Running: Charting the developmental stages of the Kingston Classic
From The Daily Freeman posted on 03/31/18
The Kingston Classic has always been the “big” race in the area.
In its 36 years, the race has undergone many changes. There have been seven different courses through the streets of Kingston, Hurley, town of Ulster and the Rondout. In 2009, a 2.1 miler was added to expand participation.
The history of the race can be divided into three distinct developmental stages.
Bob Bright, who owned the Catch Us If You Can running shop in New Paltz, started the race in 1982. Bright wanted to focus attention on running and promote his business. In order to put the race on the map, he used appearance money to bring in some of the nation’s top runners.