30th Shamrock Run continues rich Kingston history
Next Sunday, the 30th annual Shamrock Run and parade will take off from the Academy Green in Uptown Kingston. It will transverse the two miles of Broadway and finish at the Rondout Creek.
In 1989, Freeman ‘On the Run’ Columnist Ken Pillsworth wrote “Twas a sight to behold as 283 runners braved the bonechilling temperature to be part of the 1st Shamrock Run.” The event has since evolved into a run with more than 4,500 runners and walkers.
The top three men in 1989 were yours truly (9:27), John Collins (9:30) and Jim Gregory (9:31). The top three women were Cathie Bischoff (11:33), Erika Sutton (12:08) and Joanna McNulty (12:15).
The top men in 2017 were Travis Meier (10:03), Adam King (10:19) and Martin Kurtz (10:26). The top three women were Shannon Averill (11:34), Renee Darmstadt (12:06) and Chole Hanson (12:08).
The men’s and women’s course records were both set in 1992 by Bouazza Abidi (8:19) and Michelle Franklin (10:38).
I remember the first race vividly. I was excited to run down the main artery of the city I grew up in. I enjoyed running past my friends, family and all the people who lined Broadway.
I felt a rush of excitement as I heard my name being called out. As we turned down Broadway near St. Mary’s Church, we were locked in a 3-way battle. I dug deep, called gravity my friend, and won the race. I’m sure each year someone experiences that same energy.
Starting in 1991, the race became successful enough to raise money for a local charitable organization. This year, that organization is the Kingston Catholic Schools Children’s Programs. In recent years, the race has contributed $10,000 to the selected charity.
The first year the race picked the “best dressed” Irishman and woman. Now, organizers honor an individual who has contributed to the race and community.
This year’s “honoree” is Bob Ryan, Jr. Bob was one of the three race directors in 1989. He has been an integral part of every race for the last 30 years. His business, Ryan and Ryan Insurance, has been the major sponsor of the race.
It seems quite fitting that Bob, who graduated from Coleman Catholic High, is the honoree in the year that Kingston Catholic Schools is the beneficiary of the race.
What makes this event special is how it brings the community together.
On the surface, it celebrates the Irish heritage in America. What it really honors is the sense of community that exists here. Thousands of people from all walks of life participate. The run is short enough that whole families join in. In a sense, the run is the first “float” of the parade with everybody finishing downtown.
Another feature will be the attempt to break the Guinness world record for the most kilted run. The record currently is 1,764, held by the Perth Run in Ontario, Canada set in 2012. So, don your kilts and come down and be part of a world record!
There is a post-run party at the Rondout Community Center where people can imbibe in a beer and enjoy green bagels. There is a raffle of prizes with the grand prize being a trip to Ireland for two.
After the party and raffle, I like to watch the parade. My favorite parts are the Kingston High School Band and the Shriners in their little cars.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Irish Cultural Center of the Hudson Valley should be applauded for this green celebration. This event with the run, parade and the throngs who line Broadway is indeed bigger than the sum of its parts.
For more information about the run, registration and Tshirt pick-up, visit www.shamrockrunners.org.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.