On Saturday morning, August 16th, the annual “Run 4 Downtown” event was held in Middletown, Orange County, New York, attracting nearly a thousand participants. This marked the nineteenth year the city of Middletown organized this event, with officials at all levels and thousands of residents watching this annual spectacle. Following the race, local businesses in the downtown area provided free refreshments for the residents.
At 8:45 am, under the direction of Dave Madden, the director of Run 4 Downtown, the race commenced with the racewalkers starting off, followed by the women’s and men’s long-distance runners at 9 am. The race started from North Street in the city center, passing by the City Council, library, police station, covering a total length of 4 miles, and finally finishing in front of the Great Tang Supermarket on Main St.
According to Madden, this event was first held in 2006 and has gained popularity in recent years. “We are very excited today, the number of participants increases every year; we had 767 people last year and today we have nearly a thousand participants, with thousands of people joining the post-race party,” he mentioned.
He also explained the significance of the event, “We are raising funds, and all proceeds will be used for the development of Middletown’s city center. The ‘Run 4 Downtown’ park here has been rebuilt, and a fundraising booth has been set up at ‘Erie Avenue Park’… This year, we will help renovate all statues and monuments in Thrall Park.”
Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano referred to this event as one of the best in the area. He stated, “This event brings the community together and showcases the activities of our downtown community to others; it is also part of the ongoing downtown revitalization movement we have been working on for years.” The mayor, who is running for re-election, expressed confidence in his candidacy, saying, “I am very confident. I believe people have seen the achievements we have made, and they will be satisfied with this city, just as I am satisfied with the community of this city.”
Approximately 20 minutes later, excitement filled the finish line area as spectators caught sight of the male long-distance runners approaching.
William Whelan, originally from Newburgh and currently attending Baruch College in New York City, won the men’s long-distance race, clinching his second championship. “The first half was downhill, then at the second mile, there was a turn, after making a left turn, the route became very steep, undulating, it required some training,” he said. “I run about 70 to 80 miles a week because I will participate in a marathon in New York City in the fall, so today was a good warm-up for me.”
Adam Insler, who also secured the top spot in the racewalking competition and is the operations manager of a waste management company from New Windsor, Orange County, shared that he had shed 75 pounds of weight over the years through racewalking. “I started racewalking when I was overweight, now I’ve lost a lot, so I really enjoy walking. I’ve been participating in races for 5 years from the beginning, and I’ve been consistent,” he remarked. “Racewalking is important for my health, it helps me balance work and life, walking outside is good for the brain, it keeps my mind clear, it’s a good way to connect the mind and body.”
While winning championships and achieving good results brought joy, most participants today joined the event to enjoy life and pursue their dreams. People of all ages and walks of life were excited and enthusiastic.
Baltazar, a real estate businessman in Middletown, participated in the race with his two large dogs. He shared, “I love this town, it’s my and my dogs’ first time participating; we have been preparing for two years. The longest we ran was 3 miles, this time it’s 4 miles, not sure if we can make it.” In the end, he and his dogs successfully crossed the finish line.
Dane Groszek, a lifelong Middletown resident with 40 years of running experience who served as the chairman of the Orange County Running Club for two terms, described “Run 4 Downtown” as a classic event in Middletown. “People are starting to understand running, what your body can do strengthens your brain’s thoughts, my brain says you can’t finish, you just have to finish, and then tell your brain: ‘You’re wrong!'” the seventy-year-old athlete remarked. “So, encourage yourself, you will come out to run tomorrow.”
Mrs. Chen, a local Chinese resident and dance teacher at the Flying University Middletown College, joined the race with her newly born daughter, expressing her excitement. “Last year when I was pregnant, seeing my colleagues participating in this race, I felt left out, I really wanted to join. So when my daughter was born this year, I decided to participate,” Mrs. Chen said. “In the years I have lived in this community, we have witnessed the revitalization of the Middletown city center. So, seeing everyone reaching out and raising funds for this cause, we are very happy, we look forward to seeing Middletown being rebuilt into a beautiful city.”
As soon as the participants left the starting line, businesses along North Street set up booths in front of their shops, offering their own produced desserts and beverages for thousands of residents to enjoy the local cuisine in the warm summer sunshine. Finally, the awards ceremony was held at R4DT Park on North Street.
Orange County Councilwoman Janet Sutherland told reporters, “Great weather, people gathering together; there is no better event in Middletown today!”