Walkway Over the Hudson, Highland to Poughkeepsie
For most of us living in the mid-Hudson region, the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park is just a part of life. We see it when we cross the bridge between Ulster and Dutchess. It’s a favorite powerwalking, jogging or biking spot for many fitness buffs. Dog owners love it, too. The park’s 1.28-mile length is great to keep a pooch in shape.
Walkway has become so ever-present and so successful in the nearly five years since it opened that locals find it pretty easy to take it for granted. But as many parents already know, any hint of a been-there, done-that attitude floats away when you see vicariously through a little kid’s eyes the first time they look down 212 feet at the Hudson River. Before you know it, you’ll be picking out seagulls and pointing out mighty barges cruising up the river. Though it might not be your first thought, Walkway is also a great place for a family picnic.
On June 1, state park officials will again try to go for a world record by trying to create the longest handshake relay. They’ll line people up and go from person to person down the pedestrian bridge shaking hands in order to get into the Guinness Book of World Records.
Registration for this special record attempt costs $10 per adult and $5 for kids ages 6 to 12. Younger children get in for free. Participants should try to register early, since previous record attempts have been popular.
Walkway’s hours change approximately once a month as the weather gets nicer to allow people to stay longer into the evening. As of press time, hours are 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Starting on April 18, the hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. And on May 30, the park stays open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
For families concerned about young lungs, the park approaches the ideal. Regulations prohibit smoking and alcohol on the bridge.
Learn more at www.walkway.org.
Kiwanis Kingston Classic running race, Kingston
As a kids’ event, running a 10K or a 5K might not seem like an immediate fit. But luckily, Kingston’s time-honored running race series has some room for kids and parents. Put on by the Kiwanis Club and running group HITS Endurance, the Kingston Classic has a new “Friends & Family Mile” that allows all ages to get out there and participate.
“We have moms with strollers. Parents with smaller children who like to go out and have a family running event,” said John Eickman, a HITS Endurance organizer.
The Friends & Family Mile is especially good for people who are looking to take the plunge and get out on the track. It’s more about distance than speed, and participants can go at their own pace and even walk.
The event starts and ends at Deitz Memorial Stadium. The Family & Fun Mile takes place on Sunday, April 27 – after all the other races have ended. The special mile starts at 3 p.m., so potentially a family that had registered could watch the other races as a spectator and turn participant at the end of the day.
The Kiwanis Kingston Classic has had a long presence in the city. This is its 32nd year.
Other events at the race include the 10K, the 5K, a 13.1-mile half marathon and a 26.2-mile full marathon. Registration costs $10 prior to the race and $15 one day before or at the race itself. For more info and to register, head to https://www.kiwaniskingstonclassic.com/.
