Planning Underway for 2008 Orange Classic

(October 22, 2007) - Middletown, NY: Planning is already underway for the 2008 Classic 10K Road Race scheduled for June 8, 2008. Due to the reconstruction of the Middletown High School track, the race will return to its historical roots at the Orange County Fairgrounds. Continuing its emphasis on community health and fitness, race day events include the Classic 10K, a 6.2 mile road race through the streets of Middletown inspired by Olympic Gold Medalist Frank Shorter; the Rowley 5K, a 3.1 mile race and health walk; the Junior Classic Races for kids aged 12 and under; the Community Health Expo, featuring more than 40 vendors with abundant give-aways; and the awards luncheon for all participants.

Crystal Run Healthcare, Orange County, and County Executive Edward Diana are the main underwriters of the 2008 race. The race will draw attention to Orange Regional Medical Center’s new hospital, which enters the community fund raising phase of its capital campaign next year. Orange Regional will also offer support via Healthy Orange and Reality Check, programs that encourage our citizens to eat healthier, live actively, and not smoke.

The 10K and 5K race courses remain nearly the same, with the starting lines at the top of Carpenter Avenue. To finish, runners will follow Wisner Avenue back to Carpenter Avenue, where the finish line will be near the high school driveway. Runners will then be directed right into Gate 7 of the fairgrounds for refreshments, aid, and the post race activities.

The Junior Classic races will share the Sunday morning date, and plans are underway to run them completely within the fairgrounds. Junior Classic Director Wayne Beam said, “We should have enough room within the fairgrounds for all of the Junior Classic races. Not only will the centralized location be better for the kids and their parents logistically, but the streets can be opened to the community earlier in the day to reduce the impact on the driving public.”

Olympic Marathon Gold Medalist Frank Shorter will participate once again, along with top-rated US runners and Olympic contenders. These heroes of road racing will be available for photo ops, autographs, and socializing with attendees.

As the Classic 10K Road Race continues to grow, so too does the organization behind it. With The Classic’s non-profit status pending, the board consists of local racing buffs Dave DaCosta, Frank Giannino, George Shurter, Wayne Beam, and Bob Bright. The 14 member organizing committee also includes Martin Harnick, Valerie Kilcoin, Bill Kilcoin, Christine Bushey, June Bisel, Sher Singh, Alex Smith, Martin Nowak, and Bob Harris.

Updated information about the Race and partnering, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities can be found on the web at www.classic10k.com.