Nearly 3,500 runners and their families are expected to converge on Dutchess County, NY,  the weekend of June 11 and 12, 2016, for the second annual Walkway Marathon race series. In addition to a marathon and half-marathon and the MHRRC Treetops to Rooftops 5K, this year’s series will feature the first Think Differently Dash, a run specifically for people with physical and developmental disabilities.

Runner’s World columnist Roger Robinson cited the Walkway Marathon as an example of the trend toward what he termed “off-road road races.” As he writes, “It is an event that takes advantage of the world’s rapidly increasing networks of well-surfaced recreation trails to provide race experiences that are scenic, traffic-free, environmentally green, and requiring fewer volunteers.”

The marathon, half-marathon and 5K, all of which will be held on June 12, will cross the Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park, which spans the Hudson River from Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County to Lloyd in Ulster County. The routes will generally follow those established in 2015, with the full and half-marathons beginning at Marist College and featuring stretches of the Dutchess Rail Trail, Hudson Valley Rail Trail and Walkway State Historic Park.

Sanctioned as the first green race in New York State by Athletes for a Fit Planet, the event will feature the sustainable practices its organizers pioneered last year, such as shuttling runners using hybrid buses from the Dutchess County public transit system, and incorporating race bibs and other items made from recycled materials wherever possible. With their focus on reducing, reusing and recycling materials—everything from paper cups to diesel fuel to old sneakers—event organizers say they are committed to offering participants a race that is as ecofriendly as possible.

To register or for more information, visit WalkwayMarathon.org. For sponsorship information, contact Ellen Henneberry, walkway development manager, at 845.454.9649.