Trail runners flock to Pfalz Point race

It’s billed as one of the most scenic runs in the area. It annually attracts hundreds of runners to the trails on the Mohonk Preserve.

And it’s one of the biggest fundraisers for the preserve’s environmental education programs, land protection and stewardship programs.

A crowded field of 231 finishers traveled those trails on the Shawangunk Ridge last Sunday at the 10-mile challenge known as the Pfalz Point Run.

As reward for their jaunt around the mountains, finishers were treated to a chili lunch from Main Street Bistro.

James McCowan of Poughkeepsie was the overall winner, traversing the course in a time of one hour, five minutes and 50 seconds.

David Sorensen gave chase and settled for second place in 1:06:13, while Ian Shultis was third in 1:07:38.

John Copeland ranged up for fourth place in 1:07:41, with Tim Kosteczko in fifth at 1:08:26.

Ben Sweet placed sixth in 1:08:53 and Matt Duball was seventh in 1:10:15. Laura Coogan of New York City won the women’s division for the second year in a row, placing eighth overall in 1:10:32.

Troy Squire (1:10:41) and Douglas Schiz (1:11:33) completed the top 10. Catherine Herne was runner-up to Coogan in 1:15:00, while in third place for the ladies it was Kristen Gregory in 1:17:30.

Fourth place went to Gabriela Olivera in 1:21:26, fifth went to Katy May in 1:22:10 and in sixth, it was Carly Gillet in 1:23:34.

Local regulars found among the finishers included Anthony Ferreri (1:12:34), Mike Siudy (1:15:02), Luke Taylor (1:19:22), Bill Shashaty (1:22:00), Leo Burke (1:32:51), Lisa Cavanagh (1:34:21), Caroline Chant (1:35:58), Kristina Kaisik (1:36:01), Sue Klein (1:39:38), Tim Gottstine (1:39:50), Pam Gottstine (1:42:03), Margaux Seche (1:43:33), David Seche (1:43:37) and Lisa Jerkowski (1:45:12).

TOWPATH RUN RAISES FUNDS FOR KIDS CENTER

The annual Towpath Run 6k from Alligerville to Accord was also held last Sunday with a select field taking to the point-to-point course.

The Little Ones Learning Center is the beneficiary of funds raised at the race.

Matthew Paley was the overall winner in 24:20 and Heather Hazard (fourth overall) took the women’s race in 26:46.

David Wilhelm was second overall in 24:25, followed by Zury Oates in third at 24:45.

Dean Quick finished fifth in 27:32, with Eric Veruto in sixth at 28:23. Rounding out the top 10 were Terry Newman (29:08) Stan Sagner (29:14), Jacque Schiffer (29:21) and Aaron Rice (32:00).

CAHILL CLASSIC 5K ON OCT. 15

It’s less than two weeks to this year’s Cahill Classic 5k, set for Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. at Cahill Elementary School in Saugerties.

The annual race raises funds to benefit programs at the elementary school located smack-dab in the middle of the village.

This is a flat and fast course that travels out and back on Washington Ave. to and from the school.

Early entry fee has expired and it’ll cost $25 to race from now til race day. Families can register for $30.

Registration on race day begins at 8 a.m.

More details are available by contacting Jennifer Mangione at (845) 2460675 or via email at jenniferzmangione@yahoo.com.

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