Record pack turns out for running of Delmar Dash
The 23rd running of the Delmar Dash went off with nary a hitch this morning, as a record pack of runners took the the streets of the hamlet on a sun-bathed spring morning.
Altogether, a field of 824 took to the streets the year for the five-mile road race, eclipsing past participation by a goodly margin. Earlier forecasts of rain gave way to a spectacular spring morning, which no doubt encouraged some to make it to the starting line. But good weather’s not the only draw, said race organizer Tom Adams.
There are six other races this weekend in the area, said Adams said. `For us to capture this many people…I think it’s the Delmar atmosphere that does it.`
Adams’ granddaughter, Brittany Adams, blew the starting horn that unleashed sprinters and joggers from the starting line at the Bethlehem Central Middle School.
Many people crowded around the Middle School this morning to cheer on family members and socialize. Among them was Albany County Executive Michael Breslin, who came out to see his son run.
`I’m here to wish him off and see my granddaughter,` he said, adding: `It’s a great community event.`
Runners hailed from all over the Capital District and beyond. Many running clubs made a strong showing, including the Kinderhook Runners Club.
`The course workers were great,` said Todd DiGrigoli, a member of that group. `The community members cheered us on from their front porches. It helps.`
Julie Keating, also a Kinderhood Runners Club member, said a great part of the Dash is the way everyone comes together before and after the race. The relaxed atmosphere means everyone can enjoy a snack, recover and see friends from all over.
`It’s a great community event, and it’s a great social event too,` she said.
There will be full coverage of the race results in The Spotlight’s sports section. The mens overall winner was Aaron Robertson (a teacher at the Middle School) and Jodie Schoppmann led the women. Remarkably, the trophy winners are set to wed this summer (for more on this story, read this week’s Spotlight).
Over 100 kids also took part in the Spotlight on Youth Race, running in 1/4, 1/2 and 1-mile distances.
Michael Casidine, 12, won the boys mile with a time of 6:36. Leading the girls was Cheyenne Munson, 12, in 6:49.
Though there were many winners today, one definite beneficiary of the Dash was the Bethlehem Food Pantry, which like previous years set up a collection center in the Middle School gym.
`This is probably one of the best years for the Delmar Dash,` said Town of Bethlehem Outreach Worker William Vail of the collection.
For more coverage of the race, including photos, read next week’s Spotlight or check back to www.spotlightnews.com.“