For the twenty-fourth year the village of Ellenville held its Run Like the Wind road race. On Sunday, May 20, the village hosted 206 runners in addition to several supporters and area residents looking to cheer them on as well as enjoy one of the community's major celebrations.

As has been the custom over the last few years, the weather seemed to threaten the day's activities early as the sky remained overcast for much of the day. Run Like the Wind organizer, Rob Baxter, now in his third year as race director explained, saying, "I got there [Canal Street] at 5:30 a.m. and the sky looked really nasty. But by 8 a.m. things started to clear." Baxter, a long time runner, said the overcast conditions are actually conducive to a good run.

The funds raised by the several booths set up around the starting area assist local not-for-profit organizations including the Ellenville Cooperative Nursery School, which also organizes a series of children's races. The proceeds from this year's five and ten kilometer races will go the Hunt Memorial Preservation Committee and will assist that organization's efforts to continue rebuilding one of Ellenville's landmarks. As of press time, the amount of funds to be donated had not been fully tabulated. Next year will mark the race's twenty-fifth year. Baxter said he is already thinking about how best to commemorate the event's silver anniversary.

Baxter wanted to extend his personal appreciation to George and Linda Barthel, Kathy and Mike Molloy, T.J. and Debbie Briggs, Robert Berger, the Noonday Club, Top Shelf Jewelry, Holly and Dan Eikzsta, Ann Bowler as well as Lisa and Ryan Baxter.

Baxter also wanted to extend his appreciation to the Ellenville Police Department, the Ellenville Street Department and the Ellenville First Aid and Rescue Squad for their assistance in making the day such a success.

Major sponsors for the day's races include: 209 Sand and Gravel, the Collier Motor Car Company, the Ellenville Teachers and School Related Professionals Association, Gillette's Creamery, Il Paradiso, Provident Bank, the Shadowland Theater, and Stewarts Shops.

Top Ten Finishers – 5K
Jordan Torres – 18:14
Jonathan Force – 18:15
Asad Mohammand – 18:27
Paul Kortright – 19:25
Conway Hammel – 19:50
Stephen Stephens – 20:13
Howard Kaufman – 20:31
Ben Altshhuler – 20:36
Ken Lohmeyer – 20:36
Mark Nesbitt – 20:49

Top Female Finisher Jacqueline Fisher – 20:56

Top Ten Finishers 10K
Andy Latincsics – 35:22
Jim Phelon – 36:42
Collin Hodges – 36:42
Brian Baker – 40:02
Tom Manza – 40:20
Frank Campbell – 40:30
Jean Norton – 40:48
Franz Scholten – 40:51
Douglas Rock – 41:01
Tim Crill – 41:53

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