emmy's putnam county classic race director report: guest post

here is the text of emmy's write-up of the 2010 putnam county classic for the "putnam examiner." i'll add a link to the paper once it's available.
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Over 320 finishers at the July 4 Putnam county Classic 8 mile race

The 34rd running of the July 4 Putnam County Classic 'Run for your Life' was a huge success despite hot temps, and intense sunny skies. 325 finishers braved the rolling, scenic lake route, which started and finished at Mahopac High school. The challenging course winds its way down Baldwin Place Road, up Route 6N, around Lake Mahopac, and finishes on the high school track. The race, organized by Taconic Road Runners Club, is a community event which draws area high school and college competitive runners, as well as Club members and runners of all abilities and ages. Its 8 a.m. starting time leaves plenty of hours for family time and relaxation on the holiday. As the holiday fell on a Sunday, the race saw a record turnout.

Ryan Cunningham, age 20, of Brewster, won for the men in a time of 46:45 (5:51 per mile pace). Michael Tanzi, 25, of LaGrangeville, came in second with 47:00. Brad Antes, 20, of Pleasantville was third in 47:12. First over 40s male was Mahopac resident David Mitzi. Greg Diamond of Taconic was the first over 50s male. The first female to cross the line was Connie Seigh, 41, of Pleasantville, in a time of 51:36. 34 year old Kristen Colsey of Ossining was second in 55:20 and Lindsey Regan, 26, was third in 55:33. Club member John Albanese, of Mount Kisco ('old glory'), carried the flag in the race for the 26th year. His father started the tradition. Other Taconic members who ran --Eliot Lee, Ilana Robinson, Leo Gormley, Frank Colella, Fran Pisano, and many more.

"This is club-wide effort," said George Grenier, Club President. "Our members work the scoring, finish line, put out water, handle the registration, and prep the food. Taconic Road Runners club is known for its commitment to this event...(see below) And race proceeds go to Taconic's annual High School scholarships." Safety of the runners is the main concern, and the club would like to thank the Carmel Police dept and the Carmel Sherrif's dept. for providing such great support on the roads, with 3 vehicles. The Mahopac falls Volunteer Fire dept also sent an ambulance and EMT person, as they do every year, and should be thanked. "One of our club members is a HAM radio operator, so we have a Carmel area HAM radio team ("PEARL") who has come the last 2 years and monitor the course," said Emmy Stocker, co-race director. With the town's safety help, all runners made it around the lake without mishap. Several Lake families each year hand out water, which is always needed, and spray hoses.

All runners received technical shirts by New Balance Westchester, one of 2 title sponsors. The other sponsor, National Road Safety Foundation, is an advocacy group for safe driving, which works with the July 4 holiday. Coldstone Creamery of Mahopac provided ice cream coupons, and Somers Hot bagels provided bagels, along with the race refreshments of watermelon, bananas and drinks. My brother Bobby's Salsa, also a sponsor, gave out samples of fresh salsa (available at Red Mills Market).

This year, Taconic again had a kids' run on the track, with t-shirts and ribbons to all participants. Over 100 kids ran around the track, and seemed to have fun despite thirst at the end. All and all, the race was a nice way to kick off the July 4 morning.

Thank you from Lee and Emmy to all the volunteers who made the race a success:

Registration - Barb Ende, Cathy Groneman, Diana Pernicano (more helped); Food Prep: Fran Pisano, Frank Colella; Scoring-Karen Davies, Joe Groneman; finish line, start line and trailer -Tom Maile, Joe Porcaro, Ted Pernicano; Lead car - Pete Corsino; Water and Tables -Nick Jubok; Course map and marking - Greg Diamond; Course marshalls -Bob Hermesch, Ernest Joseph; Kids' run-Terry Ellis, Tina Batton; water stop -Pam and Alex Harrison, Carly Johnson. Pickup bagels and ice - Ted Pernicano; Taconic singlet sales -George Grenier; and, Announcements and sound system - Ed Mclaughlin.

Many others helped, and the race could not go on without you!!!.