05/18/2026
New column published Sunday, May 17: (Spoiler alert since the race Jack has been adopted!)
Last Saturday, May 9, was the second running of the Shawangunk Runners Club Bruynswick Winery 6K cross country run for the Ulster County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (UCSPCA), hosted by the Kiernan Farm and Bruynswick Winery in Gardiner, NY. Ryan Kiernan mapped out a spectacular six-kilometer course that wound through farm pastures, open fields, and the vineyard grounds. For the 2025 race, eight days of heavy rain wiped out the planned route, and a last-minute emergency course was devised that, almost magically, worked out to be 5K. This year, we hoped to run the original layout, but the weather gods once again delivered steady rain throughout the week, and on Friday, May 8, another half inch fell. The lower pasture was too wet to use, but the north field behind the vineyard remained runnable, allowing us to create a challenging 3.55-mile route.
The weather forecast for the day was miserable — rain all day, with the heaviest expected during the event window from 9 am to 11:30 am. One hundred and twenty-five people registered, and 90 showed up to run despite the conditions. When I met Ryan at 7 am to touch up the course markings, he told me his farm weather station was predicting something different. I decided to trust the farmer. The farmer was right — at most, we had a light mist. The heavier rain held off until the race was over and everyone was inside enjoying the live music, refreshments, and complimentary beer and wine.
The UCSPCA hosted a "meet and greet" with three adorable dogs from the shelter. Mo, Mathilda, and Jack joined everyone inside the Winery Barn and quickly became the stars of the day, reminding all of us of the incredible work the UCSPCA does. The organization is not affiliated with the national SPCA and is a no-kill shelter. They rely on donations and fundraisers for 95 percent of their operating costs. Every dollar donated goes directly toward caring for vulnerable animals. I volunteer at the shelter, and I am continually amazed by the hard work, love, and compassion the volunteers and staff provide. The dogs were a joy — happy to be out of the shelter, listening to music, exploring the farm, and meeting everyone. The event raised approximately $2,500 for the shelter. For information on the UCSPCA's services, such as fostering, adopting, or volunteering, visit https://www.ucspca.org/.
The Onteora Runner Club (ORC) hosts an annual ten-race Grand Prix Series, giving runners the chance to experience events ranging from 1 mile to a half-marathon across a variety of surfaces. This year's Bruynswick Winery Run served as Race #2 of the ORC 2026 Grand Prix, and it offered something rare in the series — a traditional cross-country course, or "running over hill and dale," with plenty of natural terrain and elevation changes. The Shawangunk Runners and the Onteora Runners Club are the oldest running clubs in Ulster County and share many members.
This event provided an opportunity for the two clubs to join together and support a meaningful local not-for-profit. This year's Bruynswick Winery Run for the UCSPCA had a competitive field, with runners navigating the rolling cross-country course under cool, damp skies. Ryan Kleitz of Saugerties took an early lead and went on to win in 21:52. Daniel Chironno of New City followed in second with a time of 23:13, with Owen Harvey of Kingston third in 24:37. Rounding out the top five were 14-year-old Iggy Harvey of Kingston in 25:33 and Nykia Baughman of Lake Katrine in 25:40. The women's race saw Stephanie Wish of Kerhonkson take command, finishing 6th overall to win the women's title in 25:46. Orel Raphael of Saugerties earned second among the women in 28:10, followed closely by Miriam Stickler of Kingston in 28:29. Angela Longway of Olivebridge placed fourth in 28:31. Jacque Schiffer of Olivebridge completed the top five with a time of 30:06.
Age-graded scoring highlighted several outstanding performances. Miriam Stickler (61 years old) posted the top age-graded score of 79.5%, edging out overall winner Ryan Kleitz (44), who recorded 78.3%. Jacque Schiffer (61) followed with 75.2%, while Owen Harvey (52) was fourth with a 74.1%. Patricia Johnson (70) also delivered a strong performance, earning 73.2%.
Age group winners were: 19 and under, Iggy Harvey (25:33) and Rowan Johnson (33:45); 20–29, Nykia Baughman (25:40) and Jennifer Sladewski (34:41); 30–39, Sam Smith (29:22) and Madeline Karas (34:13); 40–49, Max Gruner (26:41) and Vivian Jensen (31:23); 50–59, Jeffrey Feinsod (27:34) and Angela Longway (28:31); 60–69, Donald Thurston (26:45) and Jacque Schiffer (30:06); 70 and over, Jim Allen (32:42) and Patricia Johnson (34:59).
I've lost track of how many people told me the location was stunning. The Bruynswick Winery is open for its spring season, Saturdays and Sundays from 1–6 pm. It is also a beautiful wedding and event venue. For more information, visit Kiernan Farm (https://www.kiernanfarm.com/bruynswick-winery). The farm also sells grass-fed beef and remains an important part of Gardiner's agricultural community. The Shawangunk Runners Club would like to thank the Kiernan family for hosting our event and for all their efforts in making it a success. Their generosity, hard work, and enthusiasm created a welcoming, spirited atmosphere. The Kiernan Farm and Bruynswick Winery offer the most beautiful view of the Shawangunk Ridge in all of the valley.
FEATURED EVENTS
Woodstock Races (15k/5k).
Are you looking for a race on Memorial Day weekend but don't want to travel far? Then look no further than the 35th annual Onteora Runners Club Woodstock Classic 15k and 5k on Sunday, May 24. Parking and post-race festivities are at the Linemen Institute of the Northeast (formerly Zena Elementary School) at 1770 Sawkill Rd, Kingston, NY. The 15k (9.3-mile) run offers a scenic tour along the country roads around Woodstock and Zena, while the 5k features an out-and-back course on Sawkill Road and Zena Highwoods Road. After being canceled for several years due to COVID precautions, the 5k was brought back last year—and it was a big hit. The strong turnout and enthusiastic feedback convinced us it was absolutely the right decision to add it back into the event lineup. Participants will receive commemorative t-shirts, available to the first 100 registrants. There are awards to the overall winners and the top three finishers in each standard 10-year age group for the 15k, and awards to the top three men and women overall in the 5k.
Additionally, there will be raffle prizes and plentiful refreshments. The 15k starts at 8:00 am, and the 5k starts at 8:30 am. This event is open to everyone, and the 15k will also serve as Race #3 in the Onteora Runners Club Grand Prix for 2026. For more information and to register, visit https://www.zippy-reg.com/online_reg/index.php?e=2441.
Joseph McDonald/Bill Crusie 10k
For runners seeking a race that has stood the test of time, the Joseph McDonald/Bill Crusie 10k takes place Saturday, June 6, in Wappingers Falls. Now in its 47th year, this classic 10K remains a staple of the local summer schedule. The race features a nice loop of Wappingers Falls, starting and finishing in the heart of the village at historic Mesier Park. A Kid's One Mile Run begins at 9:15 am, followed by the 10k at 9:30 am. The Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club hosts the event, and for the first time, it is part of the Onteora Runners Club Grand Prix. The ORC looks forward to mingling with its MHRRC brethren at this milestone event. For more information or to register, visit https://runsignup.com/.../McDonaldandCrusieMemorialRuns or mhrrc.org.
53rd Shawangunk Runners New Paltz Summer Series (July 6 – August 3)
Due to the overwhelming popularity of this five-week Monday evening cross-country series on the trails of the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park Preserve, participation is now limited to Shawangunk Runners Club members only. The cost structure remains the same as in previous years; your club membership fee covers the Summer Series registration for FREE. Please note that once you are a member, you will still need to register for the series when that link goes live. Members also receive a $5 discount on all other club events. To join the Shawangunk Runners Club in advance, visit: https://runsignup.com/MemberOrg/ShawangunkRunners
RACE CALENDAR
Saturday, May 23: Mount 5K and Kids Fun Run, Esopus, NY. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Esopus/Mount5KAndFunRun
Sunday, May 24: Woodstock Races (15k and 5k), Kingston/Zena. https://www.zippy-reg.com/online_reg/index.php?e=2441
Saturday, May 30: EDRRC- Eagle Run 5K and Kids Run, Clinton Corners, NY. https://runsignup.com/.../UptonLakeChristianSchoolEagleRun5K
Wednesday, June 3 (evening): Fleet Feet Big Run 5K/10K, Dutchess Rail Trail, Poughkeepsie. https://runsignup.com/.../Poughkeepsie/TheBigRunPoughkeepsie
Saturday, June 6: 47th Joseph McDonald/ Bill Crusie Memorial Run 10K, Wappingers Falls, NY. https://runsignup.com/.../McDonaldandCrusieMemorialRuns
Saturday, June 6: Rogers Run 4 AMC 5K and Kids One Mile, Red Hook, NY. https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/RedHook/RogersRunAMC
Wednesday, June 24 (evening): Shawangunk Runners Summer Solstice Run (8.6 miles), Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Kerhonkson, NY. https://runsignup.com/.../ShawangunkRunnersSummerSolsticeRun
Saturday, June 27 (evening): EDRRC-Pawling Moonlight Trail Run 5K, Pawling, NY. https://runsignup.com/.../Pawling/PawlingMoonlightTrailRun5K
Saturday, July 4: 54th Marbletown Road Race (2.3 miles), Marbletown Elementary School, Pine Bush Road, Stone Ridge, NY. Registration 7:30–8:30 am; race starts at 9 am. For information, contact Bob Johnson at 845-489-8670 or [email protected].
Sunday, July 5: EDRRC- Racing to Save Lives 5k/10k, Lagrangeville, NY. https://runsignup.com/.../Lagrange.../RacingtoSaveLives5k10k See less
