Team Competition, Endurance Challenge, Scenic Tour. Listed in Competitor Magazine as one of the best team running races in the world! Starts in Phoenicia, Big Indian Grahamsville, Sundown, West Shokan. Register: http://www.sullivanstriders.org/cmrr.htm
October 8
Healthy Harvest 5k Run/Walk
USATF Certified course by Brian Cavanaugh, NY
Sponsored by Walker Valley Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary with partial proceeds to Benefit Sgt. Eddie Ryan. Walker Valley Fire House, Rte. 52 Walker Valley. Race time by Fast Finishes. T-shirts to 1st 100 Pre-registered Runners/ Walkers. Prizes to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places of each category. For information contact Debbie King: d_king_50@hotmail.com, 845-744-5531;Tami Lutz: imat@frontiernet.net, 845-744-2107; April Grieco: algrieco@frontiernet.net, 845-744-2452; Be sure to type 5k Run/ Walk in subject box.
October 9
4th Annual Beaverkill Mountain Road Race
(Half # NY07080JG, 5K # NY07079JG , kids fun run)
Registration 7:30 AM; 9 AM start. Start/Finish at the Beaverkill Valley Inn in Hardenburgh. The half-marathon course has been called “one of the most beautiful half-marathon courses ever” and is very scenic, running along the Beaverkill River then up and over dirt roads for five miles with a 4 percent grade then back down for a fast flat finish along the river. All proceeds to benefit Catskill Mountain Keeper. Course support, medals and t-shirts to all registrants. Contact Race Director, Melissa Holden, for more information: melissaiholden@yahoo.com. Register on Active.com.
November 13
After The Leaves Have Fallen 20 K Trail Race
Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz, NY
Sanctioned by US Track and Field
9:30 AM Fund Raiser for Josh Feldt Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wallkill High and the Shawangunk Runners Club. Spectacular scenic course on dirt carriage trails that go around two pristine lakes at MInnewaska State Park, New Paltz NY. Course starts and ends at Lake Minnewaska. For more information call Steve: 845-339-5474 or email: ssrun54@aol.com Results will be posted at www.shawangunkrunners.org This race is
Extreme races
April 30
Spring Dual Against CF
Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY
9 AM. 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. All profits from this race will go to benefit cystic fibrosis awareness and research. To register: www.cm2promotions.com
May 8
8th Annual TROOPER BIATHLON
In Memory of NY State Troopers Mike Kelly, Ken Poormon and John McKenna, Dug Hill Rd., Hurley, NY
9:00 AM 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: www.trifind.com/re_33270/8thAnnualTrooperBiathlon.html
May 13 & 14th
Ragnar New York: From Woodstock to Westchester 200 mile Relay Run
A winding, 200mile running relay event in New York like you’ve never experienced. Starting in Bethel, teams of 12 run day and night, relay style, through the mighty Catskills into New Paltz for an overnight, continuing on the next day over the Walkway Over The Hudson to Westchester County, taking in the view of New York City’s legendary skyline. Each team member runs three legs ranging between 3 to 8 miles and varying in difficulty. To register at team: http://www.ragnarrelay.com/race/newyork
May 15
American Zofingen Duathlon and Iron ITT
Spring Farm, Mohonk Preserve, 27 Upper Knolls Road, High Falls, NY
Four races on one day. Long Course Duathlon: Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 84 Miles; Trail Run: 15 Miles
Middle Distance Duathlon: Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles; Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles
Trail Run: 5 Miles. – Short Course Duathlon: Trail Run: 5 Miles; Road Bike: 29 Miles; Trail Run: 5 Miles. – Iron I.T.T. Road Bike: 112 Miles. Register: www.cm2promotions.com
June 11 & 12
Rebel Race
Hurd’s Farm, 2187 Route 32, Modena, NY
The Rebel Race Series is designed for people feeling the urge to tackle intense obstacles. From start to finish, Rebel Race’s military style obstacles will have you dashing, barricade-climbing, mud-crawling, rope-swinging and fire-jumping. Our grueling course forces each rebel to test their physical toughness and mental endurance. Cross the finish line and bask in the glory with tons of beer, food, live entertainment, and thousands of new friends covered in mud. Earn the bragging rights. To register: www.rebelrace.com/event.php?id=35
June 12
Third Annual Williams Lake Olympic & Sprint Triathalon
Wiliams Lake Resort, Rosendale, NY
This race is one of a kind. From its pristine lake to a run through the cave. It is a race that triathletes at all levels will leave with a lasting memory. Sprint Race Distances: Swim – 0.5 Mile; Road Bike – 12 Miles; Trail Run – 3 Miles. Olympic Race Distances: Swim – 1 Mile; Road Bike – 24 Miles; Trail Run – 6 Miles. To register: www.cm2promotions.com
July 24
American Zofingen Triathlon
Wiliams Lake Resort, Rosendale, NY
This will be an epic race. It is the combination of the American Zofingen Duathlon bike course with an equally hard swim and run at Williams Lake. Be the one of the first to complete this race and be remembered as starting a legacy. Race Distances: Swim – 1.5 Mile; Road Bike – 69 Miles; Trail Run – 15 Miles. To register: www.cm2promotions.com
September 25
2011 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge
Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead, 27 Upper Knolls Road, High Falls, NY
8 AM Ten miles of open meadows with spectacular views, steep and rocky footpaths, and gently rolling carriage roads. Register early, the race is limited to 300 runners. No refunds. Proceeds from the race benefit the Mohonk Preserve, a leader in protecting the Shawangunk Ridge, designated as “one of the last great places on earth.”
