Cold, wet weather doesn’t deter Millbrook Marathon runners

MILLBROOK — Sponsored by the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club (EDRRC), the 26.2-mile second annual Millbrook Marathon began at 7:30 a.m. this past Sunday. It was a cold and mostly wet morning, and even though it was April 10, there was no feeling of spring in the air.

Advertised by EDRRC as “The toughest marathon you’ll ever love,” which may well have been true for the athletes who took part, the route was hilly and traversed rough dirt roads, only some of which were paved.

“This might not be the flattest marathon you’ve ever run, but with the quiet country roads, rolling hills and the countless farms, it sure will be the most scenic,” said EDRRC President John Morris when promoting the event.

It was a far cry from the famed marathons of New York and Boston, but most runners said the rural scenery made the run worth it… almost.

The Millbrook Marathon is the longest run in the area, and it isn’t easy. When the runners crossed the finish line on Sunday, they were clearly exhausted — tired, sweaty, sore — but triumphant.

In 2021 for the race’s inaugural event there was a archway of balloons at the finish line. This year there was no such arch because of high winds. Yet the festive mood remained, because as racers crossed the finishing line, everybody in the crowd cheered and clapped.

The overall winners in the 2022 Millbrook Marathon were Luis Oyaguari in the male category, with a time of 3:19:23 and Suzanne Sandra  in the female category, with a time of 3:44:39.

There were signs posted along the route advising drivers to beware of the runners on Sunday, especially as the rural roads have plenty of curves and hills and it was wet and rainy.

Snacks and drinks awaited the participants at the finish line, along with lively music to keep their energy up.

EDRRC, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), welcomes new members. It was established in 2016, with a goal to promote health through long-distance running and jogging for life. It promotes and conducts races to benefit local charities and organizes group runs and other activities while also providing information to encourage running as a way of life.

For more information on the EDRRC or its marathons, go to www.edrrc.org.