From Fun Jogs To Extreme Ironman Events, Ulster County Provides Challenges For Runners

Kingston, N.Y. (April 4, 2011) – As the snow gives way to spring, runners will find a plethora of events – from fun runs to extreme ironman races – to challenge them in Ulster County. Series races, relays, biathlons, triathlons, fund-raisers, quaint downtown village races, and runs on carriage roads and rocky footpaths are just a few of the events that dot Ulster County’s terrain.
“Nobody provides the variety of race courses, lengths and inclines that challenge runners like Ulster County,” Ulster County Tourism Director Richard J. Remsnyder said. “But runners will be most rewarded with the scenic wonders that Ulster County presents.”
The Kiwanis Kingston Classic makes its return this year after a year hiatus and kicks off the county’s USA Track & Field certified events on Sunday, April 17. The 10K-event is the highlight of a weekend of events for family, which includes the first Kids’ Classic, which starts things off on Saturday, April 16.
Among the most challenging of Ulster’s events this year will be the annual Survival of the Shawangunks in the New Paltz area and the first-ever Rebel Race in Modena. Both are expected to draw participants from throughout the U.S. as well as other countries.

The Survival of the Shawangunks is an eight-stage triathlon on Sept. 11 where participants will cycle country roads and scenic highways circling the northern ridge of the Shawangunk Mountain Region for 56 miles, run back trails for 13 miles and swim in Lake Minnewaska and Lake Mohonk for 1.2 miles. The Rebel Race is a run with attitude, planned for the weekend of June 11-12 at Hurd’s Farm, 2187 Route 32, in Modena. It’s a 15K race, with a 5K version for the fainter of heart. Plan on crawling across muddy creeks, climbing slimy slopes made of mud, jumping logs and leaping over fire in this event. 

Photo: The Kingston Classic in 2009.

RUNNING RACES IN ULSTER COUNTY

Competitive Fun
Timed but not officially sanctioned or certified USATF events

April 3
Ray’s Run 4-Mile Run/2-Mile Walk
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
11 a.m. registration; 12:30 p.m. run/walk; For race info: ssrun54@aol.com, 845-339-5474 ysill1@aol.com
Proceeds benefit Raymond Caddy Jr. KHS Scholarship Fund. Awards, great refreshments, T-shirts, free raffle prizes and a great atmosphere. This is a perfect tune-up race for the Kingston Classic.

April 10
HITS 5K For the United Way
HITS Showgrounds, 454 Washington Ave. Ext., Saugerties, NY
5K run, 2-mile walk, and 1-mile Kid’s Fun Run throughout HITS Showgrounds and Cantine Field. 8:30 a.m. registration; 10 a.m. run/walk; 9:45 Kids Fun Run. Awards and prize drawings. For registration: www.uwuc.org

May 1
3rd Annual Spring Sprint 5K Trail Run
Shaupeneak Ridge Preserve, Old Post Road, Esopus, NY
10:30 a.m. start. A challenging and technical race on the rugged trails of spectacular Shaupeneak Ridge preserve. While competing for fun prizes on one of the toughest 5K courses in the Mid-Hudson Valley, entrants will be rewarded with magnificent views of the Hudson River and Louisa Pond. Following the race, runners will enjoy a chili lunch provided by Soul Dog of Poughkeepsie. For registration: www.scenichudson.org

May 5
Huguenot Street Nursery School Community Run 5K
Broadhead Street, New Paltz, NY
4:30 p.m. start. Loop course down Huguenot Street to Main and onto the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Prizes, free children’s run, entertainment and children’s activities. For registration: www.huguenotcoop.org/community_run.asp

May 15
Ellenville’s 28th Anniversary Run Like the Wind, Liberty Square, Ellenville, NY
9:30 a.m. 5K, 10K, 5K Fitness Walk, kids races. Race benefits area food banks – bring three or more non-perishable food items and be entered into raffle. Water stops and chip timing. For registration: www.ellenvillerunlikethewind.com

May 30
The Woodstock Races: 5K and 15K
Zena School, Zena and Sawkill Roads, Woodstock, NY
9 a.m. 15K, 9:45 a.m. 5K. An Onteora Runners Club Grand Prix event, the race boasts scenic and challenging courses, post-race refreshments, age-group awards. For information or to register: Sue Hoger at (845) 679-7438 or shoger@rcal.org

June 5
Race 4 Grace 5K Run and Walk Fundraiser
Twin Lakes Resort, 198 Heritage Drive, Hurley, NY
1 p.m. 5K trail run or walk with a Kids Fun Race at the end of the day. All proceeds go directly to the family of 5-year-old Grace Thiele, who is fighting leukemia. Chip timing available. To register: www.race4grace.eventbrite.com

June 18
Treetops to Rooftops 5K
Walkway Over The Hudson, Highland, NY
8 a.m. Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club race goes across the Walkway Over the Hudson’s steel cantilever bridge spanning the Hudson River between Poughkeepsie on the east bank and Highland on the west bank.
To register: www.mhrrc.org/MHRRCRacing/upcomingFlyers.aspx

June 19
New Paltz Challenge; Father’s Day Half Marathon & Family 5K
Water Street Market, New Paltz, NY
7:30 a.m. registration; 8:45 a.m. half-marathon; 9 a.m., 5K. Clock-timed with water stations, mile markers, post-race refreshments and age-group awards. For information: www.newpaltzchamber.org

July 13
9th Annual Gardiner 5K Classic Run/Walk
George Majestic Park, Murphy’s Lane, Gardiner, NY
6:30 p.m. Scenic course with rolling hills. Proceeds benefit the Gardiner Fire Department and the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Age group awards and free BBQ following the race. www.townofgardiner.org

August 20
Hudson Valley Rail Trail 5K Race/Walk
75 Haviland Road in Highland, NY
9 a.m. The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association hosts a 5K Race and Walk beginning at 75 Haviland Road in Highland, N.Y., proceeding westward to the mid-way point of the Rail Trail, and returning to 75 Haviland Road. For information: www.hudsonvalleyrailtrail.net

October 2
Towpath 6K Walk/Run For Literacy
Accord Community Center, Accord, NY
7:30 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. walkers; 9:15 a.m. runners. 3.7-mile (6K) fundraiser for Little Ones Learning Center, in Accord along Tow Path Road, a scenic, wooded lane with views of the Catskills, and up the hill from the actual towpath used for ferrying boats along the former D&H Canal for information: www.littleoneslearningcenter.org/calendar
 
November 24
8th Annual New Paltz Turkey Trot: 5K Race, Walk and Fun Run
8 a.m. registration and packet pick-up; 9 a.m. free Mashed Potato Kids half-mile Fun Run (10 and under); 9:30 a.m. Turkey Trot 5K race, fun run and walk; 10:30 a.m. awards ceremony. Race starts and ends at Water Street Market, Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561. www.newpaltzturkeytrot.com


USATF Certified or Sanctioned

April 16 & 17
Kiwanis Kingston Classic & Kids Classic
USATF Certified # NY08066JG
Dietz Stadium, Kingston, NY
www.kingstonkiwanisclassic.com
April 16th: Kids’ Classic. Racing categories for children ages pre-school through middle school with entertainment, activities and awards.
Saturday night: Runners registered the Classic are invited to carb-load with competitors.
April 17: 10K Kingston Classic and the 2.1mile Fun-Run. A 10K team challenge; Fun zone competition.

June 22
Summer Solstice Run-15K Trail Race
Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz,, NY
6:30 p.m. Fund-raiser for the Lou Gross Memorial Fund sponsored by the Shawangunk Runners. Starts at Lake Minnewaska and runs along incredible cliffs, circles pristine glacial lakes and through blooming mountain laurel. This is one of the most beautiful runs, anywhere. Awards in all standard 10-year age groups. This race is sanctioned by USA Track and Field. Results will be posted at our e-group, www. groups.yahoo.com/group/runthegunks. For information:
www.shawangunkrunners.org/

New Paltz Summer Cross Country Series
Children’s ½ and 1 Mile Races and Adult 3 to 4.7 mile races over spectacular scenic courses and carriage trails
Registration 6 p.m., 7 p.m. start for kids; adults immediately after.

July 5
Mohonk Preserve “Undercliff/Overcliff”
4.7 miles; start at metal bridge, Rte 44/55.
July 12
Mohonk Preserve “Lou’s Run”
4-plus miles on single track and carriage paths, fast finish; start at Spring Farm trail head, Mountain Rest Road.
July 19
Minnewaska State Park “Patterson’s Pellet”
3 miles; start at lake, out and back on Millbrook Trail.
July 26
Minnewaska State Park "Blueberry Run"
4-plus miles; start at lake, around lake and over old golf course. Blueberries Galore!

August 2
Awards and Fun Relay
New Paltz Rail Trail. Park at Reformed Church, Huguenot Street, registration is at church.
For information on the series: www.shawangunkrunners.org/

August 14
Twentieth Annual (Since 1992) 100 km Catskill Mountain Road Relay
USATF Certified Course #NY02057AM
Sponsored by the Orange Runners Club and the Sullivan Striders this is the only single-loop certified 100 km in the US. Team Competition, Endurance Challenge, Scenic Tour. Listed in Competitor Magazine as one of the best team running races in the world. Starts in Phoenicia, Big Indian Grahamsville, Sundown, West Shokan. Register: www.sullivanstriders.org/cmrr.htm

October 8
Healthy Harvest 5K Run/Walk
USATF Certified course by Brian Cavanaugh, NY
Sponsored by Walker Valley Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary with partial proceeds to Benefit Sgt. Eddie Ryan. Walker Valley Fire House, Route 52 Walker Valley. Race time by Fast Finishes. T-shirts to first 100 pre-registered runners/walkers. Prizes to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places of each category. For information contact Debbie King: d_king_50@hotmail.com, 845-744-5531; Tami Lutz: imat@frontiernet.net, 845-744-2107; April Grieco: algrieco@frontiernet.net, 845-744-2452; Be sure to type 5K Run/ Walk in subject line.

October 9
4th Annual Beaverkill Mountain Road Race
(Half # NY07080JG, 5K # NY07079JG , kids fun run)
Registration 7:30 a.m.; 9 a.m. start. Start/Finish at the Beaverkill Valley Inn in Hardenburgh. The half-marathon course has been called “one of the most beautiful half-marathon courses ever” and is very scenic, running along the Beaverkill River then up and over dirt roads for five miles with a 4 percent grade then back down for a fast flat finish along the river. All proceeds to benefit Catskill Mountain Keeper. Course support, medals and T-shirts to all registrants. Contact Race Director, Melissa Holden, for more information: melissaiholden@yahoo.com. Register on www.active.com

November 13
After The Leaves Have Fallen 20K Trail Race
Minnewaska State Park, Route 44/55, New Paltz, NY
Sanctioned by US Track and Field
9:30 a.m. Fund-raiser for Josh Feldt Memorial Scholarship Fund at Wallkill High and the Shawangunk Runners Club. Spectacular scenic course on dirt carriage trails that go around two pristine lakes at Minnewaska State Park, New Paltz NY. Course starts and ends at Lake Minnewaska. For more information call Steve: 845-339-5474 or email: ssrun54@aol.com Results will be posted at www.shawangunkrunners.org

Extreme races

April 30
Spring Dual Against CF
Huguenot Street, New Paltz, NY
9 a.m. Run 2 miles; road bike, 2 miles; run, 2 miles. Perfect race for anyone starting to get into triathlon. The course is fast, flat and fun. Relay and kids fun race too. The kids race is free and distances will be determined based on the age groups present. The relay teams will start the same time as the individual racers. All profits from this race will go to benefit cystic fibrosis awareness and research. To register: www.cm2promotions.com.

May 8
8th Annual TROOPER BIATHLON
In Memory of NY State Troopers Mike Kelly, Ken Poormon and John McKenna, Dug Hill Road, Hurley, NY
9 a.m. The major annual fundraiser for the Kelly Children’s Education Fund and the Ken Poormon and John J. McKenna Memorial Funds. Mike Kelly and Ken Poormon were killed in the line of duty in Ulster County on May 31, 2000. Trooper and Marine Corps Capt. John McKenna was killed in combat in Iraq on August 16, 2006. To register: ww.trifind.com/re_33270/8thAnnualTrooperBiathlon.html

May 13 & 14th
Ragnar New York: From Woodstock to Westchester 200-mile Relay Run
A winding, 200-mile running relay event in New York like you’ve never experienced. Starting in Bethel, teams of 12 run day and night, relay style, through the mighty Catskills into New Paltz for an overnight, continuing on the next day over the Walkway Over The Hudson to Westchester County, taking in the view of New York City’s legendary skyline. Each team member runs three legs ranging between 3 to 8 miles and varying in difficulty. To register at team: www.ragnarrelay.com/race/newyork

May 15
American Zofingen Duathlon and Iron ITT
Spring Farm, Mohonk Preserve, 27 Upper Knolls Road, High Falls, NY
Four races on one day. Long Course Duathlon: trail run: 5 miles; road bike: 84 miles; trail run: 15 miles
Middle Distance Duathlon: trail run: 5 miles; road bike: 29 miles; trail run: 5 miles; road bike: 29 miles
Trail run: 5 miles. Short Course Duathlon: trail run: 5 miles; road bike: 29 miles; trail run: 5 miles. Iron I.T.T. Road Bike: 112 miles. Register: www.cm2promotions.com

June 11 & 12
Rebel Race
Hurd’s Farm, 2187 Route 32, Modena, NY
The Rebel Race Series is designed for people feeling the urge to tackle intense obstacles. From start to finish, Rebel Race’s military style obstacles will have you dashing, barricade-climbing, mud-crawling, rope-swinging and fire-jumping. Our grueling course forces each rebel to test their physical toughness and mental endurance. Cross the finish line and bask in the glory with tons of beer, food, live entertainment and thousands of new friends covered in mud. Earn the bragging rights. To register: www.rebelrace.com/event.php?id=35

June 12
Third Annual Williams Lake Olympic & Sprint Triathalon
Wiliams Lake Resort, Rosendale, NY
This race is one of a kind. From its pristine lake to a run through the cave. It is a race that triathletes at all levels will leave with a lasting memory. Sprint Race Distances: Swim - 0.5 mile; Road Bike - 12 miles; Trail Run - 3 miles. Olympic Race Distances: Swim - 1 mile; Road Bike - 24 miles; Trail Run - 6 miles. To register: www.cm2promotions.com

July 24
American Zofingen Triathlon
Wiliams Lake Resort, Rosendale, NY
This will be an epic race. It is the combination of the American Zofingen Duathlon bike course with an equally hard swim and run at Williams Lake. Be the one of the first to complete this race and be remembered as starting a legacy. Race Distances: Swim - 1.5 mile; Road Bike - 69 miles; Trail Run - 15 miles. To register: www.cm2promotions.com

September 11
The Survival of the Shawangunks (SOS)
7 a.m.; Ulster County Fairgrounds, Libertyville Road, New Paltz, NY. An eight-stage triathlon sponsored annually by the New York Triathlete Association. Cycle 30 miles along country roads and scenic highways circling the northern ridge of the Shawangunk Mountain Range. Ascend the western face. At the entrance to Minnewaska State Park leave your bike for a combination run/swim journey through some of America's most beautiful cross-country trails and spring fed lakes. For information or to register: www.sostriathlon.com

September 25
2011 Pfalz Point Trail Challenge
Mohonk Preserve Spring Farm Trailhead, 27 Upper Knolls Road, High Falls, NY
8 a.m. Ten miles of open meadows with spectacular views, steep and rocky footpaths and gently rolling carriage roads. Register early, the race is limited to 300 runners. No refunds. Proceeds from the race benefit the Mohonk Preserve, a leader in protecting the Shawangunk Ridge, designated as “one of the last great places on Earth.”