Catch A Rae 5k celebrates teenager’s spirit
September 24 is shaping up as a busy race day in the area and last week I mentioned the Towpath Run 6k that closes out the Onteora Runners Club Grand Prix Series.
But also on that day, a celebration of a life cut short takes place at Red Hook High with the 10th annual Catch A Rae 5k.
The race was created to honor the memory of Alexandra Rae Gravino, a Red Hook student who tragically died in a car accident in March 2008.
She was both an athlete and an artist, excelling at both and participating on the Raiders track and field hockey teams.
Jodi Gravino, well known to the local running and triathlon community and Alex’s mother, created the event with other supporters, along with Action for Alex charity, to bolster arts and athletics at the school.
“It’s our event that honors Alexandra and enables her spirit to continue to touch the lives of others,” Gravino said. “We hope everyone will help her love shine down for another year.”
The arts and athletics scholarship fund that was started in Alex’s name has assisted a number of Red Hook seniors with their college plans.
“Over the past nine years, the scholarship has given out over $38,000 to Red Hook high school seniors,” Gravino said. “We look forward to seeing everyone on race day and we are so thankful for all of the community’s support.”
The event begins at 9 a.m. with a mile run on the high school track for students, then at 9:30 a.m. there are track races for kids ages 3-12.
The 5k run is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
Entry fee is $25 for the 5k before Sept. 18 and $30 thereafter and on race day.
The cost for student mile run cost $15 for preregistered entrants and $20 after.
The kids races are $5 for pre-registered and race-day entrants.
Registration and checkin on race begins at 8 a.m.
You can also register online at www.getmeregistered.com, and more details can be obtained by contacting Gravino at (914) 466-3443 or via email at Catcharaerun@yahoo. com.
Pfalz Point Trail Run on Sept. 24
The third offering for that busy day, Sept. 24, is the annual 10-mile Pfalz Point Trail Challenge at the Mohonk Preserve in High Falls.
The race, starting at 9 a.m., is limited to the first 300 entrants and often is sold out prior to race day.
The course, featuring breathtaking views of the Shawangunk Ridge, and starts at the Spring Farm trailhead.
Entry fee is $33 for members of the Preserve and $45 for all others.
Check-in on race day begins at 8 a.m.
For more information, contact Andy Reynolds at (845) 255-0919, ext. 1269 or via e-mail at pptc@mohonkpreserve.org, or visit the website, www.mohonkpreserve.org.
Kent Conquers Pikes Peak Half
Congrats to Red Hook native and California resident Trevor Kent, who recently completed the Pikes Peak Ascent Half Marathon in Colorado on Aug. 19.
Kent climbed and descended the more than 7,800 feet in elevation in three hours, 39 minutes and 12 seconds to finish 188th out of 1,711 finiishers.
Please send all race results and information to runerichrun@gmail.com. Follow Eric Houghtaling on Twitter at http:// twitter.com/runerichrun