R4DT Runners and Walkers Take on Four Mile Course in Middletown’s Downtown

R4DT Runners and Walkers Take on Four Mile Course in Middletown’s Downtown
Women runners begin the four-mile Run 4 Downtown race in Middletown on Aug. 20, 2016. Yvonne Marcotte/Epoch Times
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MIDDLETOWN—On a clear Saturday morning, runners and volunteers sported orange t-shirts and North Street teemed with families, couples, and individuals ready to run, walk, or just watch the Aug. 20 Run 4 Downtown.

An estimated 500 runners and 125 walkers participated, according to organizer Dave Madden. Prize money went to the first six finishers regardless of gender.

“One of the things that makes our race unique is that the women start first,” Madden said. This year the women runners had a five-minute 13-second head start over the men.

Overall top finisher was Mike Chow of Wappinger Falls with a time of 21 minutes, 45 seconds. Highland Falls resident Andrew Bordash finished as top walker at 42 minutes, 29 seconds. April Ackermann of Cochecton was first to cross the finish line and was the top female runner with a time of 24 minutes, 51 seconds.

A runner triumphantly hits the finish line in the four-mile Run 4 Downtown race in Middletown on Aug. 20, 2016. Dave (L) and Anna Madden cheer racers as they cross the finish. (Yvonne Marcotte/Epoch Times)
A runner triumphantly hits the finish line in the four-mile Run 4 Downtown race in Middletown on Aug. 20, 2016. Dave (L) and Anna Madden cheer racers as they cross the finish. Yvonne Marcotte/Epoch Times