Spring events are just around the corner
A clear signal that the COVID-19 pandemic is in our rearview mirror is that many traditional events are back. For example, the 30th annual YMCA of Kingston and Ulster Indoor Triathlon is scheduled for Sunday, March 4. Unfortunately, it was canceled in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
The triathlon consists of three events. The first leg is a 15-minute swim in the YMCA’s newly refurbished pool. Competitors try to swim as many laps as possible.
After a 10-minute transition to change into dry clothing and running shoes, participants ride an Air-Dyne exercycle for 20 minutes. The goal is to accumulate as many miles on the bike as you can. Among Air-Dyne aficionados, the cycle is known as the “torture machine.” The bike leg is a real test of your cardiovascular endurance and willpower.
The final leg is a 20-minute run on the Y’s 123-meter indoor track. With your legs “burning” from the bike, the first five minutes of the run seems the most difficult. If you start the run too fast, cramping in your calves is entirely possible.
One of the things I liked about the indoor tri the first time I entered was that you don’t have to be an experienced triathlete to compete in it. However, you do need to be fit enough to push yourself for 55 minutes. That first year I did not do any preparation to get ready. The 15-minute swim seemed like an eternity, but you don’t need any bike skills to push hard on the exercycle.
Ultimately, I did okay, with only the most talented triathletes finishing ahead of me. The YMCA Indoor Triathlon is a perfect introduction to triathlons and a fun distraction from winter. All proceeds benefit the YMCA’s community service programs. For more information, visit the YMCA’s website at ymcaulster.org or call (845) 331-3810.
Shamrock Run
One week later, on March 12, the massive Shamrock Run steps off from the Academy Green in uptown Kingston at 12:50 pm. This “unofficial start” to spring in Ulster County has had more than 4,000 participants.
The two-mile run and walk precede Kingston’s annual Saint Patrick’s Parade, organized by the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. In essence, the run is the first “float” of the parade; the Irish Cultural Center of the Hudson Valley organizes the run. The race course transverses Broadway and finishes at Rondout Creek. The route has only one small climb, and the second half is all downhill.
The event has tremendous energy, with thousands of people lining Broadway and thousands in the run. The parade and run bring the entire community together to celebrate the coming of spring and Irish heritage in America.
The Shamrock run started in 1989 and was an immediate success. The organizers were hoping for over 100 runners and wound up with 297 finishers. I remember the first race vividly. I was excited to run down the city’s main artery where I was raised. I enjoyed running past my friends, family, and everyone lining Broadway. I felt a rush of excitement as I heard my name being called out.
As we turned down lower Broadway near St. Mary’s School, I was locked in a three-way battle with John Collins and Jim Gregory. I dug deep, called gravity my friend, and won the race in 9:27. Cathi Bischoff won the women’s race in 11:33.
I’m sure every year; someone experiences that same energy. The course records were set in 1992 by Bouazza Abidi with an 8:19 and Michelle Franklin with a time of 10:38. The winners in 2022 were Daniel Renahan(10:23) and Caitlin Donovan (13:09).
This year’s race will raise money for the Agri-Business Child Development program of Ulster County. Recently, the event has raised more than $10,000 for the selected organization. In addition, the Yvonne Sill Trophy is awarded to the Kingston elementary school with the highest percentage of its students participating. The first 2,000 registrants will receive a long-sleeve commemorative T-shirt. For more information and to register for the run, visit the website shamrockrun.org.
I want to thank the Ulster County Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Irish Cultural Center of the Hudson Valley for doing all the work necessary to organize this wonderful day. So, come run or walk down Broadway, enjoy the postrace party at the Downtown Neighborhood Center, and watch your friends and neighbors march in the parade.
Kiwanis Kingston Classic
The 39th Annual Kiwanis Kingston Classic (KKC) has announced that registration for this year’s event is now open. The KKC has three races, making the event suitable for all and very family-friendly. There is a 10K, 5K, and a 1.5-miler.
The race date is Sunday, April 23, with the 10K/5K starting at 10 a.m. and the 1.5 miler at 10:15 a.m. All three races will take place along the waterfront section of downtown Kingston. The 10K will use the Strand, the Brickyard Trail, and the Kingston Point Trail. The 5K will be out and back using the Strand and the Brickyard Trail. Finally, the 1.5-mile run will follow the Strand and turn around on North Street.
Due to the generosity of the local businesses that sponsor the classic every year, the Kiwanis Club has been able to keep the race affordable for all. The 10K and 5K entry fees are $25, and the 1.5 miler is $15. Since moving to the waterfront, the race T-shirt has reflected the historic nature of the Rondout area. Local artist Judy Tellier has a fantastic idea for this year’s shirt. I’m considering entering the race twice to get two shirts.
After the pandemic interrupted the classic, the Kiwanis Club was unsure if the classic would bounce back. However, last year’s race had over 600 registrants with nearly 500 finishers, and the day had a fun festival feel. Organizers can only hope that the weather cooperates in 2023. For more information on the Kiwanis Kingston Classic and to register, visit the website kiwaniskingstonclassic.com.
Snow Moon Festival 5K (recap)
In Saugerties, members of the town organized the inaugural Saugerties Snow Moon Festival from Friday, Feb. 3, through Sunday, Feb. 5. This ambitious undertaking included 25 indoor and outdoor events culminating with a parade through the village and a giant bonfire at Cantine Field.
The first-ever Snow Moon Festival 5K was scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4. Unfortunately, the National Weather Service issued a warning for subzero temperatures with wind-chill temperatures somewhere south of minus 25 degrees. For the safety of the participants and volunteers, the race was rescheduled for the next day. This was a wise decision as Sunday had much better weather conditions.
The top three men were Jonathan Traver (20:12), Liam Regan (20:40), and Robert McKenzie at 22:27. The fastest women were Denise Iannizzotto (22:36), Tracy Williams (28:10) and Stephanie Quinn (28:41). The winner of the under-12 division was Landon Lang in 27:34.
As a novice runner more than 20 years ago, Iannizzotto could not keep up with the Shawangunk Runners Club workouts, but she continued to come. Now at 60 years old, not only can she keep up, she is often leading the way. A few years back, she won her age group (55-59) at the New York City Marathon. We all know how accomplished you must be to win your age group at such a significant and competitive event.
Congratulations to race director Kelly Myers on a successful first edition of this race. Myers She seems to have had a hand in everything that happened over the three days of the festival. I envision this race and the festival becoming bigger and better.
ORC Winter Survivors Series (recap)
The Onteora Runners Club organized a five-week Winter Survivors Series to help runners get through the winter. The first two weeks are now complete.
Week number one, the Stockade Sprint (1.75 miles), started and finished on North Front Street in uptown Kingston. Sixtyseven participants rumbled down Wall Street and tried to hold their pace coming back up Fair Street.
When the dust settled, the top three men were Tim Burger at 10:30, Scott Hayes (10:45), and Owen Harvey (10:54). The fastest women were Catherine Herne (11:40), Anna Harrod-McGrew (12:23) and Rosibel Landau (12:36).
Week number two found 65 participants running the Lourghan Park 5K in Kingston’s Roosevelt Park neighborhood. The top three men were James Mulligan of Kingston with a fast 17:34, followed by Scott Hayes (18:53) and Ian McGrew (19:49). The top three women were Catherine Herne (20:26), Anna Harrod-McGrew (21:38), and Rosibel Landau (23:20).
The next race in the series will be the 4.3-mile Broadway Down and Up. So get ready to tackle Ravine Street. For all information on the series, visit the website zippy-reg.com and look for the Winter Survivors Series. With spring just around the corner, I hope to see many of you at upcoming events.
Steve Schallenkamp has been active in area running circles since 1966 as a runner, race director, volunteer and coach. He is a member of the Onteora Runners Club and president of the Shawangunk Runners Club.