Millbrook Marathon: New tradition kicks off April 11

MILLBROOK — The Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club has just the thing to bring someone out of the winter doldrums, and the largely isolated habits most have settled into during the past year. On Sunday, April 11, at 7:30 a.m. sharp, come rain or come shine, the first ever Millbrook Marathon will take its first steps. 

The race starts from 3477 Route 44 Mabbettsville, at the Town of Washington Park and Pool. The route will cover 26.2 miles, which organizers said may not be the flattest route one may ever run, but could be the most beautiful. Check out the website for a full description of the course.

By then, trees should be turning green with tiny buds about to burst, and most certainly there will be song birds trilling their songs throughout the day. 

Runners will have six hours to complete the course; early registrants will be given T-shirts. Racers will receive finisher medals as they cross the finish line.  

Registration packets may be picked up at 6:30 a.m.;  the race is from 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  Awards will be given to first-place winners, male and female, in each age group.

So anticipated has this event been that the cap for runners was reached back in early February, but organizers said they expect plenty of spectators and onlookers, who may want to compete in the group’s next marathon; look for more information on its website.

There also are opportunities for volunteers to man water stations; volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Aside from water stations, there will be port-a-potties along the way.

Participants will be asked to observe a few rules in this pandemic-era marathon, for their own safety and the safety of others. Mask-wearing is mandatory before and after the race while near others, wearing it while running is up to the athlete. Runners must stay 6 feet from other runners and from people watching by the side of the road. Viewers are asked not to stand in groups and to use hand sanitizer. Sanitizer and refreshments will be available, but attendees may feel free to bring their own if they prefer. No hand shaking, high fives or yelling will be permitted and no spitting on or near the course is allowed.

The weather calls for cloudy skies and 60 degree temperatures. If everyone observes the rules, the inaugural Millbrook Marathon should be an exciting and positive way to welcome spring and a new season of hope.

While participants have already paid their fees, donations can be made to the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club, a is a 501(C)3 nonprofit  organization, in a racer’s name. For more information, go to the club’s Facebook page or check out its website, www.edrrc.org.

The Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club started in 2016 to promote distance running as a means of getting and staying fit. The club organizes races and marathons to benefit local charities and provides educational information and news on running with newsletters, presentations and through other educational channels. As it states online, its members “meet up multiple times a week for group runs. Everyone is welcome and no one is left behind.”