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Ellenville Readying For Bigger Spring Festivals
Run Like The Wind and Wings & Wheels for Warriors

ELLENVILLE – Village restaurateur Marcus Guiliano of Aroma Thyme Bistro is busy preparing for this year's 34th annual five and ten kilometer Run Like the Wind races on May 15.

"It's one of the oldest footraces in the Hudson Valley," Guiliano said, adding that he took over managing the race last year. "Ellenville has one of the most beautiful 10K courses out there; the 5K is beautiful as well, and we're hoping to improve numbers. Last year, we doubled participation and tripled sponsorships. As a result, we've been able to give away more money this year."

In 2015, there were about 250 runners; this year Giuliano said he'd like to see 350.

In the past, the race benefited local food pantries. While that will continue, Guiliano said he is also looking towards forming a committee and possibly offering Little League and soccer scholarships to underprivileged area youth, along with athletic scholarships to graduating seniors.

At the recent Ellenville/Wawarsing Chamber of Commerce mixer, Guiliano requested for those available to volunteer before or during the May 15 event or businesses interested in sponsoring the race to do so by either contacting him in person or through his newly established website: ellenvillerunlikethewind.com.

"Last year, we added a couple new elements. We included food and a beer tent. And the same thing is happening again, except we have more breweries excited this year, and we'll have more food hopefully," Guiliano said, adding that there would also be music, kids activities and youth races (For information regarding youth participation, contact the Ellenville Cooperative Nursery School at 647-6405).

Also new for this year, Ellenville is back on the Hudson Valley Grand Prix circuit. The HVGP is a network and series of races that began in 2000. In 2013, its board of directors chose to cease operation of the racing circuit; but now they're up and running again... and including Run Like the Wind. Which, Giuliano said, means a lot of elite runners will want to compete in Ellenville, and possibly bring in more nationally recognized sponsors like Cliff Bar, part of the event last year and in again for 2016.

Among other big local events coming this spring, local insurance company Sprague & Killeen will host their first annual 'Wings & Wheels for Warriors' Day at the Joseph Y. Resnick airport on May 21, National Armed Forces Day. While spectators can come for free, registering your antique or custom car, plane, or bike is $10 in advance or $15 at the door. Trophies will be awarded to the top 30 vehicles, and dash plaques to the first 100 entries. Beyond wheels and wings, there will be food vendors, music and family fun activities.

"Being the first year, we aren't 100 percent sure how this will all go, but we do know we will raise money and everyone will have a great time," said Sprague & Killeen president Dwight Coombe. "From what we learn, we will make following years even better and more productive for the cause. All of us on the Sprague & Killeen team are always interested in doing things that will benefit the community, those in need and certainly those that served our country in the military."

The day's proceeds will benefit the Disabled American Veterans, a nonprofit organization with a local chapter in Kingston.

For more information on the event or to register on-line, visit wingsnwheelsforwarriors.com.



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