Roger’s Run 4 AMC one of those races that has special feel to it
A few months ago, I wrote that some races
have a special feel or “vibe” to them. Roger’s Run 4 AMC in Red Hook on June 16 is one such event.
I have participated in this run since 2014. I got involved by happenstance. John McGovern loaned me race equipment and also promised it to Roger’s Run. It was easier for me to bring it to the race than return it to John. I knew nothing about the event. After running the race I was hooked. I will let Lisa Loughran’s words speak for themselves.
“Hi, this is Lisa, mom to Roger, a 2nd grader who was born with a rare condition called Arthogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC). Arthogryposis is the Greek word for curved or crooked joints. We discovered he had the condition at 21 weeks gestation. This neurological condition affects all of the muscles and joints of the body.
“It causes limited range of motion in his joints and some joints are ‘fixed’ with no range. Right from the initial diagnosis, we found great support from the AMC support group. They gave us hope and helped us find professional resources for when Roger was born. We wanted to find a way to give back to an organization that gave us hope when even the doctors could not give us guarantees that our child would survive outside the womb; be able to eat/ drink or walk.
“In June 2011, we started Roger’s Run 4 AMC with all proceeds donated to the AMC support group. To date we have donated more than $67,000 that directly benefits families of those with Arthogryposis. The outpouring of support we have received from our community has been overwhelming. There are no words to adequately describe how supported and loved we feel in our hometown of Red Hook, N.Y.
“As part of his treatment, Roger has endured many surgeries and countless castings of his limbs. He is a true champion, he endures all with a positive attitude often citing his favorite phrase ‘never give up.’ He is an inspiration to those he meets and is a true blessing to our family and community.
“Roger has helped us focus on the “can do” rather than the things we are unable to do. As Roger gets older, this race becomes more important to him. He looks forward to this day and feels everyone’s love and support. This race is a celebration of community spirit, action, kindness and caring.
“We are so appreciative to all the families, local businesses and community members who take the time away from their busy lives to celebrate with Roger. We have several families of children with Arthogryposis who come to the event; as well as several of Roger’s doctors, therapists, teachers, scouts and sports teams.”
The 5k is run on Benner and Rokeby Roads. It is a slightly rolling out and back course. If you are ready to run a fast time, there are no long grinding hills to slow you down. There is also a non- competitive 5k walk. The event includes a one mile relay and short dashes for kids.
I encourage all area runners and walkers to come feel the “vibe” that is Roger’s Run. You will not be disappointed. For more information or to register go to www.rogersrun4amc.com . Race day in Woodstock
• Today is the Woodstock 5k/15k road races at the Woodstock Music Lab (formerly the Zena Elementary School) in Zena. The 15k goes off at 8 a.m. and the 5k at 8:45 a.m. Day of registration begins at 7 a.m. ORC Spring Series
• On May 9, the first race in the Onteora Runners Club Spring Series was held. The Platte Clove Run was started by Barry Hopkins in the early 1970’s and is one of the oldest races in the area. It starts with an easy first mile and then climb 1300 feet in 2 miles.
Platte Clove Road is so steep, it gets closed in the winter. The race parallels the infamous Devil’s Kitchen. This years race was won by Simeon Kleinsasser in 26:00. Sheryl Wheeler was the first woman in 30:35.
• The final race in the series will be on June 6 in Palenville. The High Rock Run up to Indian Chair may only be 2.25 miles long, but it will test your resolve. It is run on a treacherous, steep, single-track trail. The top offers a spectacular view of the Catskill Mountains. The longer run down will quench your running thirst for the evening. Stockade Run/Walk
• On June 9, the Friends of the Senate House will present the 1st Stockade 5k Color Run/ Walk. This flat and fast race will use primarily Fair and Wall Streets. It promises to be fun for the entire family. For more info go to senatehousekingston.org. Rock the Ridge recap
• The 6th Rock the Ridge 50 mile challenge was held on May 19. This race organized by the Mohonk Preserve is a major fundraiser for the Preserve’s mission. This year the race raised approximately $250,000. In its six years, the race has raised more than $1 million.
This organization brings the wonders of nature and environmental education to thousands of school children. It protects and provides land stewardship to more than 8,000 acres of the Shawangunk Ridge. The ridge has been deemed “one of the Earth’s last great places” by the Nature Conservancy.
The Preserve’s research center has collected weather and climate data for more than 100 years. This year’s race was truly epic as competitors, not only had to overcome the challenge of completing 50 miles, but faced weather conditions that could only be categorized as a “perfect storm.”
Temperatures dropped into the low 40’s and there was a constant, soaking rain. This confluence of factors made the dangers of hypothermia all to real. 139 participants finished the race along with 33 relay teams.
Up front, there was a thrilling 3-man battle that turned a 50 mile race into who could “kick” for 800 meters. Etan Levavi came from behind to win in 6:49:17. Ben Nephew and New Paltz’s James McGowan finished in 6:49:26 and 6:50:12. In reality, there were no winners or losers, just a bonding moment that will last a lifetime.
On the women’s side, the top 3 were Nancy Broughel (9:01:04), Katie Poor (9:32:40) and Holly Chase in 9:32:40. The relay race was won by 4 young men from the Bruderhof. David Blough, Rufus Wareham, Martin Kurtz and Simeon Kleinsasser combined to run 5:49:51.
Calendar, results
Race directors, please submit information for the race calendar to sports@freemanonline. com. Information should be in the form of a concise email with important details highlighted and included in the body of the email. No race flyer PDFs.
Race results should be submitted directly to me at ssrun54@aol.com.
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.