Tourism News
For Immediate Release, April 27, 2015
Contact: Nancy Lutz, 845-463-5446
Health & Wellness Expo Precedes New Walkway Marathon
Deadline for Vendors to Register May 15th for Expo at Mid-Hudson Civic Center
On Saturday, June 13th, Dutchess County and Walkway Over the Hudson SHP host three USTAF certified
running events. Since registration opened three months ago, more than 2,300 have signed up for the inaugural
Walkway Marathon. Organizers report the marathon portion of the series, which includes a half marathon and
the annual Treetops to Rooftops 5K race, has been certified as a USATF “guaranteed accurate” Boston
Marathon (2016) qualifying course.
More than 5,000 racers, spectators, supporters and volunteers are expected to attend. Registered runners will all
pick up their bibs and other materials on Friday, June 12 at the Walkway Marathon Health & Wellness Expo,
sponsored by Dutchess Tourism, Inc., from 2-8 pm at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie.
Dutchess Tourism’s Marathon Health & Wellness Expo at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center gives businesses a
way to reach this much-targeted audience with their products and services. The organizations are seeking a
singular group of vendors who’ll interest thousands of runners participating in this exciting event. See the
vendor form about how to exhibit at the Expo. The deadline to register to have a booth is May 15th. Call 845463-4000 with any questions. Mary Kay Vrba said, “Many area businesses would benefit by exhibiting at the 2015 Health & Wellness Expo.
It’s the perfect connection for community and commercial leaders to help meet new customers. I encourage
them to take advantage of this opportunity to be part of this special showcase.”
More than 2,500 runners, walkers, and wheelchair athletes of all experience levels will compete in one of three
fast, flat USATF certified races, a marathon, half marathon, and 5K; register now. All of the races traverse the
Hudson River on the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, the Guinness World Record-breaking
bridge in the Hudson Valley. Current registrants hail from 24 states and 5 countries, including the US, Canada,
South Africa, Italy and Israel, according to Walkway Race Director Susanne O’Neil.
Aside from the chance to qualify for the 2016 Boston Marathon, participants have a role in aiding the
organization’s pledge to make the Walkway Marathon series a “green” race. All registrants are asked to
register online, take public transportation, bring their own water bottles, and recycle their used sneakers. There
will be locally sourced foods on hand, and medals will be made from locally sourced recycled materials.
Make plans now to be in the lovely Hudson Valley for Marathon weekend. See the historic 19th century
railroad bridge host what promises to become the region’s leading long-distance race. If you’d like to sponsor
the running events, see this form.