Walkway Marathon: 2016 Digital Race Packet

Dear Fellow Runners, Welcome to the second annual Walkway Marathon, which gives participants a chance to run through our beautiful and charming communities and atop the unique Walkway Over the Hudson. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural races, Dutchess County Government has spent 12 months working with fellow Walkway Marathon partners to make the 2016 event even better. I couldn’t be more proud of the inclusion of the first-ever “Think Differently” Dash, which kicks off this year’s race weekend. This mile-long run/walk through the City of Poughkeepsie for runners with special abilities reflects how we in Dutchess County are proud to “Think Differently” about our neighbors of all abilities – choosing to embrace the potential in each of us. Last year, thousands of participants from across the country and across the globe joined us for the Walkway Marathon races, a tribute to the organizers and local residents who volunteered to make the event a success. We look to build on those numbers and effort this weekend, making this 2016 Walkway Marathon even more memorable. Along with you, I am encouraging community leaders to #RunWithMe. So, congratulations and here’s to a successful and safe run, one we'll always remember. Marc Molinaro County Executive Welcome all Runners! Welcome to the Second Annual Walkway Marathon and the 8th Annual Treetops to Rooftops 5K Race. What a terrific job Race Director Sue O’Neil did along with the entire Walkway staff and all the great volunteers last year! The Mid Hudson Road Runners Club has been a great advocate of both competitive running and running for people of all ages who are looking to improve their health and fitness. Our mission completely supports the Walkway’s efforts to get people out and about walking, running, biking or just enjoying the wonderful resources we have utilizing the Walkway bridge and the rail trails. We are truly fortunate to have this four-race event involving so many great people and organizations. As President of The Mid Hudson Road Runners Club, I have spent over ten years promoting health and fitness for children and adults of all ages. This event is the culmination of so many people’s vision for the same thing. From the Walkway Over The Hudson organization’s Executive Director Elizabeth Waldstein-Hart, to County Executive Marc Molinaro, to Dutchess County Tourism President and CEO Mary Kay Vrba (who I ran my very first half marathon with about 14 years ago at the Dutchess County Classic), to Marist College Athletic Director Tim Murray and Race Director Sue O’Neil, as well as dozens and dozens of others—all have done a tremendous job coordinating the race. I hope you have a great race! Please visit The Mid Hudson Road Runners web site at www.mhrrc.org for a list of many races held throughout the year. I am thrilled at the growth of the running community throughout the Hudson Valley Region! Sincerely, Keith Axelrod, President, Mid Hudson Road Runners Club, Race Director, The Dutchess County Classic H G RS O VE NE RN MENT T IN PA R IP W IT H D UTC H ESS CO UN TY

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