Thousands brave cold at Shamrock Run
Slightly more than 3,000 participants overcame some downright cold and blustery conditions last Sunday to race two miles through the streets of Kingston in the annual Shamrock Run.
Don’t ever let anyone tell you that runners are not a resilient lot.
Slightly more than 3,000 participants overcame some downright cold and blustery conditions last Sunday to race two miles through the streets of Kingston in the annual Shamrock Run.
While organizers would have preferred a better weather day to get even more runners at the line, race director Bob Carey said the 2017 numbers were higher than last year.
“It was cold and brisk, but that didn’t stop the runners,” Carey said.
“They just kept moving forward. It was another great turnout for the Shamrock Run with 3,200 registered, a six percent increase over last year.”
Carey gave special accolades to the schools that sign up young runners and their families, noting that numbers from that group increased by a whopping 20 percent.
In that competition between the various schools, it was Edson Elementary School in Kingston that once again took home the trophy for the most registrants.
Kingston’s Bailey Junior High was second best.
While the Shamrock Run attracts many once-a-year runners, weekend warriors and joggers out having fun, there are some serious runners at the front of the pack.
Travis Meier was fastest to the finish down the Broadway course, traveling from the Academy Green start line to the end on the Strand in 10 minutes, three seconds.
Adam King was a close second in 10:19 and Martin Kurtz took third place in 10:26.
Shannon Averill was the first female finisher, racing downhill to victory in 11:34.
Renee Darmstadt was second in 12:06 and Chloe Hanson placed third in 12:08.
Don’t look here for any other results as organizers do not time the entire field and if you didn’t keep track yourself, you are out of luck.
The reward for runners completing the teeth-chattering 2-mile run was a festive post-race party held in the Rondout Neighborhood Center, and, of course, the coveted long-sleeve race t-shirt or pint glass.
One lucky runner, Gary Warcholak, had an even luckier day as he was the grand prize winner of roundtrip airfare for two to Ireland.
This year’s race was especially important to Carey as organizers honored his late wife, Joyce, who passed away recently.
Joyce Carey was a tireless volunteer for the Shamrock Run and was also involved with the children’s program at the Kingston Area Library.
Part of the proceeds from the race will be donated to the library in her memory at a later date.
Bridge-2-Bridge Run set for Mohonk Preserve
You don’t want to wait too much longer to register for this year’s Rock and Snow Bridge-2-Bridge Run, set for 9 a.m. on April 8 at the Mohonk Preserve.
Sponsored by the Shawangunk Runners Club, the 5-mile race travels on the Spring Farm Trailhead and the field is limited to the first 300 entrants.
If you are a preserve member, the entry fee is $25, and if you aren’t, then it will cost you $30.
Since there is a cap on attendance, there will be no race-day registration.
As an added bonus, if you take part in this race, you receive a free entry into Lou’s Run, one of the races in the New Paltz Summer Cross Country Series.
If you manage to snag one of the race spots, check-in begins at 8 a.m.
Plenty more details can be found by visiting the club’s webpage at www. shawangunkrunners.com or by calling the preserve at (845) 255-0919.
Please send all race results and information to 79 Hurley Ave., Kingston, N.Y., 12401; fax to (845) 331-3557; or email to runerichrun@gmail.com. Follow Eric Houghtaling on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/runerichrun