The Catskill Chronicle

Story and photos by Melissa Holden

LEW BEACH – The 3rd Annual Beaverkill Mountain Road Race took place Sunday, October 11, in the Beaverkill Valley near Lew Beach, NY.

96 runners lined up on a frosty 30 degree morning for the ½ marathon and 5k courses, which began at the historic Beaverkill Valley Inn and took participants through the peak fall colors and beautiful countryside.

The ½ marathon, a challenging, mountainous course over Shin Creek Road was won by Tim Decker of the NY Flyers running club in 1:33:28 – Tim, the event’s defending champion, has now won the race 3 years in a row.

The first female finisher was also from the NY Flyers- Monika Gross crossed the finish line at 1:56:01. 2^nd and 3^rd place men were Alex Ackermann and Nick Jackson respectively. Female 2^nd and 3^rd place winners were Diana Tulley and Katherine Rogers.

In the 5k division, Livingston Manor Central School student, Neal Mock, only 15 years old, won the race in 19:38. He was followed by Paul Barnett and Matt Jackson in 2^nd and 3^rd places. The first female finisher in the 5k was Anastasia Stekes in 24:15 followed by 2^nd and 3^rd place women, Montana Azzolini and Sophie Barnett.

11 of the top 15 runners in this year’s main competitions were under the age of 18. Prior to the start of the ½ marathon and 5k events, 50 children kicked off the day of festivities with the kids’ fun runs. Age group heats raced mad dashes on the lawn of the Beaverkill Valley Inn, vying for fun prizes. The family oriented day celebrates the beauty of the Catskills and aims to encourage kids of all ages to participate in the sport of running.

Post-race, runners and their guests were treated to an outdoor brunch by the host, The Beaverkill Valley Inn, as well as organic bamboo t-shirts. Prizes were donated by local businesses including Hamish & Henry Booksellers, Willow & Brown, Morgan Outdoors, CAS Arts Center and Snowdance Farms.

Each year, the race seeks to raise awareness and funds for local non-profits. This year, proceeds benefited the Catskill Mountainkeeper, headquartered in Youngsville, NY.

Catskill Mountainkeeper is an advocacy organization working to protect the scenic Catskill region which is so important to area runners and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Donations were also made to the Beaverkill Valley Volunteer Fire Department, whose members volunteer their time to help along the course providing safety, water stations and organizational assistance.

The Livingston Manor Volunteer Ambulance Corp was also on hand to make sure all runners finished safely.