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The term “small-town marathon” has become a bit of an oxymoron in road racing.

As the sport has grown exponentially in terms of race participation in all areas, a large part of that growth has been in the big-city marathons, with races like the New York City and Chicago marathons continuing to set records for entry numbers. At the same time, race entry fees — especially in the “big” races but also in medium-sized events and even smaller local races — continue to skyrocket.

For a breath of fresh air, we excitedly introduce a new race on the calendar that joyously swims upstream from these trends.

The inaugural Millbrook Marathon has been confirmed, with the race date set for Sunday, June 7. The Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club (EDRRC) will be organizing the race. John Morris and Steven Estremera will be the race directors.

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This race promises to be a throwback to the heyday of small-town marathons in the 1970s and 1980s. Old-time runners will recall with a knowing nod some of the long-since extinct marathon races in the region: Mad Anthony Wayne, Champlain Valley, Berkshire, Pepacton Paleface and more recently Warwick. That’s just off the top of my head; there are probably dozens of others.

Why is the Millbrook Marathon such a refreshing throwback to a bygone era? Let us count the ways:

Small town? Check. Rural, scenic and hilly course? Check. A runner-friendly race, organized by runners for runners? Check. Reasonable, affordable entry fee structure? Big, huge check-check-check!

Let’s start there, with the entry fees. Kudos to Morris, Estremera and EDRRC for making this an affordable, not-break-your-bank marathon. The early registration fee, which ends on March 1, is $25, an incredible bargain for a 26.2-mile race; I dare you to find a less expensive race out there — at almost any distance! From March 1 until June 6, when online registration closes, the fee remains a very reasonable $30. Race-day sign-up is a still manageable $35, with no race giveaways, which is understandable.

The race will start and finish at Millbrook High School. As a reward for conquering the hilly terrain in the Village of Millbrook and surrounding farm country in the Town of Washington and eastern Dutchess County, you’ll get a fast finish on the high school track. All proceeds of the race will go toward the high school’s athletic programs. Dutchess Timing, Morris’ race scoring company, will be timing the race.

The origins of the race came about innocently enough. Morris and Estremera were discussing a conflict in their race schedules. As noted a few weeks ago in this space, Estremera organizes numerous trail races in the area with his Conquer The World racing company.

As they were talking about their race plans, the idea of a marathon in Estermera’s hometown came up. “He said over years of running the local roads he had an idea for the course,’’ Morris said. “After reviewing the course he provided and speaking with our board, we decided this would be a great opportunity for the EDRRC to hold its first marathon.’’

Morris said he is hoping this race will fill a need and become a fixture on the local running calendar. Estermera said he feels this gives local runners another option for a local road marathon in the spring, filling a gaping hole left by the shuttering of the Walkway Marathon series.  

Added Morris: “As the president of the EDRRC, I’m always looking to provide more events and opportunities for our members and the running community. It was a great feeling the day we announced the race when people immediately contacted us is show of support.  They wanted know where to sign up, volunteer and how to become a sponsor. Within the first couple hours of opening registration, we had eight sign-ups and the number has been growing since.’’

Similar to the Junk Yard Dogs’ Hilltopper Half Marathon each summer, Morris admitted this course is “definitely going to be challenging.” Estermera noted the “countless farms” runners will pass while traversing quiet country roads. “Living in eastern Dutchess,’’ Morris said, “we have come to grips with knowing that any race we put on is going to be a challenge. I feel that’s what sets our races apart from others.’’

Because of the multiple municipalities involved, Morris said there has been a lot of coordinating in getting the race planning up and running. “Up to this point, it has been a pleasant experience and we have been well received,’’ he said.

This is great news. Look for more details on this race in future columns. For now, if you are interested in signing up, go to edrrc.org.

Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club member Pete Colaizzo, the track coach at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, writes on running every week in Players. He can be reached at runhed246@hotmail.com. For more club information, go to www.mhrrc.org

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