Runners of all abilities enjoy Classic particpation
Sunday’s 36th Kiwanis Kingston Classic brought together a wide range of runners — from those who ran in ironman triathlons, along with marathoners and more casual runners looking to kick off the season.
The runners were pleased with temperatures in the 60s and cloudless skies with a slight breeze.
James DeArce, of New Paltz, is an avid runner who has competed in an ironman — that consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and marathon run — but also many local 5ks and 10ks. He said the Classic is just a lot of fun.
“A lot of runners are coming up from New Paltz,” DeArce said. “There are a lot of beautiful place to run in the Hudson Valley.”
Damon Hymes, of Kingston, was in his fourth year running the Classic. He admitted he’s more of a sprinter, and he predicted the 10K distance would be a challenge.
“It’s a little different for me, but
I’ll try my best,” Hymes said before the race.
Hymes said he prefers the Rondout area course to the original Uptown route.
“I like it better, there’s different scenery to run through,” Hymes said.
David Seche said he enjoys the course other than the cones, which he believes slow him down.
“I’m running along, and all of a sudden, I have to stop and turn around,” Seche said. “10K is a great distance, it’s a challenging distance.
“I’m building as much as I can,” Seche said.
Joe Muscarella and Vicki Kolano were also running in the 10K.
“It’s the first race of the season,” Muscarella said. He added he enjoys being part of the community and the after-race festivities.
“It’s a pretty easy course, it’s nice for everybody to partake in,” Kolano said. “It’s pretty flat, and scenic along the way and it goes through the park.”
Jim Maines, of Saugerties, was running the 10K for the Ulster County Corrections Officer Benevolent Association team, which fielded a 5-member team. He said he’s ran with Team COBA since 2004, and for many years before it.
Maines said he first started running when they had the Jennifer Shultis Memorial Run in Saugerties. He added that he likes the Rondout course and that 10K is a nice distance.
Mark Knoezer, of New Windsor, was running in his first Classic, and his first 10K in 10 years. He said he already ran the race distance himself while he was training last week.
And he was happy about the weather.
“It’s beautiful,” Knoezer said. “This is perfect weather.”
Samantha Spacone, of Marlboro, was making the jump to the 10K after doing Spartan races, which ranged from 8-14 miles and feature running interspersed with obstacles.
“I’ve never done a running race,” Spacone said. “This is way harder, straight running with no obstacles.”
Standing at the starting line on West Strand Street just minutes before the start of the 10K, Jim McGuade said he was nervous as he prepared to run in the Classic for the first time in 20 years.
“It’s a great local race,” he said. “I’m training for a half marathon.”
Standing near a refreshment tent at the finish line after finishing the 10K, Catskill Ballet Theater President Laurie Machung said she ran to thank the Kiwanis Club for supporting Catskill Ballet over the years. She said she once ran a lot of races, including the Boston Marathon, but leg issues forced her to give up longer distance races.
Machung admitted even this year’s 10K proved to be a bit of a challenge. She recalled running the 2014 Boston Marathon, which was one year after the terror attack in 2013.
“It was pretty amazing, there was a lot of energy and spirit, and also a lot of security,” Machung said of that year’s marathon.
Others like Kim Andresen, opted for the 2.1-mile race. She said the distance was perfect for her 8-yearold son Oliver who has also ran 5K’s but found this distance to be more enjoyable.
Priscilla Scheirer, of Elka Park ran the 2.1-mile for her first time, pushing a stroller along the course. And she’s looking forward to running in the Classic again.
“I’d love to be able to the 10K,” Scheirer said.