Marist student-athletes and alumni to compete in a field of 2,500 athletes from around the country, world competing in four-race series

POUGHKEEPSIE (June 6, 2016) – Marist College will again host the Walkway Marathon race series, serving as the starting and finishing points for the marathon and half-marathon and the finishing point for the Treetops to Rooftops 5K on Sunday, June 12th. More than 75 current and former Marist competitive runners will be among the 2,500 runners from four nations and 21 states expected to converge on Dutchess County for the second annual Walkway Marathon race series. The series also includes the first-ever Think Differently Dash, for competitors with physical and developmental disabilities, which will take place on Saturday, June 11th.

Runners in the Marathon and Half-Marathon will start from outside the Historic Cornell Boathouse at the Marist waterfront and traverse the College's scenic main campus before heading through the Route 9 underpass to the College's East Campus and then on to the Dutchess County Rail Trail. They will then cross the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park before heading back into Dutchess County to complete the route, finishing back at the Marist waterfront. 

"Marist College is pleased to be partnering with Walkway Over the Hudson again to develop this successful athletic event in the Hudson Valley," said Tim Murray, Marist College Athletic Director. "We are excited to showcase the beautiful Marist College campus once again with the Walkway Marathon Start and Finish Line located on the Hudson River Waterfront adjacent to the Historic Cornell Boathouse."

Marist runners had great success last year at the inaugural Walkway Marathon race series, including victories in the Half-Marathon and 5K races.

Marist runners had great success at the inaugural Walkway Marathon race series.

Sanctioned as the first “green” race in New York State by Athletes for a Fit Planet—organizers will again apply sustainable practices pioneered last year, such as shuttling runners using Dutchess County Government’s public transit system’s hybrid buses, and incorporating race bibs and other elements made from recycled materials wherever possible. With a focus on reducing, reusing, and recycling materials— everything from paper cups to diesel fuel to old sneakers —organizers are committed to offering participants a race that is as eco-friendly as possible.