Poughkeepsie, New York (PRWEB) May 24, 2016
The Walkway Over the Hudson—a 1.25-mile, 19th century railroad bridge transformed into the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge—hosts a weekend full of running memories June 11th & 12th.
Runners of all abilities are invited to take part in one of four flat, fast and scenic races—a marathon (a Boston qualifier!), half-marathon, 5K, and the Think Differently Dash, a one-mile run for individuals with
physical and developmental disabilities.
Utilizing the mid-Hudson Valley’s extensive system of rail trails, runners in the marathon, half-marathon and 5k will be wowed by the tree-lined landscape passing by picturesque lakes and forested areas on the
Dutchess Rail Trail. Later, racers encounter similarly smooth and scenic running along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail, located across the river in Ulster County, and the riverside campus of Poughkeepsie’s Marist College. Connecting these two trails is the spectacular Walkway Over the Hudson. The jaw-dropping views of the majestic Hudson Valley runners experience atop the 212-foot bridge is what makes these races truly unforgettable!
As Runner’s World columnist Roger Robinson recently said, “The Walkway Marathon is an example of the growing trend to what might be called off-road road races. It is an event that takes advantage of the world's rapidly increasing networks of well-surfaced recreation trails to provide race experiences that are scenic, traffic-free, environmentally green, and requiring fewer volunteers.”
The first Walkway Marathon Race series was wildly popular, attracting more than 2,500 athletes from 35 states and six countries.
The Walkway Marathon is also a “zero waste race.” In fact, it was named the first “green” race in New York State by Athletes for a Fit Planet last year. The Walkway Over the Hudson Marathon was the first marathon in New York State to follow the criteria outlines in the “Pledge of Sustainability” issued by Athletes for a Fit Planet, a consultant to athletic event organizers on sustainability issues. The “Pledge of Sustainability” requires the Walkway Marathon to fulfill four mandatory criteria - online preregistrations, no mailing of paper registrations, the availability of recycling bins during the event, and information to the athletes on public transportation and/or ride share options to and from the event - and at least six of 26 optional sustainability efforts to be upheld. For more information on how the Walkway Marathon is NOT leaving it’s mark, please visit: http://walkwaymarathon.org/green-race
Getting here is easy! Travelers by car can reach the area by using the NYS Thruway, the Taconic Parkway or I-84. A new ride share program has also been introduced this year, where participants can connect to 511NY Rideshare (http://511nyrideshare.org) to find carpooling options to and from the event. Train service is also available through Metro North Hudson Line or Amtrak to Poughkeepsie. These and other transportation options are detailed on the Walkway Marathon Transportation page.
Pre-registration is required and least year’s events sold out!
For more information and to sign-up, please visit
http://walkwaymarathon.org/