2017 Walkway Marathon Digital Race Packet 2017DigitalRacePacket | Page 13

My fellow runners, Welcome to the third annual Walkway Marathon race series, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to enjoy a run alongside thousands of fellow competitors through Dutchess County and across the Walkway Over the Hudson, an attraction that lures visitors from around the globe. The first two Walkway Marathon events have been rousing successes, and Dutchess County Government has worked year-round with fellow partners and organizers to continue that trend in 2017. Various County departments have planned to help make this weekend as safe and enjoyable as possible for all involved – runners, spectators and volunteers. While I’ll again run in the half-marathon race, perhaps my greatest source of pride this weekend will come from participating in the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” Dash, our second annual run/walk for individuals of all abilities through the City of Poughkeepsie. We in Dutchess County are proud to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” about our neighbors with special needs – instead of focusing on what differentiates us, we look for the innate potential of each individual – and the Dash invites participants of every age and ability to excel. The addition of this year’s College to College 5K will highlight two of our county’s great institutions of higher learning: Marist College and our own Dutchess Community College. Since its inception in 2015, the Walkway Marathon has attracted participants from throughout the region, country and world, a testament to the countless hours of dedicated work the event’s organizers and volunteers have logged to bring about a successful weekend. We thank them for their tireless devotion, and I’m confident this year’s race series will be the most memorable yet. Congratulations on taking part in such a unique and amazing event, one of the many we host that makes us distinctly Dutchess. I wish you all a safe and successful run, one you’ll long remember. Marcus J. Molinaro Dutchess County Executive 0 6 .1 1 WALKWAY MARATHON IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DUTCHESS COUNTY GOVERNMENT .2 017